What to Know Before Signing Up For a CPR Class

CPR — short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation — is performed on patients who have stopped breathing and have no pulse. CPR is vital in maintaining the flow of blood to the brain and heart and can increase the duration of shock provided by a defibrillator making them more effective. If CPR is not performed quickly enough — within two minutes of the heart ceasing to beat — the likelihood of brain damage rapidly increases.

Overall, it’s estimated that 90% of people who go into cardiac arrest die before reaching a hospital due to lack of immediate assistance. If CPR is started within those crucial two minutes, the chance of survival can increase by up to 300%. While you might not think you need a CPR certification, and hopefully you will never have to use it, putting off training can leave you unprepared in the event someone does need help. This knowledge will be especially helpful in workplace environments, as you’ll likely be one of the only employees with a CPR certification. Here’s what you should know about prior to signing up for a class.

Levels of Classes

CPR training courses are available in a couple of different levels. While CPR certification is the quickest and most basic of all medical training courses, the general public won’t receive the same instruction as paramedics, for example. While most training is straight forward and standardized, these are the most common class levels available.

• • CPR for Healthcare Providers
    These CPR classes are specially designed and required for all medical personnel. In these classes ventilation devices, AED, two-person techniques, and barriers are taught and discussed. If you’re considering a career in the medical field, this type of CPR certification is what you need.

• • Adult CPR
    This is the simplest and most straight forward type of CPR certification. It will cover basic life-saving techniques as they relate to adults, teens, and children over the age of eight. This type of certification is perfect no matter what career you are invested in and can even benefit you in the event a family member needs assistance.

• • Pediatric CPR
    This type of class deals specifically with children under the age of eight. If you work with or care for small children, taking this class is recommended. Because the techniques are different, you will be taught airway clearance and proper chest compression ratio for different age groups. If you work with or around children, this CPR certification is something to consider.

Finding Classes

CPR classes can be found in many hospitals, fire stations, community centers, and colleges. However, your exact location will determine where lessons are held. Additionally, even if you have multiple options, not all classes will be the same and you’ll want to consider which is best for you before signing up.

If you’re looking to use your certification for work, most employees only accept CPR certifications from classes sanctioned by the Red Cross, the Nation Safety Council, or the American Heart Association. Speaking with your employer can help you better understand what they would accept. However, even on your own, it’s good to look at nationally accredited classes.

A CPR certification can allow you to be better prepared should someone near you go into cardiac arrest. While we certainly hope emergencies like this won’t happen, if they do, your training can help give someone a better chance of survival. When it comes down to it, CPR is about being prepared with the tools to save a life — which is something that everyone should be trained in if they want to have an advantage in emergency situations.