by Marcus Washington
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Soon there could be more graduation requirements for high school students in the state. The Senate has already approved a bill make hands-on CPR training in all state high schools a requirement and now that bill is headed to the House.
They are rhythmic compressions are simple movements that can save a life.
Students at Martin Luther King Magnet High School are getting the hands-on training that many say will make the difference when seconds count.
"They are far more qualified and far more confident in providing CPR because of the hands on experience they've have in this classroom," said Dr. Tina Bozeman who teaches the Lifetime Wellness course at MLK.
She says students like 10th grader Luis Meneses are getting the skills a video or book cannot teach.
"You need to be very hands on and have practice. So, in my opinion if I heard you have to do compressions until you feel 2 inches, I wouldn't know how to feels; because it would be my first time doing it," said Meneses.
This is the very reason state lawmakers are looking to make hands-on CPR training mandatory in all Tennessee public schools.
The work being done in Metro Nashville schools is what many would like to see everywhere.
"So the students are taught and certified in adult CPR, child CPR and infant CPR," said Bozeman.
Metro Schools received a grant from the metro Nashville Fire Department to be able to provide the classes.
The American Heart Association is looking to make this partnership of success happen everywhere.
"In some school districts they are working within EMS to come in and actually do the training. Other school systems are partnering with local hospitals (that) come in for the day and do the training and share their mannequins, so we are really going to work to connect them with community partners to make this happen locally," said Chastity Mitchell, senior director of government relations for the American Heart Association.
These classes are not just about learning, but saving lives.
"I feel very sure of myself that I would possibly be able to help and keep the person living for as long as possible," said Meneses.
The "CPR In Schools" Bill has passed unanimously in the Senate. The House is expected to vote on the bill as early as next week.
About 4,500 Metro students have gotten their C-P-R certification each year since 2006.
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