SB 349

This bill requires automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be available at

high school athletic activities and University of Wisconsin System athletic events.

Youth athletic activities at public and private high schools

This bill requires each public and private high school that operates or sponsors

a youth athletic activity to 1) ensure that an AED is available for use at the youth

athletic activity and there is at least one individual present at the youth athletic

activity who has current proficiency in the use of an AED achieved through

instruction provided by a person that is approved by the Department of Health

Services and 2) develop and implement a plan for the use of an AED at youth athletic

activities. Under current law and the bill, a “youth athletic activity” is defined as an

organized athletic activity in which the participants, a majority of whom are under

19 years of age, are engaged in an athletic game or competition against another team,

club, or entity, or in practice or preparation for an organized athletic game or

competition against another team, club, or entity. Current law requires a person who

operates a youth athletic activity, including a public or private school, to provide

information about the nature and risk of sudden cardiac arrest during youth athletic

activities to coaches and participants before a season of a youth athletic activity that

is offered to individuals who are 12 years of age or older.

Athletic events at UW System institutions

The bill also requires UW System institutions to have AEDs available for use

at athletic events along with individuals proficient in the use of the AED. The bill

defines an “athletic event” as an intercollegiate athletic competition in which a UW

System institution's team members participate or an organized event at which team

members practice or prepare for competition under supervision of a coach. The bill

also requires the Board of Regents of the UW System to develop a plan for the use

of AEDs at athletic events and requires UW System institutions to implement the

plan.