Is Your School/Facility Heart Safe?
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is the leading cause of death on school campuses and the #1 killer of student athletes. That’s why every school/facility needs a written and well-practiced Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP).
Developed by a national task force of health and safety organizations and updated by Parent Heart Watch, American Heart Association, and Project ADAM, the CERP toolkit provides step-by-step guidance to strengthen preparedness and prevent sudden cardiac death.
Easily adaptable for sports facilities, after-school programs, camps, and other youth settings, this toolkit helps ensure your school/facility is ready to protect young hearts.
Form Cardiac Emergency Response Team
CPR trained and response ready, the team helps implement the plan and conduct drills.
Check Your Toolkit For:
- Tips to identify team members
- Recommended guidelines for staff training
Implement Emergency Response Protocol
A written plan documents your exact emergency action and should be incorporated into your school/facility safety plan.
Check Your Toolkit For:
- Sample plans you personalize to your school/facility
- Annual evaluation forms
Install & Maintain AEDs Properly
Automated External Defibrillators must be properly installed—and never locked away—always accessible.
Check Your Toolkit For:
- Guidelines for installation
- Tips for site selection and maintenance
Conduct Life-Saving Drills
It's critical to test your team's readiness and your plans effectiveness through practice. Involve your local EMS.
Check Your Toolkit For:
- Cardiac emergency drill templates (like fire drills)
- Drill evaluation forms
Share Plan With School Community
Educate parents, staff, coaches and facility users about how to be prepared to save a life.
Check Your Toolkit For:
- Letters and flyers to circulate
- Resources to raise awareness about SCA in youth
Watch what a Cardiac Emergency Response Drill in action looks like!
2023 CERP Task Force
- American Heart Association
- Parent Heart Watch
- Project ADAM