A new bill would make C.P.R. lessons mandatory for students

Even if it's been a while, you probably know what courses high school students need to graduate -- in most cases it includes four years of english, three years of math... likely a foreign language and some history requirements, too.

Would you consider adding something to the list -- like manadatory C.P.R. classes?

There's a proposal on Beacon Hill right now that would do just that.

Proponants of that bill have many real-life instances that illustrate why mandatory C.P.R. would be so vital. I've been working for a few weeks on one of those stories -- it airs Sept. 17th on the FOX25 News at Ten.

It's the story of man who was shopping in a Newburyport clothing store when, in the middle of talking to a salesperson, he dropped to the ground. In the throes of a heart attack, no one knew what to do... except for a 17-year-old high school student who just happened to be in that same store trying on a tuxedo for his senior prom!

That young man went to Newburyport High School - where he had to take a C.P.R. class to graduate. In fact, he'd finished his C.P.R. coursework about a week before saving this man's life. We talk with both men...as well as with the cardiologist who says if not for the student's quick-thinking and C.P.R. abilities, the guy who had the heart attack absolutely would have died.

The American Heart Association thinks this is a great idea...and they envision a time when the Commonwealth is home to tens of thousands of people who are familiar with these life-saving techniques. The cardiologist we talked with explained that even after years and years of not practicing the skills learned in a C.P.R. class, the basics are enough to keep someone alive until professionals get there.