January 23, 2012   

Contact: Adam Bauer / (609) 292-5199
Senator Robert W. Singer

Bill Requires All New Jersey Schools to Have AEDs on Hand for Sporting Events

Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert W. Singer (R- Ocean/Monmouth) seeking to prevent student-athlete deaths from cardiac arrest has been reported favorably from the Senate Education Committee.

“Janet’s Law”, S-157, would require that all public schools, non-public schools keep Automated External Defibrillators (AED) on school grounds, and that an individual trained in the use of the devices is present during student sporting events.

“AED devices have advanced to the point where nearly anyone can use them,” said Singer. “While cardiac arrest in young people is rare, having an AED on hand can mean the difference between life and death. The technology is now affordable and commonplace in many public facilities, and should be easily accessible during school hours and after school athletic events in order to prevent tragedy.”

The bill is named for Janet Zilinski, an 11-year-old girl who died suddenly of cardiac arrest following cheerleading practice.

In addition to the requirement that the equipment be kept on premises and that coaches and/or staff be trained in the use of an AED, the bill also requires schools to create an action plan for responding to cardiac emergencies, and eliminates civil liability for coaches and staff in the event of responding to a cardiac emergency by using an AED device

Bill Requires All New Jersey Schools to Have AEDs on Hand for Sporting Events Legislation sponsored by Senator Robert W. Singer (R- Ocean/Monmouth) seeking to prevent student-athlete deaths from cardiac arrest has been reported favorably from the Senate Education Committee. “Janet’s Law”, S-157, would require [...]