CPR training sought in high schools

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A Democratic senator wants to require high-school students to be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Sen. Kevin Rader, D-Delray Beach, filed a bill (SB 432) on Thursday that would require high schools to provide CPR training as part of physical-education curriculums or other curriculums designated by the schools.

The bill is filed for consideration during the legislative session that starts Jan. 14.

The training would have to be based on instructional programs established by organizations such as the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

According to the American Heart Association First Coast,  almost a dozen counties in Florida already have required CPR training implemented in their high school curriculum, including Duval, Clay and Nassau Counties.

The American Heart Association said they’ve been pushing for a bill requiring CPR training in high schools for several years. According to the organization, 39 states already have similar measures in place.

“It’s the difference between life or death,” explained Amber Wilson, Executive Director of American Heart Association First Coast. “As we think about people that go into cardiac arrest, most times it’s going to be around somebody that you know or love. You’re not going to be in a hospital setting, so you’re relying on the people around you, that you work, live and spend your time with to be your lifesaver.”

St. Johns County said the district does a hands-only CPR session with its seniors.