Building a Nation of Livesavers in Rhode Island

June 1-7 is National CPR and Awareness Week. It is the perfect time to remind everyone about the importance of knowing how to save a life in a cardiac emergency.  We are urging everyone to learn Hands Only CPR.

Why it Matters

More than 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur every year in the United States and 90% will be fatal. Immediate CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) use can double or even triple someone’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. But sadly, less than half of all people who need this lifesaving intervention receive CPR from bystanders before professional help arrives.

This CPR and AED Awareness Week, the American Heart Association is challenging everyone to join the Nation of Lifesavers and commit to make CPR and AED awareness and education a permanent fixture in all communities across the country.

What is Happening in Rhode Island

RI Senate voted unanimously to pass legislation that will require cardiac emergency response plans (CERPs) in middle and high school buildings and at school athletic venues across the state. THANK YOU to all the Heart Powered advocates who contacted their senator – you helped make this happen! We also want to extend special thanks to our Senate sponsor, Majority Whip David Tikoian, for shepherding this bill through the Senate and for recognizing the American Heart Association, youth advocate Claudia Leonard (Barrington High School), and Board member Chief John Potvin during his floor remarks. It was a special day!

We are so close to getting this lifesaving legislation across the finish line. We just need the House and/or Senate to pass the other chamber’s bill in concurrence, and then the measure will head to the Governor’s desk.

Getting Involved

You can help! Learn more about our policy work and efforts to build a Nation of Lifesavers here.

Use your superpower.  Your personal experience brings issues to life for decision makers.  And that is powerful!  Help us build a Nation of Lifesavers by sharing your story.  Simply click here to tell us all about it.