New Jersey Law Requires CPR/AED Training for High School Students

New Jersey has joined the growing list of states taking action to prevent the loss of life from Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA). Acting New Jersey Governor Kim Guadagno signed into law Assembly Bill A2072, which requires public and charter high school students be taught CPR and AED use as a requirement toward graduation.

The bipartisan-sponsored bill was signed into law at the same Burlington Township, NJ school where a student had collapsed and was revived by staff members who had been trained in CPR and AED use. Speakers at the event included a nurse that participated in the rescue of that student, and another New Jersey resident who had collapsed and was subsequently aided by a student who had received his CPR certification the previous day.

The bill requires the training course must be modeled after instructional programs developed by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or other nationally-recognized organization with expertise in the instruction of CPR and AED use. The bill does allow for school boards to select a no-cost, non-certification instructional program as an alternative to allow the school to meet the requirements of the law. It also stipulates that the training must also include a “hands-on learning component for each participating student.” The law will take effect immediately.

New Jersey is the 19th state to implement (or will implement) training for CPR/AED as a requirement for graduation. Most of these states have joined this effort in the last 5 years, although Alabama has had a law on the books since 1983 (way to go ‘Bama!). Six states currently recommend CPR/AED training be included in school curriculum, and Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, and New York are considering joining the movement.

That leaves 21 states still without a requirement that would empower a new generation with the ability to save a life. Is there a more noble aspiration? Where does your state stand in this issue? What can we do to help get this requirement instituted universally? With all that is being taught in schools, can you think of a more humanitarian, more positive way to spend an hour or so than in a CPR class?

In support of this initiative put forth by New Jersey, along with those states that have this requirement, and those considering it, AED Superstore’s sister company, Annuvia, is eminently qualified to ensure your compliance. Annuvia’s trainers use the American Heart Association’s curriculum for CPR/AED classes. Each instructor is a full-time healthcare provider, and they will come to your location, anywhere in the USA. For more information, or to set up a training session, call us at 800-544-0048, or email us at [email protected].