For Immediate Release: December 20, 2007

Sutton Introduces Legislation to Bring AEDs Into Schools Across the Nation

The Josh Miller HEARTS Act will Create New Federal Grant Program Based on Ohio Model

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Betty Sutton yesterday introduced the Josh Miller HEARTS (Helping Everyone Access Responsive Treatment in Schools) Act, H.R. 4926. The legislation will establish a federal grant program to provide automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in elementary and secondary schools across the nation. Schools receiving these grants must certify that 5 adults at the school have been trained in CPR and AED use, and they must also coordinate with the local paramedics and other emergency personnel to ensure those suffering from sudden cardiac arrest can have the quickest possible access to care.

The bill is named in memory of a 15-year-old student from Congresswoman Sutton's hometown of Barberton, who had a sudden cardiac arrest during a high school football game. Although he had never previously demonstrated any symptoms of heart problems, he collapsed shortly after he left the football field. By the time the paramedics arrived at the scene, it was too late to save Josh. It was a tragic event that might have been prevented with a simple device.

"There are no words to describe the pain we all feel when a young life is lost," said Sutton. "To know Josh Miller was to know a kind-hearted and generous young man with limitless potential. I am proud to introduce this bill in his memory and to work to ensure that all our schools will have access to AEDs in the future. It is incredibly important that we take steps to educate the public about the life and death difference that using these devices can make. Losing a young life like Josh's can bring about a sense of helplessness, but with this legislation we have the opportunity to act and make a real difference."

The bill is supported by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, the Sudden Cardiac Arrest Association, the American College of Cardiology and the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF). H.R. 4926 was introduced with 19 original Member cosponsors.

AEDs are portable, easy-to-use medical devices that have been deployed in many public areas, and for good reason. CPR combined with early defibrillation using an AED more than doubles the odds of survival. Because most sudden cardiac arrests result in death within minutes, every second is critical. The odds of survival for a person suffering from sudden cardiac arrest decrease 7-10% for every minute that passes without treatment.

"This bill is about taking proactive action to help our children and others suffering from sudden cardiac arrest with a device that is proven to work," said Sutton. "The time for action is now. We cannot wait until another life is lost... until another family suffers... to get AEDs into our schools."

"Words cannot convey the emptiness parents experience when their child dies prematurely," said Jerri & Ken Miller, Josh's parents. "Josh had always devoted his life toward helping his fellow human being. We know in our hearts he would be very pleased knowing that the Josh Miller HEARTS Act will ultimately save thousands of lives, and prevent other parents from having to endure the unimaginable pain of losing a child. He will live on through this wonderful program."

Dr. Terry A. Gordon, a cardiologist at Akron General Medical Center, who led the effort to enact similar legislation in Ohio, said: "Placing AEDs in every school in our country will result in many lives saved and help to protect our most precious resource, our children. Behind every one of these deaths is a heartache that surfaces when one of our youth seemingly full of strength and promise is taken from us prematurely. The tragic passing of a child compels our society to find answers and forge defenses against such an injustice of nature. It is incumbent upon us to act now to help prevent these tragic events from ever occurring again."

Contact: Adri Jayaratne at 202-225-3401