Athlete Safety: Heat Illness Emergency Plans for Schools and Universities
This new act requires high schools and higher education institutions to develop and implement emergency action plans for heat-related illnesses in student athletes. This aims to prevent tragedies like Jordan McNair's death by ensuring quick symptom identification and proper medical aid. Citizens can expect increased safety for young athletes and better preparedness of educational institutions for extreme weather conditions.
Key points
Colleges and high schools must create emergency plans for heat-related illnesses, including guidelines for using defibrillators and cold water immersion equipment.
These plans must be visibly posted in locker rooms, training facilities, and sports venues, as well as available online and shared with local emergency responders.
All individuals involved in athletic programs, from athletes to coaches and medical staff, will be required to train and practice these plans annually.
The act promotes access to federal funds for heat-related illness prevention, training, and equipment acquisition.
Introduced
Additional Information
Print number: 119_HR_4517
Sponsor: Rep. Mfume, Kweisi [D-MD-7]
Process start date: 2025-07-17