Local mom pushes for AEDs in Ga. schools after son’s death

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Georgia is one of 20 states that require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in schools.

The law only has the requirement set for high schools, not middle or elementary schools.

Monty Rouse played basketball for Columbia Middle School. During his first game, the 13-year-old collapsed.

Everyone at the game thought he was having a seizure, but it turned out he was going into cardiac arrest.

Two weeks before Christmas, Monty died at the hospital.

Now, his death is catching the attention of state lawmakers.

His mom, Stephanie Rouse, is advocating for cardiac arrest awareness, more specifically on AED and R training.

“He was kind. He kept me on my feet. It was always something every single day with him,” said Stephanie.

Stephanie says he was a healthy child and ed his sports physical.

“I didn’t expect anything like this to happen or I would have never let him play,” she said.

According to the American Heart Association, more than 356,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen each year and the death rate is 90%. When an AED is used with R, the chances of survival go up to 50%.

“It really can happen to anybody at any time. And if you have the right people in place and the right processes in place, then you can potentially save a child’s life,” said Stephanie.

House Bill 874 not only requires an AED in all schools but outlines how schools need to have an emergency action plan and practice drills.

“I know he’ll be proud,” said Stephanie. “I hate that it had to happen, that he had to lose his life before the bill was ed.”

Through an open records request, we were able to find all schools in Richmond and Columbia counties have at least one AED on campus.

House Bill 874 is currently waiting on Governor Brian Kemp’s signature before becoming law.

SEE AED INSPECTION REPORT FOR RICHMOND COUNTY SCHOOLS:

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