Bill Text: NJ AR190 | 2014-2015 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges school districts to have at least five teachers in each school certified in CPR and first aid.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2014-12-11 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Education Committee [AR190 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2014-AR190-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman GABRIELA M. MOSQUERA
District 4 (Camden and Gloucester)
SYNOPSIS
Urges school districts to have at least five teachers in each school certified in CPR and first aid.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution urging school districts to have at least five teachers in each school who are certified to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid.
Whereas, Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death in the United States and can happen to anyone at any time or place, including the school setting; and
Whereas, Many victims of cardiac arrest appear healthy with no known history of heart disease or other risk factors; and
Whereas, When administered by a bystander immediately after a cardiac arrest, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or triple a victim's chance of survival; and
Whereas, Fewer than one-third of victims of cardiac arrest are fortunate enough to get CPR from a bystander; and
Whereas, Injuries and sudden illnesses that require first aid, including wounds, head and back injuries, broken bones, heat exhaustion, and shortness of breath, are common occurrences in schools; and
Whereas, Effective and immediate first aid treatment can stabilize injuries, reduce pain and discomfort, and help save lives; and
Whereas, A school nurse may not always be present on the scene of a medical emergency occurring at school; and
Whereas, Having someone available at all times who is trained to administer CPR or first aid in an emergency occurring at school can make all the difference in the time it takes for an ambulance to arrive; and
Whereas, Anyone can learn how to administer CPR and emergency first aid, and instructional programs offered by organizations such as the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross are readily available; and
Whereas, Ensuring that every public school has at least five teachers who are trained in effectively administering CPR and emergency first aid can save the life of a child, parent, teacher, or staff member; and
Whereas, It is in the public interest of the State to prepare teachers to help with a sudden cardiac arrest or first aid emergency, thereby protecting the safety of our children and adding lifesavers to our schools and communities; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. This House urges school districts to ensure that at least five teachers in each school are currently certified to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and emergency first aid.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the State Board of Education to be distributed to each school district.
STATEMENT
This resolution urges school districts to ensure that at least five teachers in each school hold current certifications in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid.
Sudden cardiac arrest can occur at any time and can happen to anyone, including students, teachers, or parents at a school. In addition, injuries and sudden illnesses that require emergency first aid treatment, such as broken bones, head and back injuries, and shortness of breath, are common occurrences in the school setting. Receiving immediate CPR from a bystander for cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim's chance of survival, and effective first aid treatment can stabilize an emergency situation and save lives. Having teachers readily available in every school who are certified to administer CPR and first aid will help protect the health and safety of children, parents, and teachers in our schools, while also adding lifesavers to our communities.
