Governor Signs Lifesaving Telecommunicator CPR Policy into Law
Tuesday, June 7th, 2022
Governor Kemp signed a lifesaving policy known as Telecommunicator CPR (T-CPR) into law. The legislation had previously passed both houses of the Georgia Legislature.
The bill ensures that dispatchers in Georgia are trained in how to provide 911 callers with step-by-step CPR instructions over the phone, enabling bystanders to become lifesavers while awaiting EMS arrival. The legislation is supported by the American Heart Association, the world’s leading nonprofit organization focused on heart and brain health for all.
“I am pleased that Senate Bill 505 – Telecommunicator Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation was signed into law by Governor Kemp. Senate Bill 505 is an extremely important piece of legislation because it is not only good for someone who already knows CPR, but also for someone who does not. In a moment of panic, we all may need someone to help guide us through the CPR process in order to save a life.” said Senator Robertson, bill sponsor.
During cardiac arrest – the unexpected loss of heart function – only about 1 in 10 victims survive. Successful resuscitation of victims requires an immediate response to improve their chance of survival. Telecommunicators, including emergency dispatchers and 911 operators, can be lifesaving coaches when seconds matter.
“T-CPR saved my life,” said Terry Lewis, American Heart Association advocate and cardiac event survivor. “My 911 dispatcher was able to guide my wife through the steps of CPR, which kept my heart beating for the eight minutes it took for the first responders to arrive. T-CPR now being signed into law as a statewide policy, is going to save the lives of thousands of Georgians. I would like to thank the Georgia Legislature and Governor Kemp for their support of this important life-saving legislation.”
“This is a momentous day,” said Laura Bracci, Georgia Government Relations Director for the American Heart Association. “Lives will be saved as a result of this law, and we certainly thank Governor Kemp and all the volunteers and legislators who have championed this bill all along.”
