What You Need to Know Before Taking a CPR Class

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is performed on people who have stopped breathing and do not have a pulse. It is vital in life-threatening situations like a drowning accident or cardiac arrest. The aim of CPR is to compress the chest and heart so that blood can be pumped to the brain, albeit weakly. Fast action is required. If CPR is not started within two minutes of the heart stopping, brain damage can develop rapidly.

People who resist CPR training often do so because they think they don't have the time; others are simply put off by the thought of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The fact is that most CPR classes take only between one to three hours to complete and that the mouth-to-mouth is no longer considered a standard part of CPR.

With this in mind, here are some things you should know if planning on doing CPR training.

CPR is the shortest and most basic of all medical training classes. The classes are designed to their audience; the general public, for example, does not get the same training that paramedics d0. While the aims of training are relatively standardized, the actual course names may differ. Broadly speaking, the class levels are broken down as follows:

Pediatric CPR classes. If you care for children under eight, this is the CPR class for you. The resuscitation techniques are far different than that used for adults and may include proper airway clearance and the chest compression ratio for infants, toddlers, and young children. If you coach or volunteer at a school, playground, or daycare, then you definitely need to learn infant and child CPR.

Basic life support for healthcare providers. Also called CPR for professional rescuers, these classes are required for all emergency medical personnel. This class covers AED, ventilation devices, barriers to performing rescue breathing, and two-person CPR techniques. If you're planning on entering the medical field, this level of training is a must.

There are CPR training programs available at nearly all hospitals, ambulance services, fire departments, community health centers, and community colleges. However, just because CPR classes are available doesn't mean that they're the same.

In most states, no single institution or agency accredits CPR classes. As such, any commercial organization or individual can provide training and issue a card or certificate saying that you are fully accredited.

The problem with this is that most employers requiring CPR training will only accept accreditation from classes sanctioned by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association BLS Certification, or the National Safety Council. If uncertain, speak with your employer or union representative before enrolling in any CPR class.