Fianna Fáil TD Christopher O’Sullivan has called for CPR training to be made mandatory in all Irish secondary schools.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a lifesaving technique used in emergencies when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped. It involves chest compressions and rescue breaths, to help maintain vital blood flow to the heart and brain until further medical treatment can be provided.
Speaking in the Dáil this week, O’Sullivan said that CPR can double, and sometimes triple, the chances of survival during heart attacks.
“Every ten minutes that pass without CPR reduces the chances of survival from cardiac arrest by 10%,” he said.
“In Ireland only 80,000 of a population of about 5 million are trained or know CPR. Bystander CPR is proven to save lives.
“About 70% of cardiac arrests take place in the home so it is vital that we train our teenagers in our schools with the skills to save lives. It’s possible to train new lifesavers.”
The Deputy added while CPR was an optional course when he was in Transition Year in school, it remained an optional course in most schools 20 years later.
“It’s optional rather than mandatory in most schools,” he said.
“We need to make it mandatory and also introduce refresher courses, so that all students know CPR. It would help saves lives.”
Responding to the suggestion, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, said that “It’s a very good idea that every student in transition year, fifth or sixth year would be trained not just in first aid but also basic life support.”
“That can be done in one day and would certainly save lives and reduce the impact of injuries,” he said.
“I know what will be said to me if I discuss the matter with the Department of Education and the Minister, Deputy Foley.
“I will be informed that there is a long list of many things that people want to add to the curriculum and have children do at school. The contents of that list range from coding to Internet safety training to driving tests – you name it.
“They always ask me what I am going to do and whether I am going to cut something or extend school hours? That is the direction in which the conversation goes. It is something that we might talk about again.”