2025 House Resolution 121

Whereas, Michigan communities were saddened by the tragic sudden death of Everson Guild, an incoming high school freshman, during a routine football workout in 2017 at Grand Ledge High School. Unfortunately, more than three hundred children and young adults under the age of forty lose their lives to sudden cardiac death annually in Michigan. These losses of life tremendously impact families and communities across the state. Tragedies such as these have boosted support for successful efforts to ensure that external defibrillators are more readily available; and

Whereas, Other student-athletes, adult coaches, adult spectators and even some young spectators may be at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. There are often no warning signs or symptoms that someone may fall victim to sudden cardiac arrest. When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, action must be swift. The administration of CPR and restoration of the heart rhythm with an automated external defibrillator, or AED, device in the first minutes after an arrest buys time for first responders to treat and transport a victim to a hospital where more lifesaving measures can be administered; and

Whereas, Across the state, our schools are gathering places for many people in our communities. It is common for AED devices to be located where large crowds gather to increase the chance that this technology will be available when an arrest occurs; and

Whereas, Training is inexpensive, and AEDs are easy to use. Response plans can outline the training and procedures for making an AED device accessible at a site where the crowd is gathered. Planning need not be onerous, but is necessary to make sure the procedure is consistent with how community facilities are used and trained users are present and ready to use an AED at events; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That the members of this legislative body declare June 1-7, 2025, as CPR and AED Awareness Week in the state of Michigan; and be it further

Resolved, That we encourage the public to be knowledgeable about the importance of CPR training and having AEDs in public spaces, and how these efforts have the capacity to save the lives of the young and old alike.