Learn CPR! Ortiz pushes ‘Briana’s Law’

August 9, 2012 By Paula Katinas Brooklyn Daily Eagle
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All New York cops should be trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, according to Sunset Park Assemblyman Felix Ortiz, who is pushing a bill to mandate the training.

Ortiz is calling his bill “Briana’s Law” in memory of Briana Ojeda, an 11-year-old girl who died in August 2010 after suffering an asthma attack while playing in Carroll Gardens Park.

Briana’s mother was rushing her to the hospital when they were stopped by a police officer. The officer refused to administer life-saving CPR, claiming he did not know how to perform it, Ortiz said.

Briana died an hour after arriving at the hospital.

Ortiz’s bill would require that all police men and women across New York State be retrained in CPR and first aid every two years after they join the force.

“All NYPD officers learn how to administer CPR as part of their basic training and by retraining these officers every two years, New York State can ensure that all police officers are able to aide those in need of CPR. When an officer joins the force, they take an oath to serve and protect those in their community and we hold them to this oath throughout their career,” Ortiz said.

Sen. Eric Adams, the Senate sponsor of the bill, said it will save lives.

“Briana Ojeda would have been excited to begin her summer vacation before entering the eighth grade this coming September,” Adams said. “A police officer who lacked training in cardio pulmonary resuscitation is burdened to this day with the memory of the life that could have been, had he had the skill to save the asthmatic young girl. I join my colleagues today in the hopes of having this significant piece of legislation passed to ensure that the lives of many will be spared by the impact of Briana’s loss.”

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