WORTHINGTON, Ohio – In a significant step towards enhancing safety in Ohio schools and recreational facilities, Governor Mike DeWine signed House Bill 47 into law today at Worthington Kilbourne High School. The new legislation mandates the installation of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all public and chartered nonpublic schools across the state.
“AEDs save lives, and today, Ohio is taking a crucial step to protect our students and athletes,” stated Governor DeWine during the bill-signing ceremony. “The swift action of an AED during cardiac emergencies drastically increases survival rates. This law ensures that these life-saving devices are readily available where our children learn and play.”
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Adam Bird (R-New Richmond) and Rep. Richard Brown (D-Canal Winchester), goes beyond mere AED installation. It mandates the Ohio Department of Health to develop a model emergency action plan for AED use, which schools must adopt and practice quarterly. Additionally, educators, coaches, and other supervisory staff will receive mandatory training on AED usage.
The initiative was inspired in part by the harrowing experience of Canen Dickman, a Worthington Kilbourne High School student whose life was saved by an AED last year after collapsing during soccer practice. Joined by his mother, Pamela Dickman, and soccer coach Jon Sprunger, Canen shared his gratitude at the ceremony.
“If it weren’t for the AED and CPR training at our school, I wouldn’t be here today,” Canen expressed. “This bill will ensure that more lives can be saved in similar situations.”
The bill also extends AED requirements to municipally owned sports and recreation venues, acknowledging that young athletes often compete outside school facilities. Furthermore, it mandates informational sessions each sports season to educate athletes and families about sudden cardiac arrest symptoms and prevention.
The event was attended by representatives from the National Football League (NFL), including members of the Smart Heart Sports Coalition. The coalition, formed to advocate for AED access and emergency preparedness in sports settings, includes the Make Them Known Your Name (MTKYN) Foundation, founded by Cleveland Browns cornerback Denzel Ward and his mother, Nicole Ward.
“Today’s enactment sets a new standard for AED accessibility and emergency readiness across Ohio,” remarked Nicole Ward of MTKYN. “It’s a testament to leadership and collaboration, ensuring that our schools and recreation centers are equipped to respond swiftly and effectively to cardiac emergencies.”
The legislation also received endorsement from NFL player Damar Hamlin, who highlighted its importance in safeguarding Ohio’s young athletes.
“This law makes our schools and sports facilities safer and more resilient,” stated Hamlin in a letter of support read during the ceremony. “It’s a big win for Ohio’s youth.”
With the bill now signed into law, implementation efforts will proceed under the oversight of state agencies to ensure compliance and readiness across Ohio’s educational and recreational institutions.
For more information on AEDs and emergency preparedness in Ohio schools, concerned parties are encouraged to contact the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce or visit their official website.
