Poll Reveals Gaps in Teen Cardiac Emergency Prep

Sudden cardiac arrest, while rare in young people, demands immediate response. A new national poll reveals significant gaps in preparedness among schools and families when it comes to recognising and reacting to this medical emergency.

Understanding the Scope of the Problem

The University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health, based on a survey of nearly 1,000 parents of children ages 13 to 17 conducted in August 2025, found that only half of parents are aware if their teen’s school even has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. Even fewer know where the AED is located or feel confident in the ability of school staff to use it effectively.

Did You Know? Roughly 2,000 young people under age 25 in the United States die each year from sudden cardiac arrest, according to the centres for Disease Control and Prevention.

Parental Awareness and Action

Nearly half of parents surveyed have heard of a child or teen experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, yet preparedness doesn’t necessarily follow awareness. While over a third of parents believe all teens should be evaluated for heart disease, only about one in seven report that their teen has actually undergone such an evaluation, most often during a routine sports physical.

Experts emphasize that a pediatrician listening to a teen’s heart and reviewing family history are important initial steps. However, some heart conditions affecting teens cannot be detected with a standard stethoscope. Teens are encouraged to report any symptoms, such as heart palpitations or dizziness, that might indicate a potential heart problem.

The Role of AEDs and Training

Even when AEDs are present in schools, their accessibility and usability are concerns. Among parents who know their teen’s school has an AED, only two in five know its location, and just over a third are confident in the training of school staff to use it. The poll indicates that parents generally believe schools should have AEDs, even if they are unsure of the current situation.

Expert Insight: Simply having an AED available isn’t enough; knowing where This proves and having trained personnel ready to use it are critical components of an effective emergency response system.

Strong support exists for CPR and AED training for both parents and teens. Approximately four in ten parents have already been trained to use an AED, and nearly nine in ten would be willing to receive free training. A similar willingness exists for CPR training, with nearly two-thirds of parents currently CPR certified.

However, fewer teens have received this vital training – only about one in five parents report their teen is CPR certified, and just one in fifteen has been trained to use an AED. While most parents would want their teen to provide CPR or use an AED in an emergency, concerns exist regarding emotional distress, feeling overwhelmed, legal ramifications, or making mistakes.

Looking Ahead

The poll highlights the importance of programs like Project ADAM, which focuses on creating “heart safe” schools and communities through emergency response planning, staff training, and AED access. However, parents also support expanding training beyond school staff to include students and families, recognising that cardiac emergencies can occur at any time, even outside of school hours.

Increased access to training could empower more individuals to act quickly and potentially save lives. A possible next step could involve broader community-based training initiatives and increased awareness of the importance of recognising and responding to the signs of sudden cardiac arrest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of parents are aware if their teen’s school has an AED?

Only about half of parents say they are aware that their teen’s school has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site.

What proportion of parents would be willing to receive free AED training?

Nearly nine in 10 parents say they would be willing to receive free AED training.

What concerns do parents have about teens responding to cardiac emergencies?

Parents report concerns about teens responding to cardiac emergencies, including fear of emotional distress if the person does not survive, feeling overwhelmed in the moment, legal concerns or worry about doing something wrong.

Given the potential for sudden cardiac arrest in young people, how can communities better prepare to ensure a swift and effective response when every second counts?