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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
Jan. 9 - Ryan & Sutton become advocates for Mt. McKinley (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
Jan. 9 - 'OUR VIEW' EDITORIAL: Local congressional raises put to good use (Lorain Morning Journal)
Dec. 9 - Most Ohio lawmakers behind wheels of domestic cars (Columbus Dispatch)
Dec. 11 - Automaker bailout survives House vote (Akron Beacon Journal)
Dec. 10 - Sutton moves to Energy and Commerce Committee (Cleveland Plain Dealer)