U.S. Schools, Families May Not Be Fully Prepared for Teen Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Poll Suggests

A new national poll suggests many U.S. schools and families may not be fully prepared to respond to sudden cardiac arrest in teenagers. The University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health found that approximately half of parents are aware their teen's school has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site. Fewer parents knew its location or felt confident that school staff could use it in an emergency.

Approximately half of parents are aware their teen's school has an automated external defibrillator (AED) on site, but fewer knew its location or felt confident staff could use it.

Key Findings from the Poll

Sudden cardiac arrest in young people is rare, but requires an immediate response, with CPR and AED use being critical for survival. The nationally representative poll, based on responses from nearly 1,000 parents with at least one child aged 13 to 17, surveyed in August 2025, revealed:

• Nearly half of parents reported hearing of a child or teen experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.
• While over a third of parents believed all teens should be evaluated for heart disease, only about one in seven reported their teen had ever had a heart evaluation, most often during a sports physical.
• Electrocardiograms (EKGs) can identify certain hidden heart conditions for teens experiencing symptoms such as heart palpitations or dizziness, and are recommended by some medical organizations.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that approximately 2,000 young people under age 25 in the United States die each year from sudden cardiac arrest.

Sudden cardiac arrest in young people is rare, but requires an immediate response, with CPR and AED use being critical for survival.

AED Accessibility and Training in Schools

Among parents who confirmed their teen's school has an AED, only about two in five knew its location, and just over a third felt confident that school staff were trained and ready to use it. Most parents who were unaware if their teen's school had an AED believed it should.

Most parents who were unaware if their teen's school had an AED believed it should.

Public Support for CPR and AED Training

The poll indicated strong support for CPR and AED training:

• About four in ten parents reported being trained to use an AED, and nearly nine in ten expressed willingness to receive free AED training.
• Almost all trained parents stated they would use an AED in an emergency if needed.
• Similarly, nearly two-thirds of parents reported being CPR certified, with most willing to receive free CPR training and perform CPR if trained.
• However, fewer teens are receiving training; about one in five parents reported their teen had CPR training, and only one in 15 reported their teen had been trained to use an AED.
• Most parents expressed a desire for their teen to provide CPR or use an AED in an emergency, while also noting concerns such as potential emotional distress, feeling overwhelmed, or legal issues.

The findings highlight the importance of initiatives like Project ADAM, which works to prevent sudden cardiac death in schools by helping them become 'heart safe.' Parents overwhelmingly supported broader access to training for students and parents, emphasizing the need for preparedness beyond school staff availability.

Parents overwhelmingly supported broader access to training for students and parents, emphasizing the need for preparedness beyond school staff availability.