ATLANTA--A bill requiring certain local school systems to instruct students in CPR and automated defibrillator (AED) use, beginning with the 2013–2014 school year, passed the Senate today by a vote of 44 to 6. Senate Bill 212 was sponsored by Sen. Jeff Mullis (R–Chickamauga).
“The first few moments of a medical emergency are the most critical, and knowing how to administer CPR and use an AED can truly save a life,” said Sen. Mullis. “With just a short investment of time, today’s students will become tomorrow’s lifesavers equipped with essential lifesaving skills. SB 212 will ultimately benefit countless families in our state by increasing the number of people proficient in CPR.”
SB 212 would require local boards of education operating a school with grades nine through 12 to provide instruction in CPR administration and AED use as part of the school’s health or physical education courses. Hands-on practice is a required component of instruction. The time involvement is as short as 30 minutes, and instruction can be provided through video or local partnerships with local EMS, fire departments or hospitals.
The coursework and program must be one developed by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross or another nationally recognized instructional program based on current emergency cardiovascular standards for CPR and AED use.
According to the American Heart Association, nearly 360,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur annually outside of a hospital setting. The American Heart Association also states a cardiac arrest victim’s survival rates can double or even triple with immediate and effective bystander CPR.
The bill will now transfer to the House of Representatives for consideration.