October 5, 2009

MARKEL & KENNEDY ANNOUNCE RESOLUTIONS ON CPR & AED TRAINING FOR SCHOOL PERSONNEL

Resolutions introduced in the Town of Cheektowaga & Erie County

Cheektowaga Town Councilmember Charlie Markel and Erie County Legislator Tim Kennedy gathered today on the steps of Cheektowaga's Town Hall to announce dual resolutions calling for the annual training or recertification of all teachers and other school personnel on CPR and the use of AED machines in the Town of Cheektowaga and Erie County.

The resolution introduced and championed by Councilmember Markel will be voted upon today by Cheektowaga's Town Council and specifically calls for the requirement that all teachers and school personnel be trained or recertified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), machines that are required in all schools throughout NY State. This resolution also recommends that the NY State Legislature or the Board of Regents of Education change or amend state regulations on teacher certification by requiring that this training be a critical part of the certification process.

"If this legislation saves just one child's life, then it will be worth it," stated Councilmember Markel. Currently, New York State does not require as part of the continuing education and certification process training on the basics of CPR and the use of an AED, a deficiency that Markel is attempting to remedy with this legislation.

Legislator Tim Kennedy will also introduce a resolution to the Erie County Legislature this week calling for the certification and training of all school personnel in CPR and AED usage throughout Erie County.

"This resolution is important because it calls attention to a critical component in the health and safety of our children in the schools," stated Legislator Kennedy. "Under Charlie Markel's leadership, this legislation has the potential to dramatically increase the ability of educators and school personnel to act as first responders and save the lives of not only students but anyone in need in our schools."

For further questions, please contact Councilmember Markel's council office at (716) 686-3419.

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