Boston Public Schools mandates CPR training and AED availability for coaches and events

In the heart of Boston City Hall, a pivotal discussion unfolded during the Ways & Means FY26 Budget meeting, focusing on the safety of student athletes. As council members gathered, the conversation turned to the importance of equipping schools with life-saving tools and training, particularly in the wake of a resolution advocating for CPR education in schools.

A key point of discussion was the initiative led by the Settles family, which aims to ensure that every gym and sporting event is equipped with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The urgency of this initiative was underscored by the need for comprehensive safety measures in student athletics. A representative from the district shared that significant investments have already been made to place AEDs in all schools and to provide coaches with these devices during events.

The district has established a safety committee that includes members from the athletic department, health services, and emergency management. This committee is responsible for monitoring the AEDs, ensuring they are functional, and overseeing training for CPR and AED use. The collaboration with Boston's EMTs has been instrumental in providing CPR training to coaches, safety specialists, and nurses, with a commitment to expanding these efforts.

While the current framework is robust, there is a push for formalizing these safety measures into policy. Council members expressed a desire to see a requirement for AED availability at all sporting events and mandatory CPR training for coaches and staff. Although CPR training is already included in job descriptions for coaches, the conversation highlighted the need for broader implementation across all staff involved in student athletics.

As the meeting concluded, the commitment to enhancing safety for student athletes resonated strongly. The discussions not only reflected a proactive approach to health and safety in schools but also underscored the community's dedication to ensuring that every student has a safe environment to thrive in sports and physical activities. The path forward appears clear: a concerted effort to solidify these safety protocols into the fabric of Boston Public Schools, ensuring that every athlete is protected and prepared.