MS Jackson Public Schools Staff Trained in Hands-Only CPR and AED
JACKSON, MS, (JULY 8, 2024) -On Tuesday, July 9, 2024, the American Heart Association will provide a hands-only CPR and AED training for administrative staff with the Jackson Public School system. The event will be held from 2:30pm-4:00pm at the E-center at 1230 Raymond Road in Jackson. The trainers are from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, an AHA-certified facility.
Funds for this training were granted from the Senate Bill 2750 “Automated External Defibrillators in Public and Charter Schools Grant Program” (passed in 2023) to get about 100 AEDs to be put into schools across the JPS district.
More than 356,000 people experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital in the United States each year. Currently, 10% of those people will survive, most likely because there were people nearby prepared to take action. CPR, if performed immediately, can double, or triple a person’s chance of survival.
It is estimated that about 23,000 children under the age of 18 experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital annually in this country. Of those children, about 40% are sports related. Whether in the classroom or on the playing field, having a plan in place to enable faculty, staff, and students to respond to a cardiac emergency quickly and correctly can save lives. In schools with AEDs, approximately 70% of children survive cardiac arrest – 7 times the overall survival rate for children.
Governor Tate Reeves signed into law Senate Bill 2349 stating that public schools must have a cardiac emergency response plan (CERP) in place that instructs people to dial 911, start CPR, and use an AED on campus and at school-sponsored athletic events in the case of a cardiac emergency. The American Heart Association, devoted to a world of healthier lives for all, championed the legislation. The American Heart Association and their You’re the Cure advocates worked alongside coalition members and other organizations to push for this policy that will increase survival rates from cardiac arrests that happen outside of a hospital.
Senator Nicole Boyd (R-Oxford) and Representative Kent McCarty (R-Hattiesburg) were sponsors of the companion bills in the senate and house chambers, SB 2349, and HB 1548, respectively. “We are grateful that Governor Reeves signed SB 2349 into law. This legislation will increase the survival rate of students, school staff, and visitors experiencing cardiac arrest as they wait for Emergency Medical Services to arrive to the scene.” said Boyd.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. We are dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities. Through collaboration with numerous organizations, and powered by millions of volunteers, we fund innovative research, advocate for the public’s health, and share lifesaving resources. The Dallas-based organization has been a leading source of health information for a century. During 2024 – our Centennial year – we celebrate our rich 100-year history and accomplishments. As we forge ahead into our second century of bold discovery and impact, our vision is to advance health and hope for everyone, everywhere. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.