Senator Dan Hall (R-Burnsville) presented legislation on Tuesday that would help ensure 911 operators are trained to talk callers through potentially life-saving actions. The bill, SF1638, would use resources to strengthen Minnesota’s EMS system by encouraging telephone CPR training for 911 telecommunicators.

“Cardiac incidents are serious medical emergencies,” said Senator Hall. “So, while most Minnesota dispatchers already know how to coach a bystander the fact that our state doesn’t have it as a requirement means that there are some dispatchers out there who aren’t qualified. In situations where what happens in the first minutes can mean the difference between life and death this is simply unacceptable. My legislation addresses that and ensures we’re doing our best to save lives.”

911 operators in MN are not required to be trained to coach callers through providing CPR, so many Minnesotans are surprised to learn that when they call in with an emergency. Senator Hall’s bill would close this gap and save lives by providing resources for training 911 telecommunicators in telephone CPR or requiring cardiac arrest calls to be transferred to another center whose staff are trained in telephone CPR.

“This is a life issue, and life issues are nonpartisan,” continued Sen. Hall said. “So, I’m excited to see Republicans and the Democrats work together, like we usually do, to get this done.”