SPRINGFIELD – According to the American Heart Association, women are 27% less likely than men to receive bystander CPR, often due to hesitation or misconceptions about performing aid. To address this, State Senator Laura Ellman is championing a new initiative at improving CPR training in Illinois school.

“Students should feel confident stepping in during an emergency, no matter who needs help,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “When someone’s life is on the line, hesitation can cost everything. More inclusive, realistic CPR training helps people act quickly and save lives.”

House Bill 4788 would require secondary schools to provide CPR training using both breasted and non-breasted manikins, including through the use of chest covers, ensuring students have the opportunity to practice on both. The requirement would begin in the 2029–2030 school year.

Current Illinois law requires CPR and AED instruction in schools but does not require practice on both types of manikins, something advocates say is critical for addressing disparities in emergency response. House Bill 4788 would address this disparity by better preparing students to respond to all individuals in cardiac emergencies.

“Mandating that Illinois high school students train with anatomically accurate manikins will bring parity to bystander CPR and will save lives,” said Maura Hirschauer (D-Batvia). “It was an honor to work with Naperville High School student, Ashlynn Goldstein, to bring this life-saving policy forward.”

House Bill 4788 passed the Senate Education Committee on Tuesday and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.