Res. No. 352

Resolution calling upon the New York State legislature to amend the State Education Law to require mandatory training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for all teachers, paraprofessionals and school aides in the New York City public school system.

By Council Members Brewer, Comrie, Fidler, Gonzalez, James, Koppell, Liu, Mark-Viverito, Palma, Weprin and Oddo

                     Whereas, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a rescue and basic life-support technique to be used when an individual’s heart or breathing has stopped; and

                     Whereas, CPR is most commonly used in cases of cardiac arrest, but can also be helpful during other medical emergencies, including choking or during an allergic reaction; and

                     Whereas, According to the American Red Cross, administering CPR promptly and effectively can mean the difference between life and death; and

                     Whereas, CPR can also help prevent severe, permanent damage and help keep an individual alive until medical treatment is available; and

                     Whereas, Many medical-based organizations suggest that caregivers, including parents, childcare providers and educators, receive CPR certification; and

                      Whereas, Approximately 1.1 million children attend public school in New York City and emergency situations where CPR should be used can occur in a school setting; and

                     Whereas, Under State Education Law, coaches of public-school extra-class athletic activities, as well as school bus attendants who transport special education students, are required to obtain CPR training; and

                     Whereas, In addition, pursuant to State Education Law, at least one staff member in each school is required to be trained in the operation and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED); and

                     Whereas, While the law does not explicitly require CPR training as a part of AED training, the New York State Department of Health and the State Education Department support the combination of CPR and AED training; and

                     Whereas, As the first few minutes are critical in possibly saving a life, all educational staff who have daily contact with children and youth, including teachers, paraprofessionals and aides, should be prepared to deal with emergency medical situations; and

                     Whereas, CPR training takes just a few hours and is relatively inexpensive when offered by organizations such as the American Red Cross or American Heart Association; and

                     Whereas, There are currently two bills in the State legislature that would require teachers and other educational staff to receive training in CPR; and

                     Whereas, Senate Bill 2126 (same as A.8732) would require adequate training in the Heimlich maneuver and CPR for new certification as a school teacher; and

                     Whereas, Assembly Bill 3570 would require teachers or paraprofessionals employed in any school to have mandatory CPR and first aid training; and

                     Whereas, Requiring all educational staff who have daily contact with children and youth to be trained in CPR will help prevent tragic accidents; now, therefore, be it

                     Resolved, That the Council of the City of New York calls upon the New York State legislature to amend the State Education Law to require mandatory training in CPR for all teachers, paraprofessionals and school aides in the New York City public school system.

JC

LS#422

5/19/06, 10:30am