WHEREAS, Medical emergencies, overdoses, and other crises can occur at any time in City workplaces and public spaces and immediate action by trained bystanders can save lives before first responders arrive; and
WHEREAS, In Philadelphia, only approximately 23 to 28 percent of individuals experiencing out-of-hospital cardiac arrest receive bystander CPR, significantly below the national average of approximately 40 percent, limiting opportunities to save lives during emergency situations; and
WHEREAS, Health professionals and emergency response experts have determined that immediate hands-only CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival by maintaining blood flow until trained medical personnel arrive on scene; and
WHEREAS, Public awareness initiatives, including Philadelphia’s Mobile CPR Project and community-based CPR and AED education programs, have demonstrated the effectiveness of widespread emergency response training in increasing preparedness and saving lives; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia employs thousands of workers across departments who regularly interact with residents, visitors, and coworkers in public facilities, recreation centers, libraries, offices, streets, and neighborhoods throughout the City; and
WHEREAS, Providing CPR and emergency overdose awareness training to City employees would strengthen emergency preparedness, improve situational awareness, and equip workers with the knowledge and confidence necessary to respond effectively during life-threatening emergencies before first responders arrive; and
WHERAS, That the hearings shall examine training standards, costs, implementation strategies, and opportunities to improve emergency preparedness across City government.
WHEREAS, Council recognizes the importance of examining best practices, training partnerships, and resource needs associated with establishing CPR and emergency overdose awareness training opportunities for all City employees; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That the Committee on Public Safety is hereby authorized to hold hearings on the feasibility and implementation of CPR and emergency bystander awareness training for all City employees in coordination with the Philadelphia Fire Department.