2024 House Resolution 273

Whereas, Michigan communities were saddened by the tragic sudden death of Wes Leonard in 2011, a young student-athlete, after a high school basketball game in Fennville. This young athlete was not the first victim of sudden cardiac arrest and he will not be the last. Tragedies such as these, however, have boosted support for successful efforts to ensure that external defibrillators are more readily available; and

Whereas, Other young student-athletes, adult coaches, adult spectators and even some young spectators may be at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. There are often no warning signs or symptoms that someone may fall victim to sudden cardiac arrest. When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, action must be swift. The administration of CPR and restoration of the heart rhythm with an automated external defibrillator, or AED, device in the first minutes after an arrest buys time for first responders to treat and transport a victim to a hospital where more lifesaving measures can be administered; and

Whereas, Across the state, our schools are gathering places for many people in our communities. Families and friends that attend events at schools increase the likelihood that someone might suffer a sudden cardiac arrest. It makes sense to locate AED devices where large crowds gather to increase the chance that this technology will be available when an arrest occurs. This legislative body responded to this risk by requiring AEDs in every school alongside lifesaving training and response plans; and

Whereas, More communities need to work together to make AED devices available in public spaces. The state, schools, and communities are working to acquire these devices and develop response plans for use at athletic and other public events. Training is inexpensive, and AEDs are easy to use. Response plans can outline the training and procedures for making an AED device accessible at a site where the crowd is gathered. Planning need not be onerous, but is necessary to make sure the procedure is consistent with how community facilities are used and trained users are present and ready to use an AED at events; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare June 1-7, 2024, as CPR and AED Awareness Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That the House of Representatives declares the importance of CPR training and AEDs in public spaces and their capacity to save the lives of young and old alike.