Joanna Frye

Managing Editor

Stark Recreation is offering CPR certification training for students and the community during the 2015-2016 academic year.

There are two sessions that will take place in the fall and spring semesters. The five-hour course is sponsored by the American Red Cross. The cost is $40 for a two-year certification.

"Learning CPR is a basic skill that young people need to have. It can help in certain situations, whether you are walking down the street, in the workplace or working with children. You will have that basic knowledge to save a person's life. Once you complete the course, you will be certified in CPR< how to use an automatic external defibrillator machine and in first-aid," said LeAnn Alexander, director of campus recreation and primary instructor.

Having this certification can literally save a person's life.

"I got certified last December, because it was required at our high school before graduating. Since I became certified, I have been in a situation where I needed to use CPR. We were at my grandparents' house, and my grandpa fell out. He could not breathe for a minute. My whole family knows CPR, so we were taking turns with trying to get him to come back. It only took about seven minutes for him to recover afterwards, but it seemed like forever," said K.C. Hutcherson, a freshman and culinary arts major.

"CPR is a vital link to the cardiac chain survivor. CPR supplies oxygen to the vital organs of the body to keep them running until someone can come along to give more advanced medical care. I know a lot of people are afraid to get involved in a an emergency, but your knowledge could save somebody's life. The life you help save could be some one that you love or someone who is total stranger. Either way, it is a win-win situation," said Joy Garrison, personal trainer.

The community and students are welcome to take these classes.