NewsLocal NewsInvestigations

Actions

Ohio bill requiring AEDs in schools and rec centers introduced

Despite recommendations, life-saving devices not required
aed-training
Posted
and last updated

CLEVELAND, OH — A proposal to require schools and public recreation centers to have potentially life-saving devices is getting new life in the Ohio state legislature.

House Bill 47 would mandate automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in those facilities.

The idea gained new steam after the collapse and sudden cardiac arrest of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin during a Monday Night Football game in Cincinnati in January.

Despite recommendations from groups including the Ohio High School Athletic Association and the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research that the devices be available, AEDs are not required in schools or on sidelines in Ohio.

Proposal to require AEDs to get new life in Ohio Statehouse

State Rep. Rich Brown is one of the primary sponsors of H.B. 47.

Brown sponsored similar legislation last year that never made it out of committee.

In an interview last month, the Franklin County Democrat said it doesn't make sense that Ohio law requires schools to have a plan on how to use AEDs but not to actually require the devices.

A spokesperson for OHSAA said at the time the organization did not have data showing how many schools are equipped with the devices.

In a medical emergency, an AED can shock the heart back into rhythm.

It's what happened last month during a pick-up hockey game in Shaker Heights when Brandon Miller suddenly collapsed.

Miracle on ice: Hockey players save life at center ice

Fellow players raced off the ice and grabbed the rink's AED while others performed CPR.

Now, the 35-year old Miller is recovering and said the devices need to be available.

"Those need to be provided, I would say, in any public facility," said Miller, "because, as I learned, it can happen to anybody."

Download our streaming app on your favorite device.  Click here for more.

Click here for stories we’ve followed through on and to submit your ideas.

5 On Your Side Investigators Contact Form
Do you have an issue or story that you want 5 On Your Side Investigators to look into? Email InvestigatorTips@wews.com or fill out the form below.