Bill Requiring CPR Training in Schools Approved

The Senate has approved a measure aimed at saving the lives of Oklahoma public school students. Senate Bill 1474 would require that at least one teacher and one support staff member in each school receive training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation each year.

The Senate originally voted on the measure on Monday, but with a vote of 24 yes and 19 no votes, the measure was one vote short of the minimum 25 needed to win approval. The Senate reconsidered the bill on Thursday granting approval by a vote of 25 to 17.

Senator Cliff Aldridge, R-Midwest City, is author of SB 1474 and said he was inspired by the life-saving heroics of a local third-grader. On March 29th, 2003, Ciara Mitchell realized a classmate was choking on a piece of candy and performed the Heimlich maneuver, saving her friend’s life. Ciara was later honored by the Oklahoma State Senate with a Citation of Appreciation for her actions.

“It was a fatal choking death at another area school that caused Ridgecrest Elementary, where Ciara attended, to offer CPR training. But some schools may not have followed their lead. If we save just one child’s life with this bill, it will be worth the effort,” said Senator Aldridge.

“One concern some members had was whether this would be an unfunded mandate. But the schools already have professional development funds available that would cover this. In addition, the Red Cross and American Heart Association have volunteers that can provide training in many of our schools at no cost,” said Senator Aldridge.

SB 1474 will next be considered by a House committee.