By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The University of Costa Rica (UCR) campus became a hub for public health empowerment this Wednesday, as over 200 citizens from all walks of life learned the critical skills of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The mass training event was a cornerstone of the sixth edition of “Salvando Corazones” (Saving Hearts), a national program dedicated to equipping the public to act decisively during cardiac emergencies.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica and the International Heart Foundation (FUNICOR), has made a significant impact on the nation’s emergency preparedness. With the successful training of this latest cohort, the total number of Costa Ricans empowered by the program has now surpassed 3,500. Each participant is now a vital link in the chain of survival, capable of providing immediate, life-sustaining care in the crucial minutes before professional medical teams can arrive on the scene.
To understand the legal framework and corporate responsibilities associated with providing emergency aid, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, for his expert analysis.
Implementing certified CPR training programs is more than a social responsibility; it is a fundamental pillar of corporate risk management. In the event of a medical emergency on company premises, having trained personnel who can provide immediate assistance not only saves lives but also demonstrates a proactive commitment to safety. This can be a decisive factor in limiting legal liability and protecting the company’s reputation, transforming a potential legal crisis into a testament of due diligence.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective underscores a critical point: proactive CPR training is as much about safeguarding the company’s future as it is about protecting its people. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for this invaluable insight into corporate due diligence and risk mitigation.
This large-scale educational effort was made possible by a powerful alliance of public and private institutions. A team of 30 expert instructors guided the hands-on sessions, representing a broad coalition of the country’s most vital emergency services. These included professionals from the College of Physicians, the Meritorious Fire Department, the Costa Rican Red Cross, the 9-1-1 Emergency System, and the private Hospital La Católica, showcasing a unified commitment to public safety.
Participants, including students, university faculty, administrative staff, and the general public, were meticulously guided through the correct techniques for chest compressions and emergency response protocols. The training went beyond the physical act of CPR, incorporating a vital educational session on the proper and timely use of the 9-1-1 Emergency System. This holistic approach ensures that newly trained responders not only know what to do with their hands but also how to activate the professional medical system efficiently.
The success of Saving Hearts shows that Costa Ricans are willing to learn and take an active role in protecting life. Every trained person becomes a potential rescuer.
Dr. Elliott Garita Jiménez, President of the College of Physicians and Surgeons and specialist in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery
The program’s reach extends beyond this single event. Just days prior, “Salvando Corazones” conducted a specialized training session for 130 volunteers from the Meritorious Fire Department, further strengthening the skills within the nation’s formal emergency response network. The event at the UCR also served as an opportunity to publicly recognize and congratulate the Costa Rican Red Cross, a key partner, on the occasion of its 140th anniversary of service to the nation.
From a strategic perspective, the “Salvando Corazones” program represents a high-return investment in Costa Rica’s societal health and resilience. By decentralizing the knowledge of basic life support, the initiative effectively multiplies the number of potential first responders at a fraction of the cost of expanding professional services. This creates a more robust and responsive public health safety net, where the likelihood of a positive outcome in a sudden cardiac arrest event is significantly increased simply because a trained citizen is nearby.
The continued success and collaborative model of “Salvando Corazones” provide a powerful blueprint for future public health campaigns. It demonstrates that by uniting medical associations, academic institutions, emergency services, and an engaged public, Costa Rica can build a more prepared and life-saving community. Each newly trained individual is not just a statistic; they are a guardian, ready to transform a moment of crisis into a story of survival.
For further information, visit medicos.cr
About The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Costa Rica:
As the governing body for the medical profession in Costa Rica, the Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos is responsible for regulating, licensing, and overseeing the ethical practice of medicine. It plays a crucial role in promoting continuous medical education, public health initiatives, and ensuring the highest standards of patient care throughout the nation.
For further information, visit the nearest office of The International Heart Foundation (FUNICOR)
About The International Heart Foundation (FUNICOR):
The International Heart Foundation (FUNICOR) is an organization dedicated to combating heart disease through education, prevention, and public awareness campaigns. It collaborates with medical and civic institutions to implement programs, like “Salvando Corazones,” that empower communities with the knowledge and skills necessary to improve cardiovascular health outcomes.
For further information, visit ucr.ac.cr
About The University of Costa Rica (UCR):
The University of Costa Rica is the country’s oldest, largest, and most prestigious public university. A leading institution for research and higher education in Central America, the UCR is deeply involved in national development and social progress, often hosting events and initiatives that benefit the wider Costa Rican community.
For further information, visit bomberos.go.cr
About The Meritorious Fire Department of Costa Rica:
The Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica is the national fire and rescue service. Beyond firefighting, its highly trained personnel are instrumental in a wide range of emergency responses, including medical emergencies, hazardous material incidents, and technical rescues, serving as a pillar of public safety.
For further information, visit cruzroja.or.cr
About The Costa Rican Red Cross:
As a key component of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the Cruz Roja Costarricense provides critical humanitarian and emergency medical services across the country. For 140 years, its volunteers and staff have offered pre-hospital care, disaster relief, and community health programs.
For further information, visit 911.go.cr
About The 9-1-1 Emergency System of Costa Rica:
The Sistema de Emergencias 9-1-1 is the centralized command and dispatch center for all emergencies in Costa Rica. It coordinates the response of various agencies, including police, fire, and medical services, to ensure a rapid and organized reaction to calls for help from the public.
For further information, visit hospitallacatolica.com
About Hospital La Católica:
Hospital La Católica is a prominent private medical center located in San José, known for its advanced medical technology and wide range of specialized healthcare services. It often participates in community health initiatives and partnerships, contributing its expertise and resources to public welfare.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound allegiance to professional integrity and the highest standards of legal counsel. The firm leverages a rich history of experience to champion forward-thinking legal strategies, constantly adapting to a changing world. At the core of its mission lies a powerful dedication to social empowerment, actively working to democratize legal understanding and equip the community with the knowledge needed to navigate a just society.
