The Urgent Need for CPR Training in Private Schools: A Lifesaving Curriculum

Inspired by original reporting by Victoria La Ferla

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is more than just a medical skillits a universal life-saving tool. While over 40 U.S. states now mandate or encourage CPR training in public high schools, many private schools remain exempt, creating a dangerous gap in emergency preparedness that could cost lives.

According to the U.S. Department of Education, the absence of a universal CPR requirement in private institutions leaves thousands of students untrained in life-saving procedures, despite the American Lifeguard USAreporting over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests annually in the U.S.

The Life-or-Death Difference

Outside of a hospital, cardiac arrest has a survival rate of less than 10%, says Stephanie Austin, a cardiac arrest survivor and CPR advocate.

Compare that to cities like Seattle, where CPR survival rates soar to 62%, thanks to widespread public CPR training and awareness initiatives. Countries like Sweden and Norway show similar success due to their national-level education efforts, according to the Global Resuscitation Alliance.

These programs work because theres so much more awareness and teaching the public about CPR, Austin said.

Key Statistics That Cant Be Ignored

• Only 39% of cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR.

• Survival rates drop by 10% for every minute CPR or defibrillation is delayed.

• 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home.

• 54% of Americans are not confident in their CPR skills (Cleveland Clinic).

In other words, CPR training isnt just for healthcare professionals its most useful in the hands of ordinary people, especially family members and peers.

Whats Holding People Back from Learning CPR?

1. Lack of Awareness Many dont realize how common cardiac arrest is.

2. Fear of Causing Harm Misunderstandings about legal liability and fear of making a mistake.

3. Perceived Complexity Belief that CPR is hard to learn.

4. Cost & Access Certification can cost $50$150 and isnt always accessible.

5. Psychological Distance It wont happen to me syndrome.

Private Schools: A Missed Opportunity

Many private institutions, often outside public mandates, have yet to implement formal CPR lifeguard certification or awareness into their curriculum. This gap is concerning, especially considering that students in these schools are just as likely to witness or encounter a medical emergency at school, home, or in public.

Its a really good requirement, said Nairi Parsekyan, a college sophomore certified through her role as a camp counselor.
Im sure it will come in handy one day.

At Pepperdine University, some students receive CPR training through jobs like babysitting, lifeguarding, or through campus health partnerships, but the reach is still limited.

Student Leadership and Testimonies

• Jacob Ek, a lifeguard and student, said he feels far more confident simply knowing what to do during a cardiac emergency.

• Alexander Paloglou, a resident advisor (RA), emphasized the need for immediate response training:

The RA is most likely the first person wholl notice something going wrong.

These voices underscore a growing recognition that CPR belongs in every educational space, not just health classes or certification tracks.

CPR Awareness vs. Certification

There are two key components:

• CPR Awareness Basic steps:

  1. Call 911

  2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (to the beat of songs like Stayin Alive)

• CPR Certification A formal course (often 25 hours) covering chest compressions, breaths, AED use, and legal protections.

Both efforts can and should coexist in school environments, especially private institutions with flexibility in their health education programs.

Practical Solutions for Private Schools

• Integrate CPR Awareness into New Student Orientation (NSO)
  Introducing CPR at the beginning of a students academic journey can plant the seed for deeper training later on.

• Provide Hands-On Training with CPR Kits
  Schools can utilize American Lifeguard USA CPR training kits, which simulate real-life CPR in classrooms and clubs.

• Incentivize CPR Certification Through Clubs or PE Credit
  Tie CPR training to extracurricular achievements or gym class requirements.

• Partner with Local Health Organizations
  Collaboration with local Red Cross branches or health departments can reduce cost and improve access to certified trainers.

Every Second Counts and Every Student Can Save a Life

Austins story is a powerful reminder. Her husbands CPR saved her life. A delay of just a few minutes without oxygen caused memory problems but early action allowed her to survive and regain much of her life.

I can drive, I can have this conversation with you, she said.
Im very fortunate.

Not all victims are so lucky.

By incorporating CPR into private school curricula, we empower the next generation to be the help before help arrives. Because in those critical first moments, the person who saves your life might be a classmate if only they knew what to do.

Author Bio

Avani James is a U.S.-based journalist and public safety advocate, focused on emergency response education, youth certification programs, and community health equity. He reports on lifesaving skills like CPR and lifeguard training, championing the integration of preparedness into schools, recreation centers, and public institutions. Tamoors mission is to close awareness gaps and help build a more responsive, trained society one student at a time.