CPR in Schools program offers affordable kits for mandatory high school training

More than 70 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests happen in a residence, and if CPR is performed, a person’s chances of survival can double or triple, according to the American Heart Association.

That’s why learning hands-only CPR is now a high school graduation requirement in Arizona. Senate Bill 1137 passed in 2016 stating every Arizona public or charter high school student must learn hands-only CPR at least once during high school effective this 2019-2020 school year.

More than 150 Arizona schools now use AHA’s CPR in Schools training kit, which takes less than an hour and does not require a certified instructor. Students can even conduct the trainings with the economical kit that facilitates training for 10 to 20 students at once and includes 10 Mini Anne Plus inflatable manikins and replacement parts, five training DVDs, testing materials and more.

The kits last 3+ years in an average school setting and cost $649 at schoolhealth.com. AHA’s Community CPR Manager Mike Deitch can help advise schools about CPR in Schools resources and class training and can help host a CPR event: mike.deitch@heart.org

60th Annual Phoenix Heart Ball

The Phoenix Heart Ball is celebrating 60 years of helping to advance the lifesaving mission of the American Heart Association — a mission that has impacted the lives of countless men, women and children in greater Phoenix. This year’s Phoenix Heart Ball is Saturday, Nov. 23 at The Phoenician Resort. Visit heart.org/en/affiliates/arizona/phoenix