REMS provides free CPR training for Texas Two-Step initiative

Rice Emergency Medical Services (REMS) and Baylor College of Medicine trained 81 people to perform hands-only CPR Feb. 24 as part of the Texas Two-Step initiative to educate communities around the state about the importance of manual chest compressions for cardiopulmonary resuscitation while waiting for medical professionals to arrive. The two-step process entails calling 911 and then beginning hands-only CPR by pushing hard and fast on the center of the recipient’s chest until help arrives. For three hours volunteers from REMS and Baylor gave free 10-minute hands-on instruction sessions to members of the community who stopped by the training site in the Central Quad near Brochstein Pavilion. REMS members Austin Cao and Gabriela Barrios organized the event. For a schedule of CPR classes that REMS offers regularly on campus, visit rems.rice.edu/CPR. (Photos by Austin Cao)