Students are learning to save lives with free CPR certification classes being held on the Tempe campus this week.
The 3-hour classes will be held Wednesday from 6 to 9 p.m. in the Physical Education Building East in room 143, as well as on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. Students can still register but should RSVP first at usg.healthwellness@gmail.com so the proper number of dummies can be supplied.
ASU is offering the classes for students so they can get CPR-certified and learn how to save someone’s life if the situation comes up, said Anarina Murillo, the Health and Wellness director for Undergraduate Student Government.
The first hour and 15 minutes is used to lecture students on precautions of doing CPR and different scenarios that they may encounter, she said.
“[The classes make] you aware of when to give CPR and when not to give CPR,” Murillo said.
After a short break, students will divide into small groups and head to different stations that focus on CPR for adults, children and infants and CPR techniques, she said.
“I think that [the classes] will give [students] techniques that they can apply in any certain situation,” Murrillo said.
She said students have to take an individual test afterward to turn in to the instructor in order to get certified, but they are allowed to work in groups to answer some questions.
“I think a lot of students are benefiting from it. ... It helps them professionally to reach those types of goals,” Murillo said.
A total of 79 students attended the two classes on Sunday, although 110 signed up, she said. Already, up to 45 students have signed up for Wednesday and Friday.
Alexa Gold, an elementary education junior, attended the second Sunday class.
“I’m taking a nutrition, safety and education class, and I have to be certified,” Gold said. “I expect to be able to know CPR in case of an emergency in my profession someday.”
Undergraduate Student Government and the Residence Hall Association sponsored the certification classes and also coordinated the event, along with the American Medical Student Association, Student Emergency Medical Services and the Health and Counseling Student Action Committee, Murillo said.
Heart Savers Inc. provided CPR instructors and assistants at a discounted price to ASU, she said.
Diane Kidd, the office manager at Heart Savers said they provide instructors for many events at ASU, including Camp Sparky, and for the nursing program.
The classes can go over what to do when someone is choking or having signs and symptoms of a heart attack and stroke, Kidd said.
“[The classes] help people identify what the problem is,” she said.
She said more occupations are requiring workers to get CPR-certified, especially people who work at schools, with public transportation or in nursing homes.
“It helps you be more employable,” Kidd said.
Reach the reporter at reweaver@asu.edu.
