Rick Santorum: Students Should Learn CPR Instead of Seeking Gun Laws

Former Pennsylvania senator and Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum sparked national debate after suggesting that students advocating for stricter gun laws should instead focus on learning lifesaving skills such as CPR.

During an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union in March 2018, Santorum said students should take more direct responsibility during emergencies by learning how to respond to violent situations, rather than relying solely on lawmakers to pass new legislation. He specifically pointed to CPR training as a practical skill that could help protect classmates during critical moments.

Santorum, who ran for president in both 2012 and 2016, also suggested students work to stop bullying in their communities or prepare themselves to respond effectively if faced with a violent attacker. His comments were reported by the Ottawa Citizen and quickly drew national attention.

You can read the full original coverage of his remarks Rick Santorum: Students should learn CPR, not seek gun laws

The comments came just one day after hundreds of thousands of students and supporters rallied across the United States calling for tougher gun laws. Many of the demonstrations were led by students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where 17 people were killed in a mass shooting the previous month.

Santorum argued that if the rallies were about more than politics, the country needed a broader discussion that went beyond what he described as ineffective gun laws and focused instead on individual preparedness and community action. His remarks, however, prompted significant backlash on social media, with critics accusing him of minimizing the role of legislation in preventing gun violence.

Why CPR Training Still Matters

While the debate over gun policy continues, CPR remains a critical lifesaving skill. In cardiac emergencies, immediate CPR can significantly increase survival chances before emergency responders arrive. Learning CPR equips individuals with the confidence and ability to act when seconds matter most.

Those interested in gaining these skills can explore CPR and AED training courses in Winnipeg, which provide hands-on instruction for responding to cardiac and breathing emergencies in schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

Learn More: CPR & First Aid Training in Winnipeg

Learning CPR and first aid equips individuals with practical skills that can save lives during emergencies at school, work, or in the community.

About The Author

Mark Kascha

Certified First Aid Instructor Trainer with 30+ years of real-world experience, including lifeguarding, workplace emergency response, and first aid program development across Canada. Has worked with WorkSafeBC, WSIB, and Manitoba Health.

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Last reviewed: March 2026

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