Submitted by SCAFoundation on Tue, 06/25/2013 - 12:54pm

PROVIDENCE, R.I.-- High school seniors in Rhode Island will be required to be trained in CPR and the use of a defibrillator before they can graduate under a newly enacted law.

Under the legislation signed into law Monday by Gov. Lincoln Chafee, students will receive training that includes a hands-on course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and an overview of the use of an automated external defibrillator. AEDs can send an electrical shock to the heart of someone having a heart attack to restore a normal rhythm.

Students are already given brief training in CPR, but the bill would mandate more extensive hands-on training.

The state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education will monitor the training.

Legislative leaders say CPR training is a graduation requirement in 36 states.

SOURCE: AP