**Please note that these training sessions are intended for non-healthcare providers. Upon completion, participants will receive a Heartsaver certification.
Columbia University Emergency Medical Service (CUEMS) in partnership with Columbia Health is piloting a no-cost CPR training to all students currently enrolled in the Morningside and Manhattanville campuses.
To register for upcoming training sessions, please visit the event listing page.
Why learn CPR?
Whether you're a future healthcare professional or someone who simply wants to be prepared when a crisis strikes, CPR can make all the difference in critical situations. According to the American Heart Association, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can double or triple the chances of survival after cardiac arrest.
Emergencies can happen anywhere - at home, in class, at work, or on the street. It’s not something you can predict, but with CPR knowledge, you can react immediately and provide critical assistance when every second counts. When someone’s heart stops beating or they stop breathing, CPR helps keep the brain and other vital organs oxygenated until medical professionals can intervene. In such emergency situations, the difference between life and death often comes down to the quick actions and capabilities of bystanders. The more people trained in CPR, the safer our community becomes. YOU could be the one who steps in and saves a life.
Our trainings
Our courses are led by experienced CPR instructors, including current CUEMS members who bring real-life expertise and passion to every session. With their background in emergency response, they provide an unmatched level of knowledge and insight that ensures you receive high-quality, hands-on training.
Our CPR training is a comprehensive 2-hour course that covers all the essential skills needed to act in an emergency:
Adult CPR & Choking: Learn the proper techniques to help an adult who is experiencing cardiac arrest or is choking.
Infant CPR & Choking: Gain the knowledge to assist a baby or young child experiencing cardiac arrest or choking.
AED (Automated External Defibrillator): Learn how to use an AED, an essential tool in restoring normal heart rhythm during cardiac arrest.
At the end of the training, you’ll receive AHA CPR certification and a CPR card, verifying that you are equipped with the necessary skills to respond confidently in an emergency.
"I highly recommend taking this class because being equipped with the skills to save a life is incredibly rewarding. The opportunity to learn these life-saving techniques is something truly valuable." - Nosakhare Iyosa, CUEMS Member and CPR instructor.
Faculty, Staff and Student Groups
For faculty, staff, and student groups, please register for your group or department using this form.
More Resources
Public Access Defibrillator Program
Instructors
Karen (she/her) oversees all day-to-day aspects and advises the student volunteer ambulance service (CUEMS); She also manages safety, compliance, and risk management training, and other related initiatives for Columbia Health. Karen is originally from Connecticut and moved to Long Island in 2019. She's passionate about EMS, Emergency Management, and teaching. She enjoys spending time with her 4 children, doing yoga, baking, going to sporting events, and reading.
Hey! My name is Hanna and I’m a sophomore in Columbia College studying Biology. I became a CPR instructor to increase access to such an important life-saving skill. Teaching CPR has allowed me to provide a middle ground between either pursuing formal medical training or no training at all! I am super excited to be a part of this opportunity, especially for the Columbia community!
“My name is Nosa (he/him) and I’m a junior at SEAS studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Ethnicity and Race Studies (CSER). I am really excited to connect with more of the Columbia Community by teaching these life saving skills for free! Outside of CUEMS and CPR, I am an RA for Columbia ResLife, one of the student reps for the Engineering Student Council (ESC), and an active member of the Space Initiative and the Board Games Club.”
Kasey Hernandez-Sexton (she/they) is a senior at Barnard College studying medical anthropology. She is very excited to support the Columbia community in getting their CPR certifications!! Outside of CUEMS and CPR, Kasey is in an a cappella group (the Metrotones), a Head Barnard Student Admissions Representative, a volunteer piano instructor, and a research assistant with the music therapy department at Mount Sinai.
Hey y’all! My name is Kaylie Musard, and I’m SEAS ‘27 studying Biomedical Engineering with a concentration in Biomechanics. I believe CPR is a skill that everyone should know and have access to. After a recent lecture on cardiac-related issues in sports, I was inspired to teach CPR myself. Outside of the classroom and ambulance, I enjoy wrestling, shopping, crocheting and spending time with my little sisters.
Hi everyone! My name is Mariah, and I’m studying Biomedical Engineering in SEAS. I’m excited to be a part of the CPR outreach program and to bring such an important, life-saving skill to the Columbia community!
Hey everyone! My name's Corey and I am a junior studying Environmental Biology. I'm from Long Island, my favorite fruit is bananas, and I love to teach CPR :)
Hi! I'm Ben and I'm studying Biomedical Engineering in SEAS Class of 2027. I wanted to become a CPR instructor because I believe that CPR is a crucial, life-saving skill that everyone on Columbia's campus should know how to do. Sign up for a class - I hope to see you there!
Hey! My name is Jonathan and I am a third year in the GS/JTS program studying Biochemistry and Ethics. My favorite sea animal is the turtle. And I enjoy teaching CPR and contributing to the safety of our community.
Hello! My name is Andrew, and I am a junior studying biology and psychology. I am excited to be a CPR instructor because CUEMS has shown me how important CPR is and how every second depends on someone being ready to act. I want to help members in our own Columbia community feel more confident and prepared to step forward and save a life. I hope to see you in class!
Hi! My name is Anyssa and I am a Junior at Barnard studying Art History/Visual Arts on the Pre-med track. Teaching CPR matters to me because it gives people clear, practical skills they can rely on under pressure. I'm excited to be a part of a program that helps make our campus and community safer. See you in class!