Former Falcons QB Matt Ryan urges Georgia Senate to pass defibrillator bill

ATLANTA, Ga. (HERE NEWS) – Longtime Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan made an appearance Monday at the Georgia Capitol, urging lawmakers to give final passage to a bill that would require defibrillators in every public school in the state.

“As a father, I want them in the best hands possible every day when they’re at school,” Ryan said.

Ryan’s Support for the Bill

The NFL MVP joined the Georgia Chapter of the American College of Cardiology and the American Heart Association in a news conference in support of House Bill 874. The legislation would require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in all schools, along with emergency action plans and training to prepare staff members in the event someone goes into cardiac arrest.

“It’s not only for children, but it’s also for the parents and grandparents that are visiting,” said the bill’s lead sponsor, State Rep. Lee Hawkins of Gainesville.

Survivors Share Their Stories

Collin Ethridge and his mother spoke at the podium, describing how he survived cardiac arrest at his school two years ago thanks to a defibrillator and trained staff members. Ryan also shared the story of Buffalo Bills player Damar Hamlin, whose life was saved by a defibrillator on the field.

“It was something that was so visible being on Monday night football,” Ryan said. “I think the takeaway is that when proper protocols are in place and you have people that are prepared for emergency response situations, the impossible can happen.”

Importance of AED Training

UGA’s associate athletic director Ron Courson emphasized the crucial nature of AED training. “Just like our emergency action plan at the University of Georgia, the cardiac emergency response plan allows schools to be prepared when a cardiac arrest occurs,” Courson said.

In a somber moment, Stephanie Rouse shared the heartbreaking story of her 13-year-old son Montrell who passed away in December after collapsing at a basketball game. “No one performed CPR. An AED was not used before paramedics arrived,” Rouse said from the podium.

Bill Progress and Next Steps

House Bill 874 passed overwhelmingly in the House. It now awaits a floor vote in the Senate. With only seven days remaining in this legislative session, the fate of the bill hangs in the balance.

Final Thoughts

Stephanie Rouse, while holding a photo of her late son, expressed her hope that the bill becomes law. “Just having an AED and having somebody there who knows CPR and knows what to do when a child goes into cardiac arrest could save so many lives,” she said.

Watch the Full News Conference:

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