Following the Damar Hamlin incident, Caitlin Rush, associate director of the Career Resource Center in the School of Management, came up with the idea for the class, which was led by Karen Mayfield, assistant director of student employee development in UB Athletics.

“We put our minds together and came up with providing a knowledge course, so people are aware that they are capable of doing the skills, that they don't have to have that certification, but just so that they know what they're doing if they're faced with the CPR situation,” Mayfield said.

Troy Lubanski (left), aquatics coordinator and a lifeguard instructor, demonstrates proper hand placement before starting CPR compressions for Tom Symonds, assistant athletic director for development.

Lee Bemiller (left), assistant director for internships and experiential learning at the Career Resource Center, and Sharon Sanford, associate athletic director for recreation and sports management, practice CPR compressions.

Mayfield was pleased with the turnout for the class, which included faculty, staff and students. “I hope that this [class] makes them more comfortable with some knowledge and skill so that they can do it if they have to.”