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CPR IN SCHOOLS
CPR in Schools: Why it Matters
In a cardiac arrest emergency, every second counts. If performed immediately, CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. Empowering all youth with CPR and AED training in school will dramatically increase the number of first responders in communities each year and save lives.
Students are eager to learn the popular hands-on skill and teachers love teaching it.
Find out how to bring CPR and AED training to your school.
“At year-end, students always say the CPR / AED training is one of the most valuable things they’ve been taught.”
–Kristi Cole, Teacher
How to Start a CPR in Schools Program
- First, you need to assess the school’s commitment to training students.
- Then, schools need teacher training and training equipment to enable them to train students. Or, you need an agency to provide the student training.
Recommended Resources: CPR In Schools
There are many local groups who can help with program setup and delivery.
- Look at your own local resources for training and/or certification
- Use existing on-site instructors
- Reach out to CPR training agencies, Fire Rescue Departments, EMS Agencies, and hospitals
- Seek donations for training equipment from civic organizations (e.g. service clubs like Kiwanis, Lions, Rotary clubs), foundations and other nonprofit organizations, and companies
- Engage sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) survivors as advocates for help in engaging schools and in fundraising.
“All kids should have this technique. I love it. I love teaching it. It is not only rewarding for teachers but it is another technique the kids learn and it prepares them for situations they can handle.”
– Ken Bowman, Teacher
Below we have a list of resource links to help you secure those two first steps and to learn more about getting your CPR program started.
“We must advocate for CPR-AED programs in all schools across the United States. Every student should learn CPR as a life skill prior to graduation. There is absolutely no doubt that teaching CPR to youth in schools can and will save the lives of both adults and children.”
Legislating CPR in Schools
From Nevada to Michigan and in dozens of states across the country, lives are being saved by high school students trained in CPR at school. Thirty-nine states and Washington, DC have passed state laws that will assure all students are trained in life-saving CPR before they graduate from high school. Read the latest updates here.
CPR in Schools Legislation Map
Schools in Red Require CPR
for High School Graduation
