A new Georgia law, effective July 1, requires all K-12 public schools to have at least one automated external defibrillator (AED) and a comprehensive emergency action plan in place. The legislation, known as HB874, also mandates CPR and AED training for school staff, routine drills and clear protocols for response.
Dr. Jeff Marshall, chief of the Northside Hospital Heart Institute, spoke with 11Alive and emphasized the critical importance of timely intervention during cardiac arrest.
“Each minute that passes with someone with cardiac arrest, their survival goes down ten percent per minute,” Dr. Marshall said.
Dr. Marshall also highlighted that preparedness — not just equipment — is vital, noting that in past emergencies, people rushed to help victims but forgot key steps like calling 911 or retrieving the AED.
“We have to make sure all the pieces of the puzzle... work like a hand in a glove."
The law was inspired in part by stories like that of 17-year-old Josiah Farley, who survived cardiac arrest during a basketball game thanks to the quick use of CPR and an AED.
Watch the full story from 11Alive:
Learn more about how to save a life with CPR:
Learn more about Northside Hospital Heart Institute.
