The fourth annual CPR Challenge will be held at Carmichael Recreation Center Nov.20.  The event is in memory of former professor Dale Sayers, who passed away from a heart attack in 2004. Campus Recreations decided it would be an appropriate way to honor the distinguished professor and his family, which is actively involved in the event. The goal of the event is to raise awareness by increasing the number of CPR certifications and saving lives.

The cost of the event is $20 for students and $30 for nonstudents. Each session is five hours; the first class begins at 9:00 a.m., the second at 1:00 p.m. and the final session starts at 6:00 p.m. Registration will be offered before each section, which allows students and nonstudents alike to register right before the session begins. Assistant Director of Special Events Peter Koutroumpis said, “The cost of the event is far cheaper than if participants were to get certified through another program.”  Alternative classes can cost up to $50, and with registration before each session it is very accessible for participants.  

The event is a joint effort between the University and the American Red Cross.  Participants have the opportunity to get either certified or  re-certified in CPR and first aid. The event is open to both students and the community.

Faran Dulberg, special events administrator and CPR certified lifeguard, believes the ability to perform CPR is an invaluable quality to have.  

“You never know when something is going to happen, whether it be on campus or driving; it is just a good skill to have,” Dulberg said.  CPR certification has become more common in today’s society.  

The certification process allows people to not only have the ability to save lives, but helps them out  as they are looking for a job. Being certified in CPR also looks good on a resume. Certification shows how individuals are constantly seeking to gain more knowledge that is not only useful to them, but to others as well, Koutroumpis said.

Koutroumpis said during last year’s event 65 people participated in the challenge. The goal for this year is for participant involvement to reach 100.  This year’s event has been condensed into one day, opposed to the two-day schedule in the past. Condensing the event to one day allows students to attend any of the three sessions to take the CPR class, the first aid class or both, Dulberg said.   The University and the American Red Cross are trying to make it more convenient for people to attend by offering three sessions throughout the day. CPR skills are taught and practiced in the classroom and there is a written multiple choice test at the end.

In the recent years the American Red Cross has made progress in making the classes more participant-friendly and the learning process has become simplified. The Red Cross is stressing the importance of timing. Koutroumpis said in recent history, the class has become more focused and less intimidating.  

“Our main goal is to put away the fear of people not getting involved,” Koutroumpis said. “They [people who are certified] will be more comfortable in being the prime person acting or giving support.”