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10/03/2022
CPR Training Added To School Curriculums
Education Minister Michelle McIlveen has welcomed the introduction of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and awareness of the use of defibrillators (AED) to the school curriculum.
The changes are part of a wider package to provide training and resources to support the rollout of CPR training in schools at Key Stage 3.
Welcoming the changes the Minister said: "CPR is a critical and potentially life-saving skill. We know that providing CPR training within the school curriculum can have a clear and measurable impact on survival rates.
"I have therefore brought forward legislation to make CPR training and AED awareness compulsory elements of the curriculum at Key Stage 3.
"I am pleased to confirm that the new legislation comes into operation today and schools will be required to teach these vital skills as part of Learning for Life and Work lessons from September 2022."
The Department of Education is working closely with educational partners and key stakeholders including the British Heart Foundation and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
The Minister added: "I have already written to schools setting out my expectation that all pupils at Key Stage 3 will receive training on CPR and awareness of AEDs and this is now underpinned by a legal change to the school curriculum.
"My Department will be writing to schools to remind them of this new requirement and outlining the support we will provide to them."
Fearghal McKinney the Head of British Heart Foundation in Northern Ireland (BHF NI) said: "Today truly is a momentous day as the legislation comes into force that will lead to a new generation of lifesavers. Every day in Northern Ireland people tragically die because bystanders don't have the confidence or knowledge to perform CPR and defibrillation. We know that in other countries where children are taught CPR in school, cardiac arrest survival rates are higher.
"With the right support for schools, today's change to the curriculum promises to improve the odds of survival for countless people who have a cardiac arrest in the future."
The changes are part of a wider package to provide training and resources to support the rollout of CPR training in schools at Key Stage 3.
Welcoming the changes the Minister said: "CPR is a critical and potentially life-saving skill. We know that providing CPR training within the school curriculum can have a clear and measurable impact on survival rates.
"I have therefore brought forward legislation to make CPR training and AED awareness compulsory elements of the curriculum at Key Stage 3.
"I am pleased to confirm that the new legislation comes into operation today and schools will be required to teach these vital skills as part of Learning for Life and Work lessons from September 2022."
The Department of Education is working closely with educational partners and key stakeholders including the British Heart Foundation and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service.
The Minister added: "I have already written to schools setting out my expectation that all pupils at Key Stage 3 will receive training on CPR and awareness of AEDs and this is now underpinned by a legal change to the school curriculum.
"My Department will be writing to schools to remind them of this new requirement and outlining the support we will provide to them."
Fearghal McKinney the Head of British Heart Foundation in Northern Ireland (BHF NI) said: "Today truly is a momentous day as the legislation comes into force that will lead to a new generation of lifesavers. Every day in Northern Ireland people tragically die because bystanders don't have the confidence or knowledge to perform CPR and defibrillation. We know that in other countries where children are taught CPR in school, cardiac arrest survival rates are higher.
"With the right support for schools, today's change to the curriculum promises to improve the odds of survival for countless people who have a cardiac arrest in the future."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
