On his first day of basketball practice, my 13-year-old son tragically passed away from an asthma attack. Prompt medical attention could have made the difference between life and death that day. Nobody should have to experience the pain of losing a child because of inadequate emergency response training in our schools.

Every year, over 6 million people globally experience sudden cardiac arrest, with children and teenagers accounting for about 6,328 of these cases in the U.S (Parent Heart Watch). Furthermore, the American Heart Association (AHA) reveals that over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur yearly in the US alone, and about 90% of these individuals die because they do not receive immediate CPR.

However, the chances of survival can double or even triple if CPR is administered promptly. Therefore, it is crucial to require all public and private school staff to receive in-person training on CPR, the Heimlich maneuver, and the use of an AED. This will ensure they are adequately prepared to handle medical emergencies on and off school premises.

In memory of my son, and for the countless lives that could be saved, let's call on our legislators to make this training mandatory for all school staff. Your signature will bring us one step closer to this life-saving change. Please sign this petition today.