Texas Border Business
By Joey Gomez
McALLEN, Texas – South Texas College Continuing Education and Workforce Development are offering free CPR, Basic Life Support and first aid courses which are set to take place every weekend throughout the summer.
Registration is open to anyone in the community including healthcare professionals, police officers and community members who seek training to help save lives in emergency situations.
“This is an opportunity for those in our community to learn life-saving skills,” said Xenia Munoz, Continuing Education program developer and coordinator. “Emergencies can happen anywhere, so knowing these skills can make a critical difference especially when waiting for emergency responders to arrive.”
The free CPR courses are funded by a $100,000 grant from Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, which has partnered with STC for the last three years.
Those who complete the one-day course will receive a certification from the American Heart Association (AHA). Munoz said Continuing Education is on a mission to get at least 800 certified by AHA over the summer and during the fall.
Taunya Vega, who was recently accepted into STC’s Pharmacy Technician program, enrolled in STC’s CPR training to fulfill a program requirement while gaining valuable lifesaving skills.
Vega said the training provides confidence and preparedness to respond during emergencies, whether in public or at home with loved ones.
“I definitely encourage people to look into these classes and take them. Not only are these skills beneficial in public emergencies, but they can also help assist family and friends at home,” Vega said. “It’s a good skill to have because it prepares you to stay calm and offer help in situations that can be very frightening for everyone involved. At least with training, we know we can manage these situations until additional help arrives.”
Offering the courses aligns with STC’s mission to serve the community. Munoz said the college aims to make an impact in people’s lives while providing a service that empowers individuals to respond in the event of an emergency.
“We encourage the community and students to come out and take advantage of this free opportunity,” Munoz said. “Remember, the skills you learn today can help save the life of a friend or family member.”
For more information or to register for any Continuing Education and Workforce Development CPR courses available throughout the summer, visit southtexascollege.edu/cpit/courses/industry/health-care/.
