CPR in Schools Legislation Moves Forward in Missouri with Bi-Partisan Support

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., April 27, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Legislation promoting CPR training for Missouri high school students as part of a health or physical education class is moving forward with broad bi-partisan support. House Bill 457 (HB 457), sponsored by Rep. Ron Hicks, recently passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 148-4 and will be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, April 29. Senate Bill 493 (SB 493), sponsored by Sen. Dan Brown, includes similar language and recently passed the Senate Veterans' Affairs and Health Committee with a unanimous vote.

Proponents of the CPR legislation, including the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross, are calling on Missourians to take action in two ways to ensure continued movement through the legislative process:

1. Watch and share a new video highlighting a Hillsboro, Mo., high school student who used the training she received in a health class to save a baby's life: http://youtu.be/pzzhwIqRGpg. Since the production of this video, a second student from Hillsboro has utilized the training received at the school to save another life!
2. Visit www.becprsmart.org to take action and join the CPR in schools movement.

"Four of every five out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in private or residential settings," said Jace Smith, Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association in Missouri. "We believe that CPR training in schools across Missouri strengthens the cardiac chain of survival by equipping thousands of civilian bystanders to be ready to respond in an emergency."

"Of the 400,000 who suffer cardiac arrests outside the hospital each year, 89% die because they don't receive immediate CPR from someone on the scene," said Cindy Erickson, CEO of the American Red Cross of Eastern Missouri. "This legislation ensures that students across Missouri are introduced to crucial life skills."

Both HB 457 and SB 493 have been received with enthusiasm by members of both political parties. Rep. Hicks and Sen. Brown have taken steps to include feedback from Missouri's education community in proposed language. In addition, funding for Hands Only CPR Training Kits has been secured at no cost to Missouri schools. This curriculum can be introduced in 30 minutes or less using a 'practice-while-watching' approach with an inflatable manikin and instructional DVD. This makes it easy to implement as part of a student's learning plan at any point during high school.

"MNEA supports this effort to institute CPR instruction in all schools," said Otto Fajen, Legislative Director with the Missouri National Education Association (MNEA). "We appreciate the intention behind the legislation and the flexibility that the proposed language provides school districts. Curriculum and logistical challenges are minimized, since we're talking about a brief introduction rather than full certification."

About the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association:
The American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association are devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based American Heart Association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. The American Stroke Association is a division of the American Heart Association. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1 or visit www.heart.org.

About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross provides shelter, food and emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies nearly half of the nation's blood and teaches lifesaving CPR and first aid skills. The organization provides international humanitarian aid and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a humanitarian organization – not a government agency – and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American people to perform its mission. For more information on the Red Cross and CPR training, please visit www.redcross.org.

SOURCE American Heart Association

Related Links

http://www.heart.org