Relating to instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of automated external defibrillators for school district, private school, and open-enrollment charter school employees and volunteers.
The implementation of SB865 would ensure that a greater number of school employees are equipped to respond effectively in emergency situations, potentially reducing fatalities and improving safety within schools. The bill mandates that every specified employee must maintain certification in CPR and AED use, thus fostering a safer learning environment for students and enhancing the response readiness during health emergencies on school grounds. Moreover, since this act applies from the 2025-2026 school year, schools will have time to adjust their policies and training programs accordingly.
SB865 aims to enhance the safety of students across Texas public and private educational institutions by requiring specific training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for certain school employees and volunteers. This act modifies existing provisions in the Education Code to ensure that employees such as school nurses, athletic coaches, physical education instructors, and others receive appropriate instruction and certification in these life-saving techniques from recognized organizations like the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.
While the bill primarily focuses on improving student safety, there may be some debate regarding the financial implications on schools, particularly smaller private or charter institutions that may find it burdensome to meet the training requirements. Concerns about the enforcement of this mandate and the potential need for funding to facilitate these programs could also emerge. Nonetheless, the overarching sentiment is likely to be supportive, as the ability to render immediate assistance during medical emergencies is viewed as paramount in educational settings.