CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) –  The Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend recently put together a Hands-Only CPR training program.

The first round of training took place on Saturday, February 8 and gives individuals the opportunity to learn this life-saving skill. It has now been expanded to March 15 and April 25 as part of Race Weekend at Christie Clinic at The Fields. The session on March 15 will be on 1:00 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. and the session on April 25 will be at 4:00 p.m.

The training is free of charge and open to everyone but interested individuals must register in advance here. The event was kickstarted by 45-year-old Christie Clinic surgeon Rafael Ruggieri who suffered a cardiac arrest and was saved by his son, Isaac, who provided high-quality CPR.

“Year after year our race team continues to adapt our Race Weekend to ensure that it is accessible and safe no matter the circumstances,” said Jan Seeley, race director of the Christie Clinic Illinois Race Weekend. “With the new CPR program taking place ahead of Race Weekend, we hope to both spread awareness for the importance of knowing Hands-On CPR, as well as provide as many participants that are interested the opportunity to learn the life-saving skill.”