UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - The Greater Utica Area American Heart Association is throwing their support behind a bill that would require all students to receive basic CPR training before graduating high school.

Students would learn CPR skills in either a health class or during a free period, such as study hall. The training is not to be confused with obtaining a CPR certification, which is the protocol for EMTs and health care professionals.

The goal is to teach students the basics so they are able to first respond in an emergency situation and sustain a life until paramedics arrive on the scene.

Thanks to new CPR kits, teaching students the skills are easier than ever before because the days of blowing air into a dummy are over.

"We are not talking about breathing and chest compressions," says Dr. Frank Dubeck, President of the Greater Utica Area American Heart Association. "There have been changes in the recommendations for CPR and it is now recognized that hands-only CPR, no breathing, is as effective as the standard way."

The CPR kits cost about $27 and include a blow-up dummy students can practice chest compressions on.

The bill is currently on the floor of the house and senate.