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Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) | Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

NYSED Memos

Memo Regarding Desha's Law- Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (8/2025)
This memo is intended to assist school districts and charter schools in meeting the requirements of recent amendments to Education Law §2801-a(3)(a) and   amendments to Education Law §§ 917 and 2801-a (2) regarding cardiac arrest procedures and automated external defibrillator (AED) equipment.

Medical Annex Instructions
Sample Cardiac Emergency Response Annex

Although students are not to be trained as responders, they can be educated on how to recognize the need to get help and where the AEDs are located.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a critical medical emergency that demands swift intervention. While it often strikes unexpectedly, there are discernible signs and symptoms that, if recognized promptly, could potentially save a life. The link below to Manipal Hospitals provides information and a graphic that may be posted in your school building.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest - Symptoms and Causes - Manipal Hospitals

Exemption from Hands-only CPR and AED Instruction (NYSED 6/2020)
Amendment of Section 100.2(c)(11) of the Commissioner's Regulations allows the exemption of a student with a disability from the requirement for instruction in Hands-only CPR and the use of AEDs.

Commissioner's Regulation to require instruction of CPR and use of Automated External Defibrillators (NYSED 9/15)
Requires hands-only instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and instruction in the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in senior high schools.  

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Page Updated 1/22/26