When a life is at stake, the ability to act quickly can make all the difference. In that spirit, USJ, as part of its strategy and crisis management plan, organized an intensive training program in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid, accredited by the American Heart Association (AHA). The sessions took place at the MEDSIM - Ralph Audi Medical Simulation Center - USJ Faculty of Medicine on the Medical Sciences Campus.
Held on March 26, 30, and 31, and April 1, 2026, the program brought together around fifty participants from across all USJ campuses, including the Rectorate, the Bibliothèque Orientale (Oriental Library), and the University for All, reflecting the University’s commitment to supporting its entire community. Chosen as primary responders within the emergency response chain, participants were invited to prepare through an official American Heart Association e-book, giving them the essential theoretical knowledge ahead of the practical sessions. This thoughtful approach helped make the training both rigorous and effective.
The program combined theory with hands-on experience. Participants followed instructional videos and learned from certified American Heart Association instructors from Hôtel-Dieu de France, before moving into intensive hands-on exercises. In front of the training mannequins, each movement was repeated, refined, and practiced until it became second nature.
They were trained in CPR for adults, children, and infants, the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED), how to respond to choking, bleeding, fainting, and other critical situations. Comprehensive and well structured, the training exposed participants to a wide range of medical and environmental emergencies. Beyond technical skills, it also helped build the mindset needed in moments of crisis: staying calm, reacting quickly, and taking action when every second matters.
At the end of the program, participants received a joint certification from USJ and the American Heart Association, recognizing their ability to provide first aid and respond effectively in emergencies. They now join the community of certified AHA responders, ready to step in when it matters most.
At a time marked by multiple crises, when systems are often under pressure, initiatives like this are especially meaningful. Training members of the university community to save lives is a powerful investment in solidarity and preparedness. By placing the safety of its community at the heart of its priorities, especially in times of crisis, USJ continues to uphold its mission and values. Its crisis management strategy already includes a comprehensive online guide, safety measures, emergency numbers, and clear response procedures. Because beyond every technique learned lies one simple truth: in an emergency, anyone can be the person who makes the difference.
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Read also: Apprendre à intervenir quand la vie ne tient qu’à un geste