CPR in Schools | Video

Van Tieu | 1/29/2013

Performing CPR to a person in cardiac arrest can increase chances of survival and diminish brain damage. Yet only one in three people can do it. Advocates spoke out in favor of a bill to require CPR training to high schoolers today.

Eighth grader Caycee Fry demonstrated CPR techniques to a group of legislators this morning, advocating a bill that would require CPR training for all North Dakota High schoolers.

"What we`re looking at is expanding the base of people who can stand there and say, `I can take care of that.` You have four minutes in the time to access the patient and start CPR where you can limit brain damage," said cardiologist Dr. Bob Oatfield.

CPR is the first crucial step the Emergency Response System- and only one in three people are prepared to take this first action in saving a person`s life.

In the past, you`ve seen CPR on TV shows, but students won`t be locking lips during training. The American Heart Association revised it`s CPR guidelines to an easy "Hands Only" approach: that`s calling 911, and performing chest compressions.

The education committee`s biggest concern was cost to schools.

"Our recommendation is to use state general funds at the amount of $450,000 over a two year period," said lobbyist June Herman.

The bill provides flexibility for schools to choose from various training vendors, where the most expensive option would be fully certified training at $30 a student. Advocates of the bill also hope it will lead young people into medical field.

"It kind of inspired me to want to learn more about how to save people," Fry said.

Fry had the basic "Hands Only CPR" training at her school in only half an hour.

Performing CPR immediately after a cardiac arrest can double, even triple a person`s chance of survival.

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