For the Applied Research, Evaluation, & Engagement team, much of their work focuses on generating insights that can improve lives. Over the past few years, that has included contributing to research related to care for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. But recently, the team took a step beyond analysis and into action.
Noticing that many team members weren’t up to date on CPR, the group hit pause on their usual every-other-week meeting and swapped it for something more hands-on: CPR training.
The session, led by Duke University EMS, a student-run organization serving the Duke community, gave the team a chance to learn (and practice) essential, life-saving skills. Three Duke undergraduates facilitated the training, bringing energy and expertise that kept the session engaging from start to finish.
Marissa Personette, Senior Evaluation and Applied Research Associate, was one of the team members to join the session and stated, “Duke’s CPR training was fun and really engaging, especially since I work on research projects related to cardiac arrest. It was a great way to connect what I do every day to real-life impact, while also building confidence in my ability to respond in an emergency! I would recommend this training to anyone!
Beyond the practical skills, the training doubled as a strong team-building moment and the experience brought focus, connection, and a shared sense of purpose.