Cardiac arrest survivors, Panthers VP urge NC lawmakers to pass 'Smart Heart Act'
RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Health advocates, lawmakers and Carolina Panthers Vice President of Player Health and Performance Denny Kellington gathered at the North Carolina Legislature Wednesday to support a bill aimed at improving cardiac emergency preparedness in schools.
Supporters of the proposed "Smart Heart Act" say it would require schools across North Carolina to develop cardiac emergency response plans and strengthen training requirements for staff.
Kellington, who helped revive NFL player Damar Hamlin after he collapsed during a game in 2023, said preparation is critical in life-threatening situations.
"We practice for these events," Kellington said, "and being a hare going through our rescues and our scenarios helped us for that night."
Among those backing the bill was Hailey Yentz, a former East Carolina University track and field athlete who suffered cardiac arrest during a workout in February 2025.
"I started feeling dizzy," Yentz said. "And I remember putting the bar down, calling out to my teammate. She came over and I collapsed in her arms."
Yentz later learned she needed CPR until paramedics arrived.
"And later I found out that I needed ten minutes of CPR for 80 sharks to bring me back until the paramedics arrived," she said.
She said her experience underscores the importance of emergency planning and access to AEDs in schools and athletic settings.
"Cardiac emergencies can happen to anyone at any time," Yentz said. "There really is no warning signs... It's important for everybody to be prepared because like my kids said, if there was no 80 available or no plan that the athletic trainers had to carry it out, then I wouldn't be here today."
The proposed legislation would also set requirements for where AEDs are stored and how they're maintained, while mandating CPR and AED training for certain school employees.
Ten-year-old Adeline Dinin of Durham, who was diagnosed with Long QT syndrome type 2 as a baby, also spoke in support of the bill.
"Every kid can experience a cardiac emergency, not just kids with heart conditions," Adeline said. "Every kid."
She said she carries an AED and wants schools to be properly trained to respond in emergencies.
According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year in the United States, and nearly 90% are fatal without immediate intervention.
"If a cardiac event occurs, what do you do then?" Kellington said. "A lot of times people vapor lock and do not know what to do. So having that plan in place, practicing it is extremely vital regardless of the cost."
Advocates say coordinated emergency response plans can significantly improve survival rates and that the legislation is aimed at protecting students and school employees.
