About 720 people became certified in performing CPR and using automated external defibrillators at the second annual GatorSavers event Saturday.
Jon Duff, an owner of Florida Heartsaver Center for CPR and Safety Training, said the event also taught people how to relieve choking and what the signs and symptoms of a heart attack are.
“The whole idea is that this is for people who wouldn’t normally take a CPR class,” Duff said.
People could become CPR and AED-certified by watching a video from the American Heart Association. They performed CPR on mannequins, and instructors helped attendees use proper techniques.
“I think the video is a fun way to gain knowledge about CPR certification,” said Jessie Cohen, president of Gators Bleed Orange and Blue and a 21-year-old UF English and advertising senior.
At the end of each session, participants received printed certificates from the American Heart Association.
People who attended the event could also sign up for bone marrow, organ and tissue registries. LifeSouth Community Blood Centers hosted a blood drive.
Maggie Tucker, an American Heart Association CPR instructor, said Saturday’s event was a collaboration of Florida Heartsaver, LifeSouth and Gators Bleed Orange and Blue. Forty-four American Heart Association instructors attended.
“Everyone showed up,” Tucker said. “It all came together. That’s the exciting part.”
She said 508 people attended the event last year. Next year, the organizations are hoping for 1,000 people.
Chris Roberts, an 18-year-old UF information systems freshman, said a person never knows when he or she will need to save a life.
“It’s good to know in case someone needs CPR,” Roberts said.
