Contact: Isaac Padilla
Office 505/986.4819
Isaac.Padilla@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bill to Train Students in CPR, Use of Defibrillators and Heimlich Maneuver Unanimously Passes Senate
Santa Fe–Senate Bill 1 (SB 1), First Aid & Electives for High School Grads, introduced by Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez (D-29- Bernalillo & Valencia), unanimously passed the Senate on Tuesday. This bill would require schools to teach students how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and perform the Heimlich maneuver for choking victims. The training would become part of health-education graduation course requirements.
“Training our students in how to perform CPR, to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and how to perform the Heimlich maneuver will save lives,” said Sen. Sanchez. “The sooner a person receives training, the better equipped they will be to put that training to use during a medical emergency.”
This bill was inspired by Jonathan Madrid, who was just 18 when he passed away after an accident on a bicycle. His friends did not understand the severity of his injuries and lacked the skills to perform CPR to save his life. His parents are strong supporters of this bill and attended the Senate Education Committee meeting to urge senators to support the legislation.
“I have known Jonathan’s mother and father for decades and their son was a special individual who always lit up a room when he walked in,” said Sen. Sanchez. “We can prevent future tragedies if this bill passes the House and is signed into law by the Governor.”
SB 1 now heads to the House of Representatives.
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