Teaching CPR training required in all schools by 2017-18

La Crosse schools had not taught CPR previously

CPR Training is not taught in health classes at the La Crosse School District. 

That’s all about to change as Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed a bill this week, mandating all schools in the state to provide such training for students by the 2017-18 school year. 

About time says La Crosse School Health Director Jon Baudek.

“If they ever need it, in life, at home, outside of school, down the road, at least they’ll have some background in how to do it,” he said. 

Baudek added this will help students become more comfortable.

“Some people still have this myth inside their mind that it’s very complicated and (they) don’t want to be on the hook,” he said. “If somebody is hurt, (they think) ‘I don’t know what I’m doing, I don’t want to be responsible,’ but, guess what, if you really learn to do CPR, it’s been simplified so much over the years. And, the defibrillator, what an amazing tool.”

The law also requires students be trained in how to use a defibrillator.

Baudek says 30-minute instructional videos will be provided to staff by the state to train the students. Currently, only coaches need to know CPR.