\u201cIn my role I really want to bring as many training opportunities to our students [as possible], especially trainings that are on-site,\u201d says Jill Skowrenski, Allied Health Science\u2019s administrative lead for student placement and engagement. \u201cThe kiosk seemed like a great opportunity to quickly and centrally teach students the proper way to do CPR.\u201d<\/p>\n The kiosk provides game-like training in which users first learn about the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack. Then, they watch a demonstration of how to perform CPR. Finally, users practice themselves to the tune of the Bee Gees\u2019 \u201cStayin Alive.\u201d They receive feedback from the system on their hand location, compression, compression rate, and recoil. The program is available in both English and Spanish and with subtitles.<\/p>\n \u201cThese CPR kiosks are one of the many ways the American Heart Association wants to make sure we close the gap in bystander CPR,\u201d Lynette Coleman, AHA vice president for community impact for Connecticut, says. \u201cThe impetus was to bring it to Connecticut so we can help close that gap and the disparity of people understanding and having access to bystander CPR. We are thankful to Hartford HealthCare for supporting this important initiative.\u201d<\/p>\n The kiosk had previously been installed at Quinnipiac University, the University of St. Joseph, UConn Avery Point, and UConn Waterbury. There are plans to bring the kiosk to UConn Hartford and Stamford next year.<\/p>\n So far, the kiosk has provided training to over 10,000 people in Connecticut.<\/p>\n Coleman says university campuses have proven especially receptive to the kiosk and provide access to a diverse group of people.<\/p>\n While UConn Rescue does offer full CPR classes, these can be expensive for students. The kiosk provides a free, easily accessible alternative.<\/p>\n \u201cWe saw the opportunity to bring CPR for free to college students who typically can\u2019t afford the classes we offer,\u201d UConn Rescue president Grace Gewirtz \u201927 (CLAS) says. \u201cFor people who have never taken a [CPR] class, having the CPR kiosk, it breaks the ice a little bit and makes people more comfortable and more confident if there is an emergency.\u201d<\/p>\n The kiosk will be in the Student Union through mid-October. On Wednesday, Sept. 30 from 12 to 3 p.m., there will be an event at the kiosk with representatives from UConn Rescue, AHA, and Allied Health Sciences.<\/p>\n Student clubs are also eligible to participate in a contest hosted by UConn Rescue. The club with the highest rate of participation will receive discounts for members to take CPR classes.<\/p>\n \u201c[The kiosk] is to encourage people to move forward with the full certification when they can,\u201d Coleman says. \u201cFull certification is not just about CPR, but placing the value of CPR in the context of life-saving skills and first aid for adults, infants, and children.\u201d<\/p>\n The kiosk may also serve as an introduction for students to realize they want to pursue a career in emergency medical services.<\/p>\n \u201cThe kiosk is the hook,\u201d Zacchera says. \u201cIt sparks that interest. This is [students\u2019] time to explore opportunities.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n This work relates to CAHNR\u2019s Strategic Vision area focused on\u00a0<\/em>Enhancing Health and Well-Being Locally, Nationally, and Globally.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n![\"People](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/DSC06464-edited-1024x684.jpg\")