Brief Description: Requiring a plan to place automatic external defibrillators in public high schools.

Sponsors: Representatives Hunter, Hinkle, Morrell, Schual-Berke, Clibborn, Green, Lovick, Haigh, VanDeWege and Santos.

Hearing Date: 2/9/07

Staff: Anne Woodward (786-7119).

Background:

Ventricular fibrillation is a potentially fatal form of sudden cardiac arrest in which the heart becomes unable to effectively pump blood and may stop abruptly. Automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) are portable medical devices that can be used on persons who develop this type of cardiac arrest by providing an electric shock that can help restore normal heart rhythm. According to the American Heart Association, effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), including defibrillation, significantly increases a victim's chance of survival if administered immediately after cardiac arrest.
               
AEDs are commonly used by first responders and may also be in placed in public areas, including stadiums, office buildings, ferries, airplanes, and schools.

Washington law requires that any person or entity who acquires an AED:

• receive training in its use and in the administration of CPR;
• maintain and test the AED according to manufacturer guidelines; and
• notify local emergency medical services of the location of the AED.

      
Washington law also immunizes users of AEDs in an emergency setting from civil liability unless their conduct rises to the level of gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.

Summary of Bill:

The bill directs the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop a plan to phase in the placement of AEDs in all public high schools in the state by September 1, 2010. From September 1, 2007, to September 1, 2010, an increasing number of public high schools in each successive year will be required to locate AEDs within the school.

School districts are required to place the AEDs in a prominent location in each high school in the district. The AEDs must remain accessible during the school day as well as for extracurricular activities that take place after school hours.

School districts must comply with statutory requirements regarding the use of AEDs. In addition, school districts are responsible for training staff in the use of the AEDs, as well as for incorporating such instruction in its health and fitness curriculum.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on January 30, 2007.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.