Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. Introduces Legislation to Require CPR and AED Training for High School Graduation
Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. Introduces Legislation to Require CPR and AED Training for High School Graduation
SACRAMENTO, CA — Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. (D–San Diego) has introduced legislation (Senate Bill 945) that would require California public high schools and charter schools serving grades 9 through 12 to provide instruction in hands-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) as part of a course required for graduation.
Each year, more than 350,000 people in the United States experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, with survival rates decreasing by 7–10% for every minute without immediate CPR. Despite the proven effectiveness of CPR and AED use, an estimated 758,000 California students currently lack access to this life-saving skill.
“CPR and AED training can mean the difference between life and death,” said Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. “This legislation ensures every student graduates with the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency. These are simple, proven skills that save lives and help close long-standing gaps in survival outcomes.”
Research shows that cardiac arrest victims in low-income Black and Hispanic communities are significantly less likely to receive bystander CPR, and Black and Hispanic children are less likely than White children to receive CPR.
SB 945 is sponsored by the Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation, a statewide leader in elevating standards to prevent sudden cardiac arrest in youth.
"California has the highest number of sudden cardiac arrests and one of the lowest survival rates," said Maureen Legg, Co-Executive Director of the Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation. “The majority of the three-quarters-of-a-million youth currently excluded from CPR/AED learning represent our state's diverse socio-economic student population, where these life-saving skills are most needed to create equity in survival. It’s time to cultivate the next generation of life savers."
The American Heart Association joins as a sponsor, contributing its deep expertise in cardiovascular science and public health.
“As a cardiac arrest survivor, I know firsthand how CPR saves lives because it saved mine,” said Matt Clark, American Heart Association San Diego board member and cardiac arrest survivor. “Training students to bring lifesaving skills into the world means countless lives saved and their family members spared. It means equipping people with invaluable skills to take action in an emergency.”
The American Red Cross also joins as a sponsor, emphasizing the importance of emergency preparedness and lifesaving education.
“We encourage everyone to learn first aid, CPR, and how to use an AED so they can act in the moments that matter,” said Arianna Nassiri, State Government Relations for the American Red Cross in California. “Seventy percent of all cardiac arrests happen in the home, meaning you may be helping to save a family member or friend. This is why it’s critical people know what to do until medical help arrives.”
Forty-one states and Washington, D.C. already require CPR training for high school graduation, and SB 945 would align California with national best practices while equipping students with the knowledge and skills to save lives.
For more information about this bill or to request an interview, please contact Albert Parnell at Albert.Parnell@sen.ca.gov or 916-651-4039.
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Senator Akilah Weber Pierson, M.D. represents California's 39th Senate District, which includes portions of San Diego County, the cities of Coronado, El Cajon, La Mesa, and Lemon Grove, as well as portions of the City of San Diego.