AEDs; require at public schools and state-supported institutions of higher learning and provide authority to lease.
Impact
The legislation aims to bolster public health infrastructure within educational settings by establishing clear protocols for the management of AEDs. By requiring schools to maintain these devices and have them accessible at critical locations, the bill intends to ensure that life-saving equipment is available and can be used swiftly when emergencies arise. This could potentially lead to reduced fatalities from cardiac events within school populations, positively influencing student and staff safety.
Summary
House Bill 135 mandates that each school district and public postsecondary institution in Mississippi must have an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in every educational building, administrative office, and cafeteria. The bill outlines specific requirements for the maintenance, storage, and usage of these devices to enhance emergency response capabilities in the event of cardiac arrests on school premises. Furthermore, it necessitates that local schools and colleges adopt policies that ensure AEDs are accessible and operational, contributing to improved health and safety measures in educational institutions.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention arising from the discussions surrounding HB 135 involves the training and certification of personnel authorized to use the AEDs. The bill stipulates that only licensed medical professionals or trained designees may operate an AED, bringing forth concerns regarding the adequacy of training resources and the logistical challenges of having personnel sufficiently prepared across all educational facilities. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding funding for both initial AED procurement and ongoing maintenance as well as training programs, which could be a challenge for under-resourced districts.