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 it’s critical for your facility to have 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/AED trained and response-ready staff/volunteers help implement the plan, conduct regular drills and ensure proper AED installation and maintenance.
Check Your Toolkit For:
- Team recruitment and training
- Sample team roster
- Video: Recognize & Respond to Cardiac Arrest
Implement Emergency Response Protocol
A written plan outlines your specific response steps and should be integrated into your organization’s overall emergency action plan.
Check Your Toolkit For:
- Sample plans you personalize to your school/facility
- Annual evaluation forms
- EMS/FireRescue integration
- Post SCA event review
Install & Maintain AEDs Properly
Automated External Defibrillators must be properly installed—and never locked away—always accessible.
Check Your Toolkit For:
- Guidelines for installation and maintenance
- Tips for locating and mapping your AED(s)
- AED inspection log
- Video: Ready, Set, Rescue—AED Best Practices
Conduct Life-Saving Drills
It’s critical to test your team’s readiness and your plan’s effectiveness through regular practice—ideally in coordination with your local EMS.
Check Your Toolkit For:
- Drill procedures
- Drill evaluation checklist
- Video: Planning a Cardiac Emergency Drill
Share Plan With School Community
Educate staff, coaches, parents, students, and facility users on how to recognize and respond to sudden cardiac arrest so they are prepared to save a life.
Check Your Toolkit For:
- Communications checklist
- Sample letters and emails
- Print and video 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