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How do I Learn How to Perform CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving method that is used in emergency situations where a person's heart has ceased beating or the victim has stopped breathing. The procedure can provide valuable time by promoting circulation and breathing until emergency responders arrive. CPR mixes chest compressions with rescue breathing.
A person wanting to learn how to perform CPR can get in touch with a local chapter of the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Nonprofit organizations offer CPR training at a variety of times for a fee. Courses are often taught by certified instructors in association with top medical and educational authorities. Instructors may use a variety of methods to teach CPR including videos, handouts, and demonstrations on mannequins that represent adults and infants to enhance proper methods for executing CPR. Training classes for CPR may also be available throughout your community – a CPR class may be offered at local schools, community colleges, hospitals, or fire departments.
Training courses typically are about three hours long for a single session and usually cover how to perform CPR on adults, infants, and children. Students may receive individualized instruction and have any questions answered by professionals. Training usually concludes with a written exam and a practical exam where the student is required to properly demonstrate CPR techniques on training mannequins. Upon successful completion of training, participants will often receive a certificate proving they are CPR certified.
Another way to learn CPR is to order the Family and Friends CPR Anytime kit directly from the American Heart Association. With the kit, a person can learn how to perform CPR at home while fitting the training into one’s own schedule. The aim of the kit is to use a multiplier effect so that when one training product is purchased, it is used by more than one person to learn how to perform CPR. A kit comes with an inflatable mannequin, a CPR skills DVD, and accessories. The American Heart Association states that the kit teaches CPR in 22 minutes and can be used anywhere; however, the learning tool does not provide CPR certification.
A person can also learn how to perform CPR by taking online courses. An online search can produce numerous sites that offer CPR training. Online courses may be faster and easier than attending a live training. A person taking an online course may want to examine the training before enrolling. Online CPR courses may offer a CPR certificate but may not be endorsed by reputable agencies.
Learning CPR is a skill that a person may want to brush up on every few years. Many CPR certifications are only good for two years. Enrolling in a CPR training course every few years may help a person learn any new advances or techniques in the life-saving procedure.
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![First aid courses offer instruction in CPR.]()
By: Lisa F. YoungFirst aid courses offer instruction in CPR. -
![Responders can perform secure breathing even in the water.]()
By: Roy PedersenResponders can perform secure breathing even in the water. -
![Training mannequins are typically used when learning CPR.]()
By: Lisa F. YoungTraining mannequins are typically used when learning CPR. -
![Paramedics are trained to perform CPR.]()
By: Monkey BusinessParamedics are trained to perform CPR. -
![Medical professionals are often taught more in-depth types of rescue breathing in a class known as Basic Life Support.]()
By: Photographee.euMedical professionals are often taught more in-depth types of rescue breathing in a class known as Basic Life Support. -
![CPR training should also include how to use safety devices to avoid exposure to bloodborne pathogens.]()
By: Thomas PerkinsCPR training should also include how to use safety devices to avoid exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
Discussion Comments
@MrsPramm - I did hear about an app recently that could help with this kind of thing. It allows people who are certified in CPR to register themselves and their cellphones in a database that connects with the emergency services. Then, in an emergency, if the emergency services are quite far away, the phone of the person closest to the accident or problem can be alerted so the person can hurry there and help.
I don't know if they are actually going to be able to implement this properly, but it does give some better options for the future.
@Ana1234 - The problem is that most kids aren't going to be able to perform proper CPR because it actually takes a lot of strength to do it properly. CPR is also something that evolves quite a lot over time as new techniques are discovered and implemented, so everyone learning it in high school and never taking it again isn't going to be all that useful.
I do agree that everyone should take regular CPR courses, but I don't think it should necessarily be mandatory. Not everyone is going to be suited for it, after all.
I actually think this should be mandatory in school. I think I learned how to do it through the girl scouts or something like that. But I can't see why we wouldn't want basically every single person to know how to perform CPR if they had to. Plus it's a really good certificate to be able to list on your resume, as a lot of jobs require you to have it.
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