Contact: Isaac Padilla
Office: 505/986.4819
Mobile: 505/264.6512
Isaac.Padilla@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jonathan’s Law Will Save Lives
Students will be Trained in Basic First Aid CPR, Use of Defibrillator
Santa Fe– A bill in honor of Belen High School student, Jonathan Madrid, became law yesterday. Senate Bill 1, also known as Jonathan’s Law, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Michael S. Sanchez (D-29- Bernalillo & Valencia) was introduced at the request of Jonathan’s family after the teen’s death last year. When he was injured in an accident, his friends did not realize the severity of his injuries because they lacked an understanding of basic first aid so they did not seek immediate medical attention for him.
The bill requires schools to teach students basic first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) and how to perform the Heimlich maneuver on choking victims. The training will become part of the health-education curriculum.
“I have known the Madrid family for many years and Jonathan was a special individual who lit up a room when he walked in,” said Sen. Sanchez. “Because of the dedication of his family, students will have the necessary training and skills needed to save lives during a medical emergency. We will all benefit from that training.”
“We want to thank everyone in our community and Sen. Sanchez for helping us take positive action after our family’s loss. We all came together and worked hard to make Jonathan’s Law a reality. Jonathan would be proud,” said the Madrid family.
The secretary of the public education department is required to develop rules to implement the law by December 31, 2016.
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