NFL's Ken Edmonds urges passage of school AED bill for student safety

The Missouri Legislature held a press conference on February 18, 2025, to discuss three significant bills: SB 166, SB 155, and HB 232, aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness in schools, particularly concerning sudden cardiac arrest incidents among young athletes. Ken Edmonds, Vice President of Public Policy and Government Affairs for the National Football League, emphasized the urgency of these measures, citing the life-saving response that followed the cardiac arrest of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin during a game.

Edmonds highlighted that sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death among young athletes and stressed the importance of equipping schools with the necessary emergency response tools and training. He called for the General Assembly to pass the bills swiftly, asserting that they would establish a new standard for emergency preparedness in Missouri schools and ultimately save lives.

The discussion revealed that while funding for these initiatives was secured in the previous budget, legislative approval had not been achieved, leaving the funds unutilized. Edmonds expressed optimism that the current legislative climate would facilitate the passage of the bills this year.

A key component of the proposed legislation is the requirement for Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) to be installed in schools with athletic programs. Currently, there is no mandate for AEDs in schools, leading to a patchwork of availability across the state. The bills would ensure that AEDs are clearly marked and accessible at athletic venues and events, with the expectation that school districts will collaborate with local emergency services for training and implementation.

The conference underscored the importance of proactive measures in safeguarding the health of young athletes and the need for schools to have a structured emergency response plan in place. As the legislative session progresses, the focus remains on garnering support for these critical bills to enhance student safety across Missouri.