The first year athletic training students (ATS) in ATC 221 Clinical Skills in Athletic Training began the unit on basic life support today. In this unit, they will learn the skills to manage a cardiac and/or breathing emergency including CPR, rescue breathing, using an AED and other lifesaving devices.
The two Spring 2014 sections of ATC 221 are taught by Dr. Tona Hetzler, Kristin Tivener and graduate assistants Kristian Stewart and Amanda Cooper. Following the guidance of these instructors, today the students learned how to perform chest compressions, deliver rescue breaths and deliver abdominal thrusts.
In order to gain a better understanding of the rate of chest compression required to perform adequate CPR, the class practiced to the beat of the popular Bee Jees song, Stayin’ Alive.
With the song in the back of their heads, many students took an opportunity to pose in their best John Travolta disco impersonation!
At the conclusion of the term, these students will have the opportunity to take a practical exam in order to become certified in Professional Rescuer CPR. All athletic training students and certified athletic trainers maintain this certification through annual re-certification courses.
Great work first year athletic training students!