University of Colorado emergency management director Stu Pike knows he can’t anticipate a medical emergency on campus.

But he can help make sure as many students, faculty and staff as possible are trained in basic first aid and CPR so that if they see a person in distress, they’ll know what to do until emergency responders arrive.

Pike has a standing offer for students and employees at CU — spend the time learning CPR , first aid and how to use an automatic external defibrillator, and he will foot most of the bill.

“It’s chaos theory,” Pike said. “None of us can predict what’s going to happen or where it will happen. If we can get this sprinkling of capability out there, who knows, we might save a life.”

The eight-hour classes offered by CU’s recreation center typically cost $75 per person. But Pike decided last year to start using some of his emergency management budget to bring that cost down to $10.

So far, his offer is working.

CU’s recreation center, which used to cancel CPR classes because of low enrollment, offered the course over the summer for the first time because of increased demand.

The recreation center also doubled the number of courses it offers in the fall semester, and even those filled up quickly.

“It’s having a phenomenal impact,” said Nicole LaRocque, assistant director of fitness and wellness at the recreation center. “Our fall classes maxed out before the semester began. Most of them have waiting lists. We had to add another class and we already have people inquiring.”

The classes, taught by CU students, are good for a two-year American Red Cross certification, she said. Participants learn about burns, broken bones, head and neck injuries and cuts. They also learn how to respond in cardiac and breathing emergencies

LaRocque said she thinks faculty and staff are especially interested in the training because they feel responsible for the well-being of students they work with daily.

“Because we work with students, we want to create a safe environment,” she said. “It really fits hand-in-hand with (Pike’s) goal of having our campus prepared.”

Though he hopes no one ever has to use their first aid or CPR training, Pike said he tries to prepare for the worst — it’s his job.

If more students and employees are comfortable responding in an emergency before professional responders arrive, Pike said he can sleep a bit easier.

“The idea is then we have people with first aid knowledge on campus and if someone needs help, we have a student or faculty member or staff person right there who can respond quickly,” he said.

Contact Camera Staff Writer Sarah Kuta at 303-473-1106 or kutas@dailycamera.com