Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Training

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness Training for Students
New York state law requires schools to provide all students with annual, age-appropriate awareness training related to Sudden Cardiac Arrest and similar life-threatening emergencies.

The purpose is to help students understand how to recognize someone may be experiencing a cardiac emergency and what they should do in response. This instruction includes recognizing possible signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA), knowing when and how to get help from a teacher or other trusted adult, understanding what an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is, and becoming familiar with where these devices are located in the school. 

Students also learn that trained adults and emergency responders are responsible for providing medical assistance. Students are not being trained or expected to perform CPR, use an AED, or provide medical treatment. The central message is simple. Recognize when something may be wrong, get an adult immediately, and allow trained adults to respond fully to the situation.

All Rush-Henrietta students will view an age-appropriate awareness training video at the start of the school year. Students will be reminded that cardiac emergencies are rare but serious, and that their role is straightforward: notice, get help, and let trained adults respond. 

Elementary Age Student Training Video Overview

Hero Helper is a short, age-appropriate video that teaches younger students how to recognize signs that someone may be experiencing a serious heart emergency and to get a trusted adult right away. It uses gentle, child-friendly cartoon imagery and keeps emergency scenes limited and non-graphic. Students also learn what an AED is, where AEDs may be located in school, and that trained adults are responsible for using them and providing medical care. 

Junior and Senior High School Age Student Training Video Overview

The Team Response Playbook is a short, age-appropriate video that teaches students how to recognize signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, get an adult immediately, and follow directions during an emergency. It uses clear, school-based imagery and realistic but non-graphic scenarios to reinforce a student’s role without placing responsibility for medical care on them. Students also learn what an AED is, where AEDs may be located in school, and that trained adults are responsible for CPR, AED use, and emergency response.

Following the video, students will have an opportunity to ask questions. School staff, including appropriate medical and mental health personnel, will also be available to provide additional clarification or support to any student who may need it.

Because these videos are instructional materials intended for use with students in the school setting, they will not be distributed externally. Families who have questions about the content or would like additional information about the training are encouraged to contact their child’s building principal. Thank you for your continued partnership.