CPR/AED Implementation Senate Bill 23-023

CPR and AED Training (Grades 9-12)

Colorado law encourages high schools to teach students hands-on CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator). This requirement comes from Senate Bill 23-023

What the law says

Schools that provide instruction in grades 9 through 12 are strongly encouraged to teach a CPR and AED training program that appears on the approved list maintained by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment's (CDPHE) Office of Cardiac Arrest Management. 

To meet this guidance, the training must: 

• Give students hands-on practice performing CPR, not just watching or reading about it
• Include instruction on how to use an AED.

Approved Training Programs

CDPHE's Office of Cardiac Arrest Management keeps an updated list of approved CPR/AED training programs schools can use to meet this guidance. 

View the list of approved curricula. 

Questions? 

Contact the Health and Wellness team for more information about implementing this training in your school or district. 

Implementation Considerations: Partnerships Supporting Direct Instruction

There are several ways schools can put this legislation into practice locally. One option is partnering with local emergency services, nonprofits, or colleges to provide direct instruction to students. Any outside organization providing instruction should work under the supervision of a licensed educator, and schools, districts, or BOCES should confirm that trainers are certified and can deliver quality instruction that meets the legislation's requirements. 

Some organizations to consider: 

• Local Emergency Services - Fire departments, police, hospitals, and emergency transport services may be able to provide hands-on CPR and AED instruction. Check what's available in your community. 
• Nonprofit Organizations - Several statewide and national nonprofits offer CPR and AED instruction for students, including the American Heart Association, American Red Cross, and the Starting Hearts Program. 
• Colleges and Universities - Local higher education institutions may offer training programs. 

Build Internal Capacity 

Schools can also build their own in-house capacity to teach CPR and AED. Consider which staff members might be well-suited to lead this instruction - health and PE teachers, school nurses, counselors, social workers, school resource officers, or other trained community members. 

National and state organizations offer training and curriculum to help school staff learn to teach CPR and AED. One approach is a "train the trainer" model, where one staff member becomes a certified instructor trainer and then trains others at the school. 

Teachers aren't required to be CPR/AED instructors, but it is recommended that they receive solid training in proper technique before teaching students. 

Training Options

Organizations like the American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer instructor certification, including online and hybrid courses.

Do you teach CPR in Colorado? Submit your program to be added to the list.

Additional Resources

• Program Resources
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Save A Life Colorado - Colorado Source for Cardiac Arrest Education. The Office of Cardiac Arrest Management is a new office within the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment established to coordinate and promote effective strategies to reduce deaths from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA).

Disclaimer: The Colorado Department of Education does not endorse or recommend any specific programs noted above. These are only examples of what some schools and districts have done across the state.