Protecting Our Kids D.C. Schools to Implement Cardiac Response Plans

Dear Reader,

I want to talk to you about something important, especially if you have kids in school or know someone who does. Recently, the D.C. Council passed a bill requiring all schools in the District—public, private, charter, and parochial—to have a cardiac emergency response plan in place by the 2025-2026 school year.

Right now, schools are already required to have some basic plans in place for emergencies. They must have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at athletic events, and certain staff members, like athletic coaches, trainers, and school nurses, are required to be trained in how to use them, along with CPR. That’s great for sports-related emergencies, but this new bill goes much further.

Under the new law, every school will have to develop a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP). This means schools need to be ready to handle a cardiac emergency for anyone on the premises—students, staff, visitors—anyone. And they need to do it quickly and effectively.

Every school must have at least one AED on-site that is compliant with this plan. The device must be easily available and well-maintained so that it’s always in working order.

Schools will also need to inform all employees—whether they’re teachers, administrators, or support staff—about where the AEDs are located and how to follow the school’s emergency response plan.

If someone suffers a cardiac event, the quicker someone gets help, the better their chances of survival. This is especially true in schools, where we’re talking about the safety of young kids and teenagers who might not even know they have a heart condition. And, of course, it’s not just about students—teachers, staff, and even visitors can face cardiac emergencies, too. Having a plan in place and knowing how to act quickly can be the difference between life and death.

We’ve already got laws in place for basic medical emergencies in schools, but this takes things to another level. It’s one thing to have an AED tucked away in a corner somewhere, but it’s another to have a whole plan and training around how and when to use it. Seconds matter when someone is in cardiac arrest, and the goal here is to eliminate any confusion or delays when it’s time to act. This is a positive step forward. When it comes to keeping our kids and school staff safe, being over-prepared is far better than not being ready at all.

I’m sharing this information because I care about your safety and the safety of our community. If you or someone you care about is ever injured or put at risk because someone wasn’t properly prepared—whether it’s a school, an organization, or a business—don’t hesitate to reach out. My job is to fight for justice when negligence or a lack of preparation leads to harm.

Until next time, please be safe and never text while driving.

Paul Samakow

Attorney Paul Samakow
703-761-4343 | 301-949-1515