ATLANTA, GA.- (Jan. 13, 2010) – Yesterday, Sen. Valencia Seay (D-Riverdale) introduced SB 298, which would require mandatory certification in basic first aid as a graduation requirement for all Georgia students. The course, offered in eight grade and higher, will provide a standard for certification and provide an opportunity for participating students to obtain a basic, hands-on first-aid certification.
“I believe that first responders are often the people present on the scene should an accident occur. If students are armed with the education needed to protect and save lives, we are teaching our youth the value of benevolence not destruction or violence,” said Sen. Seay. “We must empower our youth with these invaluable life skills because often times the simplest bit of first-aid knowledge can become life saving and life changing.”
If passed, SB 298 will require certification through a mandatory first aid course for all students beginning in 2014. Local schools boards will be able to use volunteer instructors under the condition that they are approved by the State Board of Education and have served as a certified volunteer for organizations such as the American Red Cross.
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Sen. Valencia Seay represents the 34th Senate District, which includes parts of Clayton and Fayette Counties. She can be reached at her office at 404.656.5095 or by email at valencia.seay@senate.ga.gov.
For Immediate Release:
January 13, 2010
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
Natalie.strong@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028