IntroductionBasic life support (BLS) is a skill that many people in the community lack. Nearly 400,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year in the United States (American Heart Association, 2012), and of these, 89% of people die because they did not receive immediate CPR from a bystander (American Heart Association, 2012). In the communities of Contra Costa County, California, several towns have experienced tragedies involving teenagers who died from sudden cardiac death and lack of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or use of life support. a defibrillator. In December 2009, 15-year-old Dairus Jones of Pittsburgh High School died after suffering a sudden cardiac arrest on the basketball court (Darius Jones Foundation, 2011), and in January 2010, Calvary Christian student Joshua Ellison Academy, 15, of El Sobrante, died after collapsing during a basketball game (Contra Costa Times, 2010). ProblemDespite the fact that between May 2009 and February 2010, in Contra Costa County alone, there were 9 sudden cardiac arrests among children and youth, there is no standard program in place at the school for young people and their parents to learn vital CPR skills. The youngest was 10 years old and the oldest 17 years old, resulting in 4 deaths and 5 lives saved (Darius Jones Foundation, 2011). In each case, there was a direct correlation between the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by bystanders and the children who survived. The American Heart Association provides ample evidence for the need for change by recognizing that sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death. (2012). These deaths affect both adult victims and children. Statistics also show that 70% of people feel helpless during a heart attack...... middle of paper ...... ng cause of death. In Contra Costa County, from 2009 to 2010, 9 sudden cardiac arrests occurred in children. Survival rates and deaths of young people were a direct correlation with the use of CPR. Several factors are linked to a bystander's reluctance to perform CPR on victims. These factors contribute to the death of 89% of victims. The proposed change will introduce CPR training into Contra Costa County schools. By educating teachers, students and parents about the benefits of CPR and providing basic CPR training tools, the 70% of people who feel helpless during a cardiac emergency will decrease. The use of social media tools, such as YouTube, allows a wider population to receive education. Overall, by allowing the project in schools, the number of people who are afraid and/or unwilling to perform CPR will increase and thus improve their chances of survival...