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Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act
Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act
The Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act is a new law as of July 1, 2022. This law requires schools, students, and parents/guardians have information on sudden cardiac arrest risks, signs, and symptoms. Please note that sudden cardiac arrest in children and youth is rare. The incidence of sudden cardiac death (SCD) on the playing field is 0.61 in 100,000.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is an emergency that happens when the heart suddenly stops working. SCA can cause death if not treated immediately, and even with treatment death may occur. Immediate
treatment is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED). All public schools must have a staff member trained in the use of CPR and AED in school and at all
school athletic events.
Preventing SCA before it happens is the best way to save a life 1. Both your family health history and your child’s personal history must be told to healthcare providers to help them know if your child is at
risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Ask your child if they are having any of the symptoms listed below and tell a healthcare provider. Know your family history and tell a healthcare provider of any risk factors
listed below.
The signs or symptoms are:
Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is an emergency that happens when the heart suddenly stops working. SCA can cause death if not treated immediately, and even with treatment death may occur. Immediate
treatment is cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automatic external defibrillator (AED). All public schools must have a staff member trained in the use of CPR and AED in school and at all
school athletic events.
Preventing SCA before it happens is the best way to save a life 1. Both your family health history and your child’s personal history must be told to healthcare providers to help them know if your child is at
risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Ask your child if they are having any of the symptoms listed below and tell a healthcare provider. Know your family history and tell a healthcare provider of any risk factors
listed below.
The signs or symptoms are:
- Fainting or seizure, especially during or right after exercise or with excitement or startled
- Racing heart, palpitations, or irregular heartbeat
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or extreme fatigue with exercise
- Chest pain or discomfort with exercise
- Excessive shortness of breath during exercise
- Excessive, unexpected fatigue during or after exercise
- Use of diet pills, performance-enhancing supplements, energy drinks, or drugs such as cocaine, inhalants, or “recreational” drugs.
- Elevated blood pressure or cholesterol
- History of health care provider ordered test(s) for heart-related issues
- Family history of known heart abnormalities or sudden death before 50 years of age
- Family members with unexplained fainting, seizures, drowning, near drowning, or car accidents before 50 years of age
- Structural heart abnormality, repaired or unrepaired
- Any relative diagnosed with the following conditions:
- Enlarged Heart/ Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy/Dilated Cardiomyopathy
- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy
- Heart rhythm problems, long or short QT interval
- Brugada Syndrome
- Catecholaminergic Ventricular Tachycardia
- Marfan Syndrome- aortic rupture
- Heart attack at 50 years or younger
- Pacemaker or implanted cardiac defibrillator (ICD)
SCA in students at risk can be triggered by athletic activities. To decrease any chance of SCA in a student, the Interval Health History for Athletics must be completed and signed by a parent/guardian before each sports season unless a physical examination has been conducted within 30 days before the start of the season. This form has questions to help identify changes since the last physical examination or health history was completed. School personnel may require a student with health or history changes to see a healthcare provider before participating in athletics.
Finally, the law requires any student who has signs and symptoms of pending SCA to be removed from athletic activity until seen by a physician. The physician must provide written clearance to the school for the student to be able to return to athletics.
Please contact the State Education Department’s Office of Student Support Services for questions at studentsupportservices@nysed.gov or 518-486-6090.
If your son intends to try out for and/or participate in interscholastic athletics at Cardinal Hayes High School, this form will be provided to you and is also available on the school website: www.cardinalhayes.org. (Attached Below) Please complete the form, sign it and return the form to the coach or Athletic Director by the date the coach has indicated. All signed and completed forms will be reviewed by the School Nurse. If you have any questions please call the Athletic Director, Mr. Salvatore Annunziata, at 718-292-6100 Ext 110 or sannunziata@cardinalhayes.org or the School Nurse at 718-292-6100 Ext 148 ispears@cardinalhayes.org. Remember the Interval Health History for Athletics must be filed in addition to a current physical which must be on file with the School Nurse. Thank you and stay safe.
Finally, the law requires any student who has signs and symptoms of pending SCA to be removed from athletic activity until seen by a physician. The physician must provide written clearance to the school for the student to be able to return to athletics.
Please contact the State Education Department’s Office of Student Support Services for questions at studentsupportservices@nysed.gov or 518-486-6090.
If your son intends to try out for and/or participate in interscholastic athletics at Cardinal Hayes High School, this form will be provided to you and is also available on the school website: www.cardinalhayes.org. (Attached Below) Please complete the form, sign it and return the form to the coach or Athletic Director by the date the coach has indicated. All signed and completed forms will be reviewed by the School Nurse. If you have any questions please call the Athletic Director, Mr. Salvatore Annunziata, at 718-292-6100 Ext 110 or sannunziata@cardinalhayes.org or the School Nurse at 718-292-6100 Ext 148 ispears@cardinalhayes.org. Remember the Interval Health History for Athletics must be filed in addition to a current physical which must be on file with the School Nurse. Thank you and stay safe.
Sincerely,
William D. Lessa
Principal
Principal
Dominic Murray Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Act
Cardinal Hayes High School
650 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: 718-292-6100
For all media inquiries please contact: media@cardinalhayes.org
Bronx, NY 10451
Phone: 718-292-6100
For all media inquiries please contact: media@cardinalhayes.org
The Mission of Cardinal Hayes High School, a community based in Roman Catholic values, is to inspire diverse young men of the New York City metropolitan area to become lifelong learners and responsible citizens. We will accomplish this goal by encouraging students' spiritual and intellectual growth through a rigorous college preparatory program of academics, extra-curricular activities, and personal discipline.