By Azra Baig, Special Writer
On Aug. 20 Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno signed into law, Assembly Bill A2072, which mandates that all high school students in public and charter schools learn how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an AED (automated external defibrillation) device as a requirement for all graduates starting with this fall’s high school freshmen class.
Vivian Scavo, the South Brunswick School District AED Coordinator, was happy to hear the passing of this new NJ law and said the instruction of CPR and the use of an AED for high school students is something the school district has done for some years now.
"South Brunswick has been an exemplary district with regard to CPR instruction, certification and AED implementation," She said. "The high school has offered CPR as an option to students for more than 20 years. We were one of the first schools in New Jersey to partner with Youth Heart Watch at the Cardiac Center of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Project Adam"
She said this partnership was instrumental in providing information for us to set up the district’s AED program and secure funding for training and supplies.
"As a result, we have been offering CPR as part of the standard Health and Physical Education curriculum for seniors since the 2006-07 school year," she said. "A very small percentage of students with scheduling conflicts have not historically participated in the program with their peers but beginning this year, all 12th graders will receive CPR training."
According to, John Harding, the Health and Physical Education Chairperson at the South Brunswick High School, CPR/AED instruction is given through 5-6 classes, with each class lasting approximately 90 minutes, and is taught by select members of the Physical Education Staff.
The Physical Education instructors who teach the CPR/AED classes at South Brunswick High School are certified by the American Safety and Health Institute.
He said, the students do not get automatically CPR certified and that the "Students have the option to get course certification by paying $5 (the cost of the card) and taking a practical skills test where they are monitored by the instructor."
Ms. Scavo said that being CPR trained could help make "the difference between life and death."
Donna Sichta RN, a nurse at South Brunswick High School, agreed with Ms. Scavo.
She said she felt this new legislation will help make a positive impact during an emergency.
"I think it’s a great thing. I think that anyone that’s been a witness to an emergency, it’s usually a family member; there is nothing worse then when you stand by and feel helpless that you can do nothing to change the course of events," Nurse Sichta said. "When a student sees something they can be an integral part (of) making a good outcome occur, it’s empowering."
She said she felt the knowledge the students gained could help save a life.
"Knowledge is power," She said. "I think that our students are maturing at a rapid rate and I think that they certainly able to (make a difference). They are often left to baby sit younger siblings and I think it is really important that they know even what to do and what not to do. What’s going to help and what’s not going to help to prolong life."

