Davis Bill Improving Emergency Dispatch Training Passes Out of Police & Fire Committee

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — State Rep. Lisa Davis, D-Chicago, is working to improve the efficacy of the emergency services, moving a bill to the House floor that will ensure emergency dispatchers are trained in telecommunicator cardiopulmonary resuscitation. (T-CPR)

“Before police, fire and emergency medical personnel arrive on the scene, the first person who responds to a crisis is the 911 operator who makes the initial contact with that frantic caller,” said Davis. “When minutes and seconds can mean life or death, over-the-phone medical instruction can save lives.”

Davis’ House Bill 1697, which will require emergency dispatchers to be trained in T-CPR, recently passed out of the House Committee on Police and Fire with bipartisan support. According to the American Red Cross, in the event of a cardiac arrest, every minute CPR is delayed corresponds with a 10% decrease in the victim’s chance of survival.

“As the wife of a Chicago firefighter and supporter of first responders, I am proud that this is my first bill to make it out of a House committee,” said Davis. “I am excited to continue to have conversations with our stakeholders and ensure this legislation is passed to improve the quality of our emergency services.”