Somerville City Council supports urgency for statewide CPR training in high schools

A powerful resolution advocating for mandatory CPR training in Massachusetts high schools took center stage at the Somerville City Council meeting on April 24, 2025. The resolution, introduced by a council member, highlights the urgent need for life-saving skills among students, as heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States.

The resolution emphasizes that immediate CPR can significantly increase survival rates for cardiac arrest victims, yet only about 40% of individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrests receive timely assistance. Currently, Massachusetts is one of only nine states that do not require CPR training as a graduation prerequisite, leaving many students without essential skills.

Nayan Sapers, a junior at Harvard and co-founder of the CPR Ambassador Program, presented compelling arguments for the resolution. He noted that over 350,000 Americans suffer cardiac arrests annually, with fewer than 12% surviving without bystander intervention. Sapers urged the council to support the resolution, which aims to integrate a brief CPR and AED training session into existing school programs, making it accessible and cost-effective.

The council members expressed their support, with several councilors signing on to the resolution. The initiative aligns with similar measures passed in Boston, Cambridge, and Lowell, demonstrating a growing momentum for CPR education across the state.

As the council prepares to send the resolution to the State House, it underscores a collective commitment to equipping the next generation with vital life-saving skills, reinforcing community resilience and public safety in Somerville and beyond.