A resolution requesting the Tennessee State Board of Education to include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training as part of the required high school curriculum.

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated §49-6-1208 authorizes the State Board of Education to provide for a program of instruction on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques commensurate with the learning expectations within the lifetime wellness curriculum for public high schools; and

WHEREAS, Tennessee Code Annotated §49-6-1208 further provides that the State Board of Education is requested to implement a CPR instruction program no later than the 2004-2005 school year; and

WHEREAS, medical research has proven that irreversible damage can occur within 4-6 minutes of cardiac arrest; and

WHEREAS, the use of CPR can help extend the time before irreversible damage occurs by artificially circulating oxygen to the brain; and

WHEREAS, according to American Heart Association reports, a heart attack victim has more than a 40% chance of survival if CPR is provided promptly; and

WHEREAS, teaching CPR techniques to all high school students would dramatically increase the number of persons trained to administer CPR, and thus increase the number of lives saved.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Tennessee State Board of Education to include cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training as part of the required high school curriculum.

Section 2. That the Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution by U.S. mail or electronic mail to each member of the Davidson County Delegation to the Tennessee General Assembly.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Adam Dread, J. B. Loring