When Seconds Count: Why CPR Training Should Be Mandatory in High Schools

Every year, thousands of people experience sudden cardiac arrest outside of hospitals, often in public spaces or at home. The difference between life and death in these situations can come down to one simple action: the immediate administration of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Yet, despite the life-saving potential of CPR, most bystanders are either untrained or hesitant to act in emergencies.

This reality brings up an urgent question: why aren’t we teaching CPR in every high school?

The Life-Saving Potential of CPR

Cardiac arrest strikes without warning. Unlike a heart attack, which is caused by a blockage in the arteries, cardiac arrest is an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes it to stop beating. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, about 35,000 Canadians suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest each year. The survival rate? Less than 10%.

But here’s the key: if CPR is started immediately, it can double or even triple the victim’s chances of survival. Those first few minutes are critical. Without oxygenated blood circulating to the brain and vital organs, permanent damage or death can occur in just a few short minutes.

A Skill Every Teen Should Have

Given how vital CPR is, it makes sense to teach it early—before young people enter the workforce or begin post-secondary education. High school is the perfect place to make CPR training widespread, accessible, and mandatory. Just like math or science, CPR is a practical skill with real-world applications. In fact, it may be the most directly life-saving skill a student can learn.

There are a few reasons why high schools should lead the charge:

• Reach and consistency: Schools provide a structured environment where all students can be trained, ensuring wide coverage across populations.
  
• Early empowerment: Teaching teens CPR gives them the confidence to step in during emergencies—whether at home, in the community, or later in their careers.
  
• Long-term impact: Once learned, CPR is a skill that tends to stay with people. Early education helps normalize the behavior and builds a culture of preparedness.
  

Evidence from States and Countries that Have Implemented It

Some jurisdictions already require CPR training before high school graduation. More than 30 U.S. states have laws mandating CPR instruction in schools. Denmark made CPR training part of its school curriculum in 2005. Since then, bystander CPR rates have increased dramatically, and survival rates from cardiac arrest have improved in tandem.

A study published in Circulation (a journal of the American Heart Association) showed that bystander CPR rates increased from 21% to 45% in Denmark following nationwide CPR education efforts. The correlation is clear: the more people trained, the more likely someone will step in during a crisis.

Addressing Common Concerns

Some argue that adding another requirement to already packed school curricula is impractical. But CPR training is relatively quick—often taught in just one or two class periods—and doesn’t require expensive equipment or highly specialized teachers. Many programs offer “hands-only” CPR modules that focus on chest compressions and do not require mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, reducing discomfort and simplifying the training.

Others worry about liability or improper technique. But in most regions, Good Samaritan laws protect well-intentioned rescuers. Moreover, any CPR—even if imperfect—is better than none. The American Heart Association emphasizes that acting is always better than standing by.

Making Training Accessible

To make CPR education effective, schools need partnerships with certified training providers. Organizations across Canada already offer school-based programs, often with support materials and instructors available at low or no cost.

In Eastern Ontario, for instance, schools can collaborate with certified providers like this Ottawa East CPR training facility to ensure high-quality, accessible instruction for students.

Additionally, digital learning tools and hybrid training modules make it easier than ever to scale these programs without disrupting the academic calendar.

CPR in the Real World

The need for CPR doesn’t follow a schedule. It can happen anywhere—a basketball game, a family dinner, or a part-time job. In many cases, teens are present during emergencies. A high school student might be the only person nearby when a grandparent collapses at home or a teammate falls unconscious at practice.

If even one trained teen steps up and saves a life, the investment pays off.

Interestingly, some school districts have tried integrating broader emergency response training alongside CPR. While this has merit, the focus must remain on making sure students actually master the core skill. Discussions about taking a First aid course may come later, but the priority should be that every student leaves high school knowing how to perform effective chest compressions and recognize cardiac arrest.

The Long-Term Benefits

CPR education doesn’t just help in the moment—it fosters a more safety-conscious and prepared generation. Students who learn CPR often go on to share it with family and friends, multiplying the reach of their training. Some even choose to pursue careers in healthcare or emergency response, inspired by what they learned in school.

Moreover, making CPR part of the curriculum sends a message: public health and preparedness matter. Just as we teach students about nutrition, mental health, and safe driving, we should treat CPR with the same level of importance.

A National Policy Worth Considering

While some provinces have taken steps toward encouraging CPR education, a unified national policy would create consistency and ensure no student is left behind. The federal government could support provinces and school boards with funding, training partnerships, and curriculum integration tools. By removing cost and logistics barriers, CPR could become a standard part of every Canadian student’s education.

Conclusion

When a heart stops beating, every second counts. Waiting for emergency responders can be a deadly gamble. That’s why CPR training shouldn’t be optional or left to chance—it should be mandatory in every high school. The skill is simple, the benefits are proven, and the cost is minimal compared to the potential lives saved.

A generation trained in CPR is a generation prepared to save lives. Schools should not miss the chance to equip their students with this vital knowledge. The time to act is now.