The Farmington City Council Monday night moved the community one step closer to having virtually all high school graduates trained in lifesaving skills.

Officials unanimously passed a resolution that recognizes the importance of education in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use of automatic external defibrillators (AEDs) as a requirement for high school graduation. Farmington Hills officials have already passed a similar measure.

While it stops short of demanding Farmington Public Schools officials implement the class, the resolution affirms that the requirement would "increase the overall safety of all those who reside in or visit our community."

Farmington Hills Councilman Ken Massey, who has spearheaded the effort to get both cities and the school district behind the training, told Farmington officials the survival rate for someone who has a heart attack outside of a hospital is, at best, 8 percent. In communities where CPR/AED training is required of high school students, that rate skyrockets to 20 percent to 25 percent.

"The fact is, all of us rely on one another," Massey said. "If I have a cardiac event here and now, I'm looking to you ... to help me with that."

Massey said one out of seven people will watch someone collapse because of a cardiac event, and chances are 85 percent that person will be a friend or family member. He said people who have taken CPR classes he taught said they came because they had witnessed an event and "felt helpless."

Communities that require the training have also seen a reduction in heart attacks, because they have also learned how to prevent and recognize the early the stages of heart disease.

Six states have mandated CPR/AED training for high school graduates; 36 other states are considering legislation, Massey said. No Michigan school districts require it.

"I'd actually like to see our school district lead on this one in the state of Michigan," he said.

Councilman David Wright, who suggested both councils set aside money next year to support the training, asked what the holdup has been in getting the training approved.

Massey said the big issue has been covering the costs of what would be a mandated course, including instructors, teaching resources and time. He said Botsford Hospital has offered to supply required equipment, and Farmington Hills Fire Department could provide trained instructors. In addition, grants may be available through the American Red Cross and other organizations.

Massey said his involvement with CPR classes as a young man led him to an area of research that has become his lifelong career, which could be another benefit. He said he would like to include not only public school students but also those in private schools and those taught at home.

"It's the right thing to do for our communities," Massey said. "We will see better outcomes ... for our citizens."