Senators Schuitmaker, Jones, Hildenbrand, Brandenburg, Jansen and Nofs offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 74.

            A resolution to urge school districts and communities to have automated external defibrillator devices present at all athletic and community-sponsored events.

            Whereas, Michigan communities were saddened by the tragic sudden death of Wes Leonard, a young student athlete, after a high school basketball game in Fennville this past season. This young athlete was not the first victim of sudden cardiac arrest, and unfortunately, he will not be the last. This tragedy has, however, marshaled support for efforts to ensure that external defibrillators are more readily available; and

            Whereas, Other young athletes, adult coaches, adult spectators, and even some young spectators may be at risk of sudden cardiac arrest. Often there are no warning signs or symptoms that someone may fall victim to sudden cardiac arrest. When sudden cardiac arrest occurs, intervention must be swift. The administration of CPR and restoration of the heart rhythm with an automated external defibrillator (AED) device in the first minutes after an arrest buys critical time for emergency 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. The large crowds that attend events at our schools increase the likelihood that someone might be felled by sudden cardiac arrest. It makes sense to locate AED devices where large crowds gather to increase the prospect that this lifesaving technology will be nearby when an arrest occurs. Some schools and communities have already responded to this risk and acquired AED devices; and

            Whereas, More communities need to work together to make AED devices available at sponsored events. Schools and communities can work creatively to acquire these devices and develop response plans for their use at athletic and other sponsored events. Training is not costly or time-consuming, and AEDs are easy to use. Response plans can outline essential 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 Senate, That we urge school districts and communities to have automated external defibrillator devices present at all athletic and community-sponsored events; and be it further

            Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Michigan Association of Intermediate School District Administrators, Michigan Association of School Administrators, Michigan Association of School Boards, Michigan Municipal League, Michigan Association of Counties, and Michigan Association of Townships.