On Tuesday, the Ohio House of Representatives passed a bill that would require all public and private schools, as well as sports venues, to have an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. The bill was introduced in response to the tragic collapse of Bills’ Hamlin, a high school football player from Ohio who suffered a cardiac arrest during a game in 2019.
The bill, which passed with unanimous support, would require all schools and sports venues to have an AED on site and ensure that all staff members are trained in how to use it. It also requires that all AEDs be inspected and maintained regularly.
The bill is named after Bills’ Hamlin, who collapsed during a football game in 2019. He was taken to the hospital but unfortunately did not survive. His death sparked a movement to ensure that all schools and sports venues have access to AEDs in case of an emergency.
The bill is an important step forward in ensuring the safety of athletes and students in Ohio. AEDs can be used to help revive someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest, and having them readily available can help save lives.
The bill is now headed to the Ohio Senate for consideration. If it passes, it will become law and all schools and sports venues in Ohio will be required to have an AED on site.
This bill is a great example of how lawmakers can take action to help protect the safety of students and athletes. It is a reminder that we must always be prepared for emergencies, and having an AED on hand can make all the difference.
