Two new state laws that go into effect this fall will make cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automatic external defibrillators (AED) training mandatory in high schools.
About 2,000 Americans under age 25 die of sudden cardiac arrest each year, according to a 2012 study in the journal “Pediatrics.” The American Heart Association estimates that there are approximately 100 student-athlete fatalities each year from sudden cardiac arrest. Studies show that survival can be improved 200 to 300 percent if CPR is initiated by a witnessing bystander.
The laws require New Jersey school districts to be more prepared for potential cardiac emergencies in order to avoid unnecessary deaths in schools. “This is a big step towards arming an army of people of all ages with the skill set to perform CPR and use an AED, which gives them the power to save a life,” said Dawn Calderon, chief of cardiology at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
Effective Sept. 1, all graduating high school seniors will be required to pass a CPR course as part of their high school curriculum’s implementation of the Core Curriculum Content Standards in Comprehensive Health and Physical Education.
Bill No. A2072/S235 — sponsored by Sens. Diane Allen (Cinnaminson) and Joseph Vitale (Woodbridge), and Assemblymen Angel Fuentes (Audubon), Nancy Pinkin (East Brunswick) and Patrick Diegnan Jr. (South Plainfield) — was passed with broad bipartisan support and signed by Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno on Aug. 20.
New Jersey follows Illinois and Oklahoma as the only three states to pass such a law.
The bill follows the implementation of Janet’s Law, which seeks to better prepare schools in case of a sudden cardiac emergency. The law was enacted to commemorate Janet Zilinski, an 11-year-old cheerleader from Warren who died in 2006 after suffering sudden cardiac arrest at her school. Janet’s Law requires all school districts to have an AED on-site; at least five school employees certified in CPR/AED; an emergency action plan for a sudden cardiac event; the AED located in an accessible, unlocked location with appropriate signage above the unit; signs throughout the school directing people to the AED; and EMTs or other first responders at all practices or events if trained school employees are not available.
Anyone who wishes to find a Red Cross First Aid, CPR or AED class can visit www.redcross.org. Group training can be scheduled by filling out the request form on www.redcross.org/janetslaw.