Stony Brook Medicine held a hands-only CPR training day at Stony Brook University’s Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on September 7. Nearly 1,000 individuals, from children to seniors, attended to learn CPR.

Nearly 1,000 volunteers of all ages learned hands-only CPR at LaValle Stadium.

Assembled in long rows around the entire football field were 258 mannequins. The participants used these devices to learn hands-only CPR.

This technique involves pushing hard and fast in rhythmic motion in the center of a victim’s chest. A large video screen on the field provided instruction for those learning the technique.

“The chance of someone’s survival is tripled when hands-only CPR is administered quickly and effectively,” said Edward Stapleton, Associate Professor and Director of Pre-hospital Education, Department of Emergency Medicine in the School of Medicine, and Director of the hands-only CPR event. “Our event has given so many in our community the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill.”

Organized by Stony Brook Medicine, the hands-only CPR training day received support from the Suffolk County Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services; the Stony Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corp. The Louis J. Acompora Memorial Foundation, and Cardiac Science which provided the mannequins.