ADVOCACY
CPR in Schools: Why We Need YOU as an Advocate!
Did you know that Massachusetts is one of only nine states that does not require CPR training in schools? This means thousands of students graduate each year without the lifesaving skills to help in an emergency. Early CPR can double or triple survival rates, yet too many people remain untrained.
Despite previous legislative efforts, Massachusetts has yet to pass a statewide CPR in Schools law. Other states have successfully implemented this requirement, ensuring that every student is prepared to act in a cardiac emergency.
why is this important?
Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a leading cause of death in the U.S., with over 350,000 cases annually.
Bystander CPR saves lives, but only 40% of people in cardiac arrest receive it before EMS arrives.
Schools are the perfect place to teach CPR, preparing entire generations of trained responders.
How are we making a difference?
As CrimsonEMS, Harvard’s on-campus EMS service, we have launched an initiative in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA) and 50 high school students across Massachusetts. These students are working to improve CPR and AED infrastructure in their schools, ensuring that every student has access to lifesaving training.
But we need more advocates like YOU to push for this legislation and help make CPR education a requirement in Massachusetts schools.
Sign up here for updates about how you can get involved!