Imagine this: a teenager collapses suddenly, their heart stopping without warning. It’s a parent’s worst nightmare, yet it happens more often than you might think. But here’s where it gets controversial: despite the risks, a shocking new poll reveals that many schools and families are woefully unprepared to handle such emergencies.**
A recent national survey conducted by the University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital highlights alarming gaps in cardiac emergency readiness among teens. The poll, which gathered responses from nearly 1,000 parents of teens aged 13 to 17, found that only about half of parents are even aware that their child’s school has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. Even more concerning? Only a fraction of those parents know where it’s located or feel confident that school staff could use it effectively in a crisis. And this is the part most people miss: while sudden cardiac arrest in teens is rare, the response time is critical—every second counts, and CPR combined with AED use can mean the difference between life and death.
Sarah Clark, M.P.H., co-director of the Mott Poll, emphasizes the urgency: ‘When sudden cardiac arrest occurs in young people, immediate action is essential. Parents and schools must be better equipped to respond.’ The poll, conducted in August 2025, also reveals a troubling disconnect: while nearly half of parents have heard of a teen experiencing cardiac arrest, their level of preparedness falls far short of their concerns.
For instance, while over a third of parents believe all teens should undergo heart disease evaluations, only about one in seven report their teen has ever had such an assessment—often limited to a sports physical. Clark notes, ‘A stethoscope and family history review are good starting points, but they’re not enough. Some heart conditions in teens require more advanced screening, like electrocardiograms (EKGs), especially if they’re experiencing symptoms like palpitations or dizziness.’ Yet, many parents and schools aren’t taking these extra steps.
The stakes are high. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 2,000 young people under 25 die annually in the U.S. from sudden cardiac arrest. Here’s the bold truth: having an AED in a school isn’t enough if no one knows where it is or how to use it. Among parents who know their teen’s school has an AED, only about 40% know its location, and just over a third are confident staff are trained to use it. Even more startling, many parents who don’t know if their school has an AED believe it should—yet there’s no clear plan to address this gap.
The good news? Parents and teens are eager to step up. The poll shows strong support for CPR and AED training, with nearly 90% of parents willing to receive free AED training and almost all saying they’d use an AED in an emergency if trained. Similarly, while only about 20% of teens currently have CPR training, most parents want their teens to be prepared to act in a crisis. But here’s the counterpoint: some parents worry about teens handling such high-stress situations, fearing emotional distress, legal repercussions, or simply making a mistake. Clark challenges this, stating, ‘Teens can absolutely save lives. With proper training and support, they can act decisively and make a critical difference.’
Programs like Project ADAM are leading the charge, helping schools and communities become ‘heart safe’ by developing emergency response plans, training staff, and ensuring AED accessibility. However, the poll suggests that parents want to go further—they’re calling for broader training that includes students and parents, recognizing that cardiac emergencies don’t just happen at school.
Now, the question for you: Do you think schools are doing enough to prepare teens and staff for cardiac emergencies? Should CPR and AED training be mandatory for students? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation we can’t afford to ignore.
