A lifesaving policy known as Telecommunicator CPR (T-CPR) passed recently from the Tennessee Senate, concurring with the House version, and is now heading to the Governor’s desk. Senate Bill 1958, sponsored by Sen. Rusty Crowe, R-Johnson City, passed with a unanimous vote. Its House companion, House Bill 1933, sponsored by Rep. Scott Cepicky, R- Culleoka, also passed unanimously Feb. 27. Without a single “no” vote during the entire legislative process, the policy is gaining attention and support in Tennessee by both state and local governments this year.
During cardiac arrest – the unexpected loss of heart function – only about 1 in 10 victims survive. Successful resuscitation of victims requires an immediate response to improve their chance of survival. Telecommunicators, including emergency dispatchers and 9-1-1 operators, can be lifesaving coaches when seconds matter.
The American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all, cheered T-CPR’s passage. Learn CPR online and help save lives.
“As a Sudden Cardiac Arrest Survivor, I know every second counts when it comes to saving a life,” said Carrie Romero, a member of the American Heart Association’s Tennessee State Advocacy Committee and an AED advocate from Thompson’s Station. “The passing of the T-CPR bill is a huge step toward ensuring that every heart in the state of Tennessee has a fighting chance of survival. I’m so grateful for the efforts of Rep. Cepicky and Sen. Crowe as they led the way to get this bill passed.”
“With an estimated 350,000 cardiac arrests happening every year, telecommunicators are the true first responders to every 9-1-1 call and a critical link in the chain of survival,” said Kelley Tune, executive director of the Middle Tennessee American Heart Association. “Being able to provide effective T-CPR can mean the difference between life or death. We’re grateful for the overwhelming support from Tennessee lawmakers prioritizing this lifesaving policy.”
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