GatorCPR gives students free, discounted CPR training

Seventy percent of Americans feel powerless to act when a cardiac emergency occurs, according to the American Heart Association.

Many feel this way because they don’t know CPR or have forgotten how to do it.

GatorCPR, a new organization in Gainesville, is trying to change this figure.

The organization is taking a unique approach to CPR training, said Clay Gibbons, the director of sales & marketing for GatorCPR.

Along with providing CPR courses to certify UF students, the organization has a nonprofit foundation, HeartSafe City. The goal of the nonprofit is to train people in CPR for little to no cost.

“We’re bringing something new into Gainesville with our nonprofit,” Gibbons said. “We want to train as many people as we possibly can in our community.”

Gibbons, who is also the chairman of HeartSafe City, said the new approach offers the best of both worlds: Students who need to be certified can take GatorCPR classes, and students who just want to learn basic skills can be taught through HeartSafe City.

The goal is to train at least 2,000 people this year, Gibbons said.

HeartSafe City will give away free training by holding large events where UF students, faculty and staff can learn CPR.

Students who complete a CPR course with GatorCPR receive certification from American Heart Association that lasts two years, said Jason Wilhem, the director of operations for the organization.

Students have discounted prices ranging from about $35 to $69 depending on the course.

The organization draws in a variety of students, but the biggest pull is health science majors, Wilhem said.

Although discounted or free CPR has attracted many students, non-health science majors often feel they don’t need to learn it.

Emily Rodriguez, a 20-year-old geology junior, has heard about GatorCPR but said she is not interested.

“It’s not something I need every day,” she said. “It wouldn’t hurt to learn it, but I wouldn’t go out of my way.”

Maggie Schweitzer, a 21-year-old public relations senior who is certified as a CPR instructor, said it is important to counteract the indifferent attitudes many students feel about CPR.

Doing so could save a life.

When someone goes into cardiac arrest, the response from bystanders can affect the chance of that person’s survival, she said.

“I could go down at any minute,” she said. “I want to know a student could help me.”

Schweitzer said educating students about the importance of CPR and first aid is key to changing attitudes.

“This is the Gator Nation,” she said. “The more Gators who are trained, the better it is for our community and our country.”