Drive to require high school portable defibrillator training

The Chicago Tribune recently published an article highlighting a growing movement to require high school students to receive training on the use of portable defibrillators. The push comes from two suburban families whose lives were forever changed by cardiac emergencies. George Laman still carries the pain of losing his daughter, Lauren, during a high school drill team practice in 2008. Despite the presence of a nearby defibrillator, no one used it to revive her. Meanwhile, Eric Bell owes his life to his son, who performed CPR during a heart attack. These personal stories have led both families to join forces in advocating for state legislation that would make defibrillator and CPR training mandatory in Illinois high schools. The bill, which has already passed the Illinois House with strong support, mirrors similar laws in eight other states. It aims to equip students with critical life-saving skills, especially as automated external defibrillators (AEDs) become more accessible. However, the legislation faces challenges, particularly regarding funding. Rep. Dan Burke, the bill’s main sponsor, suggests that local fire departments could offer free training, as organizations like the Red Cross and American Heart Association already do. “They can train school staff, who will then teach the students,” he explained. But school board representatives are concerned, calling the proposal an “unfunded mandate” at a time when the state is struggling financially. Supporters, including the American Heart Association, argue that immediate CPR or AED use can significantly increase survival rates. According to Alex Meixner, the association’s Illinois representative, every minute without help reduces a victim’s chance of survival by 10 percent. This makes early intervention crucial, especially since paramedics may not arrive in time. Lauren Laman’s story highlights the urgency of this issue. Diagnosed with mitral valve prolapse, she was cleared to participate in sports, but her condition went undetected during the incident. Her death sparked a call for better education and preparedness. Eric Bell’s experience further underscores the importance of CPR training. When his heart stopped due to a blocked artery, it was his son Harry and wife Brigette who performed life-saving CPR until help arrived. Harry learned CPR in his freshman health class, while Brigette had only seen it done once before. With AEDs becoming easier to use, Laman believes the next step is to ensure that students are properly trained. He hopes that through this legislation, future tragedies can be prevented. Thanks, Dan.

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