Cardiac emergencies and automated external defibrillators on school grounds.
F.S. 1003.457
in effect(1)
Each public school shall develop a plan for urgent life-saving emergencies (PULSE) that addresses the appropriate use of school personnel to respond to incidents involving an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency while on school grounds. Each PULSE must integrate evidence-based core elements and consider those elements recommended by the American Heart Association for schools responding to cardiac emergencies.
(2)
School officials shall work directly with local emergency service providers to integrate the PULSE into the community’s emergency responder protocols.
(3)(a)
No later than July 1, 2027, each public school, including charter schools, must have at least one operational automated external defibrillator on school grounds. The defibrillator must be available in a clearly marked and publicized location. Schools must maintain the defibrillator according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and maintain all verification records for such defibrillators. Compliance with the requirements of s. 1006.165 does not constitute compliance with this section.
(b)
Appropriate school staff must be trained in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and defibrillator use.
(c)
The location of each defibrillator must be registered with a local emergency medical services medical director.
(d)
The use of defibrillators by school employees and volunteers is covered under ss. 768.13 and 768.1325.
(4)
The State Board of Education shall adopt rules to administer this section.
Source: FL Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2025/Chapter1003/AllFetched: 7/8/2026