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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 11, 2015 02:13 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Stephen Barrar |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Amending the PA School Code to provide hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) as a graduation requirement for high school. |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation requiring hands-only CPR instruction and training for high school students. Every hour in the United States, approximately 48 people will have a cardiac arrest event outside of the hospital. Nine out of ten people will not survive. If lifesaving CPR is performed, a victim’s chance of surviving can double or even triple. Including basic CPR training in high school will produce individuals with the skills to save lives. The training tools are user-friendly, have a minimal cost, and can be easily administered to a classroom of students. CPR techniques have changed substantially in recent years and these new techniques have proven effective. Representative Farry in his capacity as a volunteer Fire Chief was part of a CPR save earlier this year. He has conveyed to me that if a civilian bystander had not started chest compressions the victim most likely would not have survived. Ensuring as many people as possible have even the most basic training is a documented lifesaver. My legislation will provide each school district with the flexibility and local control they need to implement a CPR program. Many school districts have already developed models for CPR training, such as partnering with emergency responders, using video-based programs, or coordinating with businesses, foundations, civic organizations and other public agencies. All these options can be implemented as part of the existing educational infrastructure at minimal to no cost. Twenty-one state have already enacted similar laws, including: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Iowa, Idaho, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Minnesota, North Carolina, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Vermont, Washington, and West Virginia. Please join me in cosponsoring this lifesaving legislation. |
Introduced as HB1464