Smart Heart Act: One school's preparation saved a life, now every school needs a plan

Cardiac emergencies don't wait; and advocates say neither should our response.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:47pm

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Across South Carolina, lawmakers are considering the Smart Heart Act, a bill designed to protect lives through smarter planning, faster action, and stronger cardiac preparedness in schools. For one Lowcountry woman, this legislation isn't theoretical, it's personal. Linda S. Miles, a custodian at Lucy Beckham High School, suffered a massive heart attack while on the job, but was saved thanks to the school's cardiac emergency response plan and trained staff.

Why it matters

Roughly 350,000 people in the United States experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital every year, and survival depends almost entirely on how quickly help arrives. Only about 10% of people survive cardiac arrest overall, but immediate CPR and use of an AED can dramatically increase survival rates. The Smart Heart Act aims to ensure all schools have the necessary equipment and training to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.

The details

Because Charleston County School District has cardiac emergency response plans and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in every school, staff knew exactly what to do when Linda S. Miles collapsed. CPR was started immediately, an AED was used, and emergency services were called. This quick action is credited with saving Miles' life. The Smart Heart Act would require AEDs at all schools, not just high schools, as well as cardiac emergency response plans and CPR/first aid/AED training for staff.

  • Linda S. Miles suffered a massive heart attack while cleaning Lucy Beckham High School.
  • The Smart Heart Act, also known as House Bill 3831, passed unanimously in the South Carolina House last year and is now moving through the State Senate.

The players

Linda S. Miles

A custodian at Lucy Beckham High School who suffered a massive heart attack while on the job, but was saved thanks to the school's cardiac emergency response plan and trained staff.

Charleston County School District

A school district that has cardiac emergency response plans and automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in every school, ensuring staff are prepared to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies.

Katie Schumacher

The executive director of the American Heart Association in South Carolina, who advocates for the importance of cardiac emergency planning in schools.

Smart Heart Act

A bill in South Carolina designed to protect lives through smarter planning, faster action, and stronger cardiac preparedness in schools.

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What they’re saying

“If it weren't for people — the people that took care of me knowing what they were doing — I wouldn't be here. I know that I would not be here.”

— Linda S. Miles

“We know that schools that have a cardiac emergency response plan can increase someone's survival rate by 50%. Minutes matter. Every minute matters in a cardiac arrest situation.”

— Katie Schumacher, Executive Director, American Heart Association in South Carolina

What’s next

The Smart Heart Act, also known as House Bill 3831, passed unanimously in the South Carolina House last year and is now moving through the State Senate, where it is expected to be taken up by the Senate Education Committee. The American Heart Association is encouraging everyone to call their representatives, share their stories, and push lawmakers to pass the Smart Heart Act as soon as possible.

The takeaway

This case highlights the critical importance of having cardiac emergency response plans and proper equipment and training in schools to save lives. The Smart Heart Act would ensure all schools in South Carolina are prepared to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies, building on the success of districts like Charleston County that have already implemented these lifesaving measures.