§ 20-13-107 — Vincent Parks Law - Training to recognize and manage certain health conditions - Removal from physical activity during training - Definitions

(a) This section shall be known and may be cited as the "Vincent Parks Law". (b) As used in this section: (1) "Cadet" means a law enforcement cadet, a firefighter cadet or trainee, or a trainee to be an uniformed employee for the Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission; (2) "Instructor" means a physical fitness instructor for the purpose of physical fitness, including a law enforcement instructor, firefighter instructor, or an instructor for the commission at any location; and (3) "Officer" means a law enforcement officer, firefighter, or uniformed employee for the commission. (c) An instructor shall complete training and receive a certification on the recognition and management of the following events or conditions that may be encountered by a person: (1) A concussion, dehydration, or other health emergency; (2) An environmental issue that threatens the health or safety of a person, including without limitation heat exhaustion; and (3) A sudden cardiac arrest, including the nature and warning signs of a sudden cardiac arrest and the risks associated with continuing to participate or engage in physical activity when experiencing any of the following symptoms: (A) Fainting or seizures during physical activity; (B) Unexplained shortness of breath; (C) Chest pain; (D) Dizziness; (E) Racing heartbeat; or (F) Extreme fatigue. (d) An instructor shall maintain certification under subsection (c) of this section. (e) (1) If a cadet or officer receiving training from an instructor faints or loses consciousness while participating in or immediately following a physical activity, the instructor shall remove the cadet or officer from participation in the physical activity at that time. (2) If a cadet or officer exhibits any symptom described in subdivision (c)(3) of this section while participating in or immediately following a physical activity and an instructor reasonably believes that the symptom is cardiac-related, the instructor may remove the cadet or officer from participation in the physical activity at that time. (3) A cadet or officer who is removed from participation in a physical activity shall not be permitted to return to participation in a physical activity until the cadet or officer is evaluated and cleared for return to participation in writing by a physician licensed in this state. (4) An instructor acting in good faith under this subsection is not liable for any act or omission unless the act or omission is intentional, reckless, or grossly negligent.

Legislative History

Added by Act 2023, No. 199,§ 1, eff. 3/6/2023.