One Less Worry

One Less Worry

As a coach and teacher, my top priority is my students’ safety. Parents trust us to be prepared for any emergency—including cardiac events. Whether in the classroom, hallways, or on the field, having an AED nearby and a well-practiced plan is crucial for survival.

Yet, not all Pinellas and Hillsborough County schools have a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan (CERP), creating dangerous gaps. Each year, 23,000 children—about the seating capacity of Amalie Arena—experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital, with 40% linked to sports.

We’ve seen how a plan saves lives. Last spring at Leto High School, an athlete collapsed at track practice. I immediately performed CPR while my assistant principal, Scott Hazlett, sprinted for the AED. That rapid response saved his life.

A CERP can increase survival rates by up to 50% when schools are trained to call 911, start CPR, and use an AED fast. As an educator, I want to be fully prepared to protect my students.

I am proud to be working with the American Heart Association in urging Hillsborough and Pinellas County legislators to support SB 430/HB 337 to ensure every school has a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan. We owe it to our students and their families to be ready when seconds matter.

Lauren Palek
Tampa Bay, Florida