Funded Projects

Improving School-Based Cardiac Emergency Preparedness

Project Year

2026

City & State

New York, New York

Program Name

Resident

Topic

Adolescent Health

Program Description

The Problem- Based on Desha’s Law, which was passed in NYC in 2025, all schools are required to have a Cardiac Emergency Response Plan, including the installation of AEDs and the presence of trained personnel. During our recent community needs assessment, we identified schools that have AEDs installed but have limited knowledge regarding their use or basic CPR training. This can delay initiation of timely intervention including early CPR and access to AED which can have poor effects on overall survival and neurological outcomes.  

Primary Setting- This project will be conducted in school- based settings including middle and high school.  

Number of Children Affected- This project will take place at a community school that will impact approx 300 adolescents and also school staff, coaches and community members who want to participate in preparedness activities.

Project Goal- This project has three main goals which includes improving cardiac emergency preparedness in schools through increasing access to Basic Life Support training, Reinforce training on Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use and highlight early warning signs to recognize early cases of potential sudden cardiac death occurring at school.  

Proposed Intervention- In collaboration with schools, structured CPR training sessions will be provided to adolescents using hands-on training sessions. These sessions will also include training on how to use an AED. Educational components will also include discussions on recognizing cardiac emergencies, the importance of early activation of emergency medical services, and the role of AEDs in improving survival. The project will therefore aim at empowering students and community members to act confidently during cardiac emergencies and will also incorporate age-appropriate educational resources provided by Project ADAM tailored to school and youth sports environments.  

Anticipated Outcomes- Increased knowledge of early recognition of sudden cardiac arrest occurring in adolescents, improved confidence in performing CPR and initiation of AED, and greater awareness of cardiac emergency preparedness among adolescents and participating community members. By enhancing bystander response capabilities, this project aims to reduce delays in CPR initiation and improve emergency response readiness in schools. Long-term, the project seeks to contribute to improved survival and neurological outcomes for adolescents experiencing cardiac emergencies. 

Project Goal

The primary goal of this project is to improve cardiac emergency preparedness in schools in the event of sudden cardiac arrest happening in Adolescent Population.

Project Objective 1

By June,2027, at least 200 students at Newtown High School will complete hands-only CPR and AED training sessions, with ≥50% demonstrating improved knowledge and confidence in recognizing cardiac arrest and initiating emergency response.

Project Objective 2

By June, 2027, ≥85% of trained participants will be able to correctly identify the location and basic use of AEDs within the school.  

Project Objective 3

Within 6 months, strengthen a school-based cardiac emergency preparedness framework by engaging school staff, with at least 20 staff members trained in CPR/AED response and cardiac emergency response protocols. 

AAP District

District II

Institutional Name

Newtown High School, Queens 

Contact 1

Puneet, Anand, MBBS

Contact 2

Rushna Haseeb, MBBS 

Contact 3

Swathi Menon 

Contact 4

Dhruv Kalawadia