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State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor), center, speaks about the importance of an automated external defibrillator (AED) with, from left, Coach Lyle Blando, Coach Derek Shell, Athletic Director Tom Johns, Superintendent James E. Graham, District Nurse Gabe Brice, and High School Principal Patrick Dillon on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Napoleon High School.
NAPOLEON, Mich., May 20, 2024 — State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor) presented a new automated external defibrillator (AED) to Napoleon High School this morning. Rheingans issued the following statement after presenting the AED to leaders at the school:
“As a mother and a former student-athlete, I am proud of the progress we are making in the Legislature to protect Michigan kids, like with these new laws that immediately address cardiac events in schools. I am honored to bring this AED to my district. Together, we are taking steps to improve the responsiveness to sudden cardiac emergencies, which will protect all Michiganders, young and older, and save lives.”
During the presentation, the Napoleon High School Superintendent James E. Graham shared a compelling story that underscored the importance of having portable AEDs at sporting events. Last fall, at a varsity football game, an opposing fan experienced a cardiac emergency and required immediate revival. Thanks to the quick actions of the athletic trainers and the availability of a portable AED, this man’s life was saved. Graham expressed profound gratitude for the new AED, emphasizing its critical role in enhancing the safety of students and community members alike.
The newly signed legislation mandates that AEDs be available in schools and ensures they are accessible within one to three minutes during a cardiac emergency. In celebration of the law’s passage, the NFL donated 50 AEDs for Michigan legislators to distribute to schools in their districts. This initiative underscores the commitment of House Democrats to safeguarding hometowns and making athletic events safer.
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State Rep. Carrie A. Rheingans (D-Ann Arbor), right, delivers an AED to Athletic Director Tom Johns, left, and District Nurse Gabe Brice on Monday, May 20, 2024, at Napoleon High School.
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