Florida State Board of Education is now requiring all public school employees who transport students to be CPR and First Aid certified.  This decision comes as a result of a student who died on school bus in 2018 and no one was qualified to helped.

The current rule requires drivers and attendants be provided instructions, in writing, as to any special conditions or non-medical care that a specific student may need while on the bus.

Passing of this amendment now mandates that certified CPR and first aid training be required for all school bus operators and attendants, in addition to written instructions for students with special needs.

According to the new rule: “The operator and attendant shall be provided certified cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid training along with other required pre service training prior to transporting students, and shall receive CPR and first aid refresher in-service training at least biennially.”

Drivers have until November 1, 2020 to complete the training.