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SB 1350

AN ACT CONCERNING THE AVAILABILITY OF AUTOMATED EXTERNAL DEFIBRILLATORS AND REQUIRING CARDIAC EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLANS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar

Connecticut public schools must install AEDs and create cardiac emergency response plans with staff training to improve sudden cardiac arrest survival rates.

FILE NO. 849
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Bill Summary · SB 1350

Legislative bill overview

SB 1350 mandates that Connecticut public schools install and maintain automated external defibrillators (AEDs) and develop comprehensive cardiac emergency response plans. The bill requires staff training on AED use and establishes protocols for rapid response to cardiac events on school grounds.

Why is this important

Sudden cardiac arrest in young people, while rare, is often fatal without immediate intervention. AEDs can significantly improve survival rates when deployed within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest. This legislation addresses a critical gap in emergency preparedness that could save student and staff lives during school hours.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and maintenance burden: Schools must purchase, install, and regularly maintain AEDs across multiple locations, with ongoing training and device replacement costs that may strain already-tight budgets
  • Liability and training standards: Unclear guidelines on who bears liability if an AED is misused or unavailable during an emergency, and what constitutes adequate staff training
  • Implementation timeline: No specified deadline for compliance may result in uneven adoption across districts, leaving some schools unprotected for extended periods
  • Effectiveness data limitations: Limited evidence on how frequently AEDs prevent deaths in school settings, raising questions about return on investment versus other emergency preparedness priorities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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