To act or not act! That is the question. Maybe Shakespeare is a little dramatic, but it gets to the root question we have to ask. Do we or don’t we help in an emergency? Even before the outbreak of COVID-19 this was an essential thought process in deciding to help someone in distress, but today helping can literally mean life or death for some if they contract the virus.

What do we do? The answer is train for the worst-case scenario. First aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training are helpful methods of obtaining the practice and confidence to deal with a life-threating situation, but due to safety precautions, it might have been difficult until now. As we have shifted regular academics online, the Student Rec & Wellness Center (SRWC) is currently offering socially distanced first aid, CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training virtually so you can still learn the required skills and get certified from home.

How does it work? Simply sign up online using our SRWCGO web service, choose the monthly course date that best fits your schedule and pay for your class. After you complete the registration, you will be given information on free mannequin pickup and a link to your pre-course online video practice. Those that pass the course are given American Red Cross certification in first aid, CPR and AED for two years. The course also has been updated to touch base on how to rescue if you suspect an individual might have contracted COVID-19.

What are you waiting for? Sign up today and reserve your spot! For more information on this course, please contact SRWC Aquatics and Safety Coordinator Michael Freeman via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by using the contact form on asirecreation.org.

We hope you all continue to have a happy and healthy semester, and as always, Go Beach!