The Bailey Bullock Act (House Bill Senate Bill 1024) is designed to bolster cardiac emergency preparedness in Maryland schools. It stipulates that public and state-funded private middle and high schools must create and yearly revise emergency action plans tailored to their athletic facilities. These plans must include cardiac emergency response procedures, reflecting a proactive approach to enhancing safety and readiness in handling potential cardiac emergencies at school athletic events and activities. This act underscores the importance of timely and efficient emergency response in educational settings.

1. Education and Training:  Implementing regular CPR and AED training for staff and students involves setting up consistent, scheduled training sessions to ensure everyone in the school understands how to perform CPR and use Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). This training should be conducted by certified professionals and be age-appropriate, with more detailed training for staff and simpler instructions for younger students. Regular refreshers and drills can help maintain skills and confidence, ensuring that in a cardiac emergency, there are individuals ready to respond effectively and promptly. 
2. Emergency Action Plans (EAP):  
   Developing and regularly updating Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for cardiac emergencies involves creating comprehensive, clear protocols tailored to the specific needs and layout of each school. These plans should detail the steps to take when a cardiac emergency occurs, including how to quickly access AEDs, administer CPR, and contact emergency services. Regular updates are crucial to incorporate new best practices, reflect changes in school infrastructure or personnel, and ensure that all staff and students are familiar with the most current procedures. 
3. Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT):  Establishing a team trained to respond quickly to medical emergencies, often referred to as a Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), is critical in schools. This team should consist of staff members who receive advanced training in first aid, CPR, and AED use. They should be capable of initiating immediate action during a medical crisis, coordinating with emergency services, and managing the situation until professional help arrives. Regular training and drills should be conducted to ensure the team’s skills remain sharp and responses are swift and effective. 
4. Access to AEDs:  Ensuring AEDs are available and accessible throughout the school means strategically placing these devices in high-traffic areas and ensuring they are easily reachable in an emergency. This involves assessing the school layout to determine the most effective locations for AEDs, making sure they are in clearly marked, unlocked cabinets, and regularly maintained and inspected. Training for staff and students on how to locate and use AEDs is also crucial, as quick access and operation are vital during a cardiac emergency. 
5. Regular Drills:  Conducting drills to practice the cardiac emergency response plan involves organizing regular, scheduled simulations of cardiac emergencies to test the effectiveness of the school’s emergency action plan and response team. These drills should mimic real-life scenarios as closely as possible, allowing staff and students to practice their roles in responding to a cardiac emergency, including the use of CPR and AEDs. This helps identify any weaknesses in the plan and provides a hands-on learning experience to improve overall preparedness and confidence. 
6. Community Engagement:  Involving parents and the local community in cardiac emergency awareness and training initiatives means extending education beyond the school. Schools can host community CPR and AED training sessions, distribute informational materials, and engage in local events to promote awareness. Partnerships with local health organizations can enhance these efforts, offering expert-led workshops and demonstrations. This community-wide approach ensures a broader network of individuals is prepared to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, enhancing the overall safety net for students and residents alike. 
7. Continuous Evaluation:  
   Regular assessment and updating of the emergency response strategy are essential to ensure its effectiveness. This process involves analyzing the outcomes of drills and actual incidents, incorporating feedback from participants, and staying informed about advancements in emergency response protocols. Updating the strategy should focus on refining procedures, improving training methods, and ensuring that equipment and resources are current and fully functional. This continuous improvement cycle ensures the school’s preparedness evolves to meet emerging challenges and best practices in emergency response. 

Are you prepared?