ECSU registered nurse offers CPR classes
Kesha Williams
June 14, 2011
One in four Americans say they have been in a situation where someone needed CPR, according to the American Red Cross. To prepare people for such an emergency, Student Health Services at Elizabeth City State University will offer CPR-First Aid certification and recertification classes.
Gloria Brown, a registered nurse with Student Health Services, is available to conduct classes for the public in addition to university faculty, staff and students. The classes should be arranged by appointment at least one week prior to desired instruction date.
"It is important for everyone to possess this knowledge in order to extend the life of a family member, a co-worker or even a stranger in the event of an emergency," Brown said. "These classes will provide you with basic knowledge of cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the hands-on skill to provide it."
Classes for ECSU faculty, staff and students can be arranged during regular business hours, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays. Classes for the public and community organizations may be arranged at local churches or at community centers after 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The cost of the class is $25 per person, which is due at the start of each session. Payment may be made by cash or check. The sessions last four to eight hours, depending on whether it is for certification or recertification.
"If someone is being certified for the first time, participants can expect an eight-hour session. If it is a recertification, expect a four-hour session," Brown said. "The eight-hour class includes more films, which extends the amount of time needed," she explained. "If you haven’t had the training in the last three to four years, sign up for the basic course which lasts eight hours."
In this class, Brown teaches participants how to do chest compressions, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, CPR on adults and children and first aid techniques intended to stop bleeding, as well as lessons on bandaging a broken limb and first aid for burns. After completing the class, participants receive a certificate that is good for two years. A minimum of 10 participants is needed for each class, with a maximum of 25 participants.
"CPR training is something everyone should know," Brown said. "It may be that a son, daughter or a stranger needs basic life support assistance until paramedics arrive. You could be the one who saves someone’s life at any given moment."
To schedule a class, contact Gloria Brown, RN, at ECSU Student Health Services, (252) 335-3521 or gmbrown@mail.ecsu.edu