As of next year, Arizona high school graduates will have to get an important certificate before they walk the stage, but it isn't their diploma. Starting in July, every graduate will need to know CPR.
Tucson Fire Battalion Chief Barrett Baker says, the great thing about CPR is anyone can learn it.
"Now you don't have to be specialized. You can be a 13-year-old and with your younger brother or sister. You can be a 75-year-old that is watching a movie and sees something that happens next to them," said Baker.
A cardiac monitor, defibrillator and medications are advanced ways emts can use to help. But those resources can be about five minutes away after a 9-1-1 phone call. Administering CPR can be immediate.
"Something happens next to you, then you can be that one that can bridge the gap for that five minutes and that often times can be the difference between life or death," said Baker.
This new law means thousands more people in the state who can save a life in an emergency situation.
"It's a circle of life, so to speak, and it all starts with the initial aspect of CPR. So CPR, boom, paramedics, and then to the hospital. And all of that combined gives that person a chance to wake up tomorrow," said Baker.
