11-4-15 fdl fire chief supports cpr bill

The Fond du Lac Fire Chief says his initial reaction is that a proposal requiring Wisconsin schools to provide CPR training in health classes for 7^th and 8^th graders is a good thing.  The bill would require schools to offer CPR and defibrillator training in any health classes offered to grades seven through 12.   Fire chief Pete O’Leary says the bill makes sense.  “It does.  Anytime we can teach anyone to perform CPR out in the field it has a direct reflection and influence on outcomes,”  O’Leary told WFDL news.  O’Leary says he thinks 7^th and 8^th graders could be taught how to use a defibrillator.  “They do understand technology and are use to using automated everything.  The other thing is they don’t necessarily have the same level of experience and worry that adults have,”  O’Leary said.  “…its easier for them to block out something that is more systematic.  Kids, oftentimes,  its easier for them to dial 911 than adults because they don’t know to be scared yet.”  The legislature isn’t expected to take up the measure until next year.