The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of the American Red Cross (ARC) Responding to Emergencies course on college students' perceived ability and willingness to perform lifesaving skills in emergency situations.  A total of 214 male and female undergraduate college students who were enrolled in 12 classes of the ARC Responding to Emergencies course at a midwestern university completed pretest and posttest surveys.  Surveys were completed prior to instruction and on  completion of the course and skills training (approximately 8 weeks later).  Results showed that the course was highly effective in improving students' perceived self-efficacy in performing lifesaving skills.  Pretest-posttest differences were significant for all items on the self-efficacy subscales except the outcome values for rescue breathing and control for severe bleeding.  The course was also effective in reducing the impact of barriers on students' willingness to perform lifesaving skills.  In addition, the course increased students' perceived efficacy expectations, outcome expectations, and outcome values in performing lifesaving skills and thus has the potential to increase emergency response rates of persons trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.  Program implications and recommendations for future studies are offered.  
Journal of Health Education. 1999;30(4):235-241.