Cardiac Emergency Response Plans
When a student collapses on the gym floor, there’s no time to wonder who should call 911 or where the AED is kept. Chaos, hesitation, or confusion in those critical moments can cost a life. A Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP) ensures that every second is used to save one. That’s why CERPs are becoming mandated across the country — 38 states and counting now require schools to have a clear, written protocol for exactly what to do when every second matters.
Common elements of a CERP include:
- A designated Cardiac Response Team (CERT)
- Clear protocols for activating the CERP and EMS
- A CERP communication plan for EMS, staff, students, and parents
- Integration with local EMS
- Trained and assigned staff with specific roles
- Accessible AEDs with documented locations
- Annual review and drills (including practice drills)
- Post-event debriefing for review and reflection of what went well and what could be improved on
[See CERP examples: Example 1 & Example 2]
Developing a Cardiac Emergency Response Team
Creating an effective Cardiac Emergency Response Team (CERT) starts with involving your school administration and nurse. The school nurse or health coordinator plays a significant role in planning and implementing the team, while the school administrator or principal provides overall command and coordination during an emergency.
A strong team includes CPR- and AED-trained staff members. Ideally, your team should include a at least 5–6 individuals to ensure coverage across different areas of the school. Athletic staff and coaches, security or custodial staff, and office or front desk personnel are all important members who can respond quickly when minutes matter.
It’s essential to remember that response plans are not one-size-fits-all. Each plan should be tailored to your school’s unique layout, population, and resources.
When developing your response plan, clearly assign the following responsibilities:
- Calling 911: Quickly alerting emergency services
- Retrieving the AED: Ensuring it reaches the scene immediately. AED placement is crucial – our emergency preparedness expert can help you make sure your AEDs are located within 3 minutes of every location in your school.
- Performing CPR: Having a second rescuer ready to assist and switch every two minutes. Need help with CPR training or keeping track of certifications? We have tools to make sure everyone is always ready. Contact us.
- Record Keeper: Documenting actions taken during emergency
By defining roles and responsibilities ahead of time, your school can respond to cardiac emergencies efficiently and effectively, giving students and staff the best chance for survival.
Several states have specific requirements for schools to have CERPS in place:
- Illinois: All public schools must have CERPs starting January 1, 2025
- New York: Requires CERPs with AED plans and trained personnel for all public schools
- Mississippi: Mandates CERPs beginning with the 2024–2025 school year
- Virginia: All public elementary and secondary schools must develop and practice CERPs annually.
- Maryland: Middle and high schools must have venue-specific emergency action plans for athletic facilities by July 1, 2024
- Kansas: New requirements take effect January 1, 2025
- Some states:
- Require CERPs and AEDs only at athletic events
- Require CERPs for all school events and hours
- Differentiate between public and private schools
- Make compliance dependent on funding availability
- Funding can entail direct state funding
- State grant programs focused on disadvantaged schools
- Allowing for the acceptance of donations
Laws vary by state and frequently change — SH Connect simplifies compliance by helping you track the latest AED and CERP requirements in your state.
Cardiac Emergency Response Team Training
A key part of Cardiac Emergency Response Team (CERT) training involves performing practice drills at least twice a year, which can be done with or without students present. To make drills realistic, it’s recommended to inform your CERP team that a drill will occur within a given timeframe, but don’t tell them the expected day or time.
For the drill, you’ll need:
- A CPR manikin
- An AED trainer
- An AED drill checklist
- CERP team members
After the drill, ask questions like:
- What went well/poorly?
- Were there any delays or confusion?
- Are AEDs accessible and functioning?
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