Dear Glen Cove Families,
Our district is committed to the health and safety of every student, staff member, and community member. We are writing to you today to share details about our comprehensive efforts to implement recent amendments to State law, often referred to as "Desha's Law," which concerns cardiac arrest procedures and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) equipment.
These recent legislative changes, derived from Chapter 189 of the Laws of 2025, formalize and embed necessary emergency protocols within our district-wide school safety plans and building-level emergency response plans. Key requirements include developing a cardiac emergency response plan, which outlines specific procedures for incidents involving an individual experiencing sudden cardiac arrest or a similar life-threatening emergency on school property or at a school-sponsored event.
We are approaching these requirements through a dual strategy: comprehensive staff training and mandatory student instruction. Our student lessons are designed to be age and developmentally appropriate and will be taught primarily by our physical education teachers at the elementary level and the health teachers at the secondary level. These lessons are vital for ensuring that every member of our school environment understands the critical steps needed during an emergency.
The lessons will emphasize the following essential, age-appropriate information:
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Key Information
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Description
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Signs of SCA
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Students will learn to recognize the warning signs of a sudden cardiac arrest, such as sudden collapse or “passes out”, being not responsive, abnormal breathing, no pulse, or excessive shortness of breath during exercise. Other signs include dizziness or extreme fatigue with exercise, and chest pain or discomfort.
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Emergency Response Roles
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Students will be instructed on what they will be expected to do when an emergency occurs, including the importance of shouting for help.
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Calling for Help
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Lessons will cover when and how to get help from a teacher, staff person, or other adult.
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AED Awareness
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Students will be taught what an AED is and where they are located. Staff will know where AEDs are located and how to call for help.
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We encourage you to reinforce this vital learning at home to promote community-wide safety:
- Discuss Warning Signs: Talk to your children about the warning signs of SCA, such as unexpected fainting or lightheadedness, particularly during exercise.
- Emphasize Action: Stress the importance of immediately alerting an adult or teacher if they witness a sudden collapse or notice someone is unresponsive.
- Know Your Emergency Plan: Discuss the general steps to take in an emergency, such as calling 911 or another emergency contact number.
We believe that by working together, we can ensure our schools remain safe and prepared for any life-threatening emergency. If you have questions, please feel free to reach out to the Office of Student Support Services.
