Lawmakers weigh CPR training in schools

BOSTON (WWLP) - Locally, one student died at school and another was near death. Now with classes and athletics winding down for the year, Beacon Hill is hoping to pass legislation that would prevent further scares at school.

On Tuesday, state lawmakers will consider bills to beef up CPR-requirements at schools and require heart tests for student athletes.

In January, a 16 year-old Sabis High School wrestler had a heart attack after a match, but was saved by two coaches trained in CPR and the use of a defibrillator.

Coincidentally one month earlier, Senator Stephen Buoniconti announced he was filing legislation for all high school sports coaching staff to be trained in the life-saving technique.

Currently, the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association requires licensed personnel to be on hand for competitions, but not practices.

The Committee on Education will hold a public hearing at the Statehouse on Tuesday that will explore more than a dozen proposals, including one that would require all students to be taught CPR.

Another bill would require CPR and heart defibrillators training for coaches.

A third proposal would require student athletes to pass a heart test before getting in the game.