Purpose

• Establish a standardized approach to handling cardiac emergencies in Minnesota schools by requiring a written cardiac emergency response plan and related training, with the goal of reducing deaths from cardiac arrest on school grounds or during school-sponsored activities.

Key Definitions and Core Elements

• Cardiac emergency response plan: a written document that includes evidence-based core elements (as recommended by the American Heart Association) for responding to sudden cardiac arrest and similar lifethreatening events.
• Sudden cardiac arrest, Automatic External Defibrillator (AED), CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation), emergency medical services (EMS), athletic trainers, and school athletic staff are all central concepts in the plan.

Main Provisions

• Section 1: Cardiac emergency response plan for schools (effective 2026-27)

  • Districts and charter schools must develop a cardiac emergency response plan addressing how school personnel respond to sudden cardiac arrest or similar emergencies on school grounds or at school events.
  • The plan must involve athletic trainers in its development and be accessible:
  • Posted on the school website and available in paper form at multiple locations.
  • Distributed to all coaches, athletic staff, and health professionals who provide medical care at events, plus other appropriate staff.
  • Plan components:
  • Identify the cardiac emergency response team members on duty during the school day.
  • Provide guidelines for the team’s response to sudden cardiac arrest.
  • AEDs must be clearly marked and placed per national guidelines; AEDs must be in unlocked locations and easily accessible, ideally within 1–3 minutes of each venue.
  • Training on CPR and AED use for coaches, assistant coaches, and other identified staff.
  • Annual cardiac emergency simulations required (at least 30 days before the start of each school year).
  • Procedures for post-event actions, including coordinating with EMS, documenting actions, and summoning care.
  • Encourage cooperation with community responders (e.g., EMTs, paramedics).
  • Training and certification:
  • All cardiac emergency response team members must receive training to implement the plan.
  • The team must provide annual certification to the school board that members completed the required simulation training at least 30 days before each school year begins.

• Section 2: 128C.02 Subd. 3d – League requirement

  • The Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) must adopt a cardiac emergency response plan that meets the same requirements as the school plan.
  • The League must ensure a cardiac emergency response team is present at each interscholastic athletic activity under the League’s control, supervision, and regulation.

• Section 3: Appropriation for implementation

  • Department of Education receives a general fund appropriation for this purpose (a onetime distribution).
  • Amount: 2,000,000 to assist districts and charter schools implementing the plan.
  • Eligible uses:
  • Purchase and maintenance of AEDs, CPR equipment, and staff training.
  • Basic first aid training and related educational materials to support preparedness.
  • Timeframe: Funds are a one-time appropriation available through June 30, 2027.

Implementation Timeline and Requirements

• Start date for districts/charter schools to develop plans: the 2026-2027 school year.
• Annual requirements:
  • Plan must be reviewed, rehearsed, and revised as needed.
  • Annual training and simulation must occur with certification due to the school board each year (30 days before the school year begins).

Changes to Existing Law

• Adds new cardiac emergency response plan requirements (Section 121A.241) for schools.
• Adds Subd. 3d to Minnesota Statutes 128C.02 to require the Minnesota State High School League to adopt and enforce a cardiac emergency response plan at interscholastic activities.
• Establishes a specific onetime state funding mechanism (appropriation to Department of Education) to support implementation.

Significance

• Creates a standardized, university- and national-guideline-informed approach to cardiac emergency preparedness in Minnesota schools.
• Improves access to AEDs and ensures trained staff and regular drills.
• Aligns school and league activities with evidence-based emergency care practices.

Relevant Terms

cardiac emergency response plan, sudden cardiac arrest, automatic external defibrillator (AED), CPR, training, athletic trainer, school district, charter school, Minnesota State High School League, interscholastic athletic activity, emergency medical services (EMS), simulation training, paper and website plan accessibility, annual certification, onetime appropriation, Department of Education, general fund, emergency guidelines, evidence-based core elements, American Heart Association (AHA).

Relevant Terms cardiac emergency response plan AED CPR sudden cardiac arrest athletic trainer Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) interscholastic athletic activity emergency medical services (EMS) simulation training Department of Education general fund appropriation evidence-based core elements American Heart Association (AHA)