Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is the best lifesaving skill that allows you to save a person’s life, especially during cardiac emergencies. According to StatPearls, coronary artery disease (CAD) itself causes roughly 610,000 deaths annually in the United States. This calls for more professionals proficient in CPR techniques, which is possible only after getting a valid certification.
Now, the question is: how to get CPR certified? With multiple options available, you may find it confusing to get started with the process. In this guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process, including other relevant details.
What is CPR Certification?
CPR certification is for professionals who complete the training course that teaches them how to perform CPR techniques correctly in an emergency. An individual who is CPR certified is trained to analyze a situation, perform chest compressions, and even administer rescue breaths if necessary. Most importantly, they know how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to revive someone in a life-threatening situation after shock indication.
CPR certification specifically includes recognizing cardiac arrest, which is a core skill. It also teaches how CPR must begin within seconds to double or triple the chances of survival.
Why is CPR Certification Important?
CPR certification makes you well-equipped with lifesaving skills for emergencies, especially in public settings. However, there are several other reasons that highlight its importance, as mentioned below:
Preparedness for Emergencies
The CPR certification prepares you to respond swiftly and effectively during serious medical emergencies. These situations often happen suddenly and outside hospitals. Examples include out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA), choking incidents, drowning, severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), electric shocks, near-drowning events, and respiratory failure caused by asthma attacks or trauma.
Immediate Intervention
You can quickly administer chest compressions, rescue breaths, or use an AED as a CPR-certified individual. It allows you to save the lives of individuals until the arrival of emergency medical personnel.
Confidence in Crisis Situations
With CPR certification, you feel more confident to handle all emergencies. This situational awareness allows you to take decisive action during emergencies and even save lives within your community.
How to Get a CPR Certification?
Knowing how to get CPR certified the right way can help you advance your career quickly and seek potential job opportunities. You can also save individuals in emergencies with the right skills. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you with the process:
Step 1: Choose a CPR Certification Provider
Make sure to choose a reputable and accredited CPR certification provider to ensure you receive high-quality training. Several well-established organizations recognized by the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross offer CPR courses. Hence, choose only those platforms that meet national standards and are recognized by employers.
Step 2: Select the Right Type of CPR Certification
CPR certifications can be categorized into Heartsaver CPR/AED (lay responders) and basic life support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers. You must always select the one that aligns with your personal or professional needs. CPR courses also vary in their focus, so analyze whether you want to learn basic techniques or get more advanced training.
Step 3: Complete CPR Training
You can start with your training sessions after selecting the training provider and the certification of your choice. Learn all the lifesaving skills and topics that equip you with the key skills to perform CPR effectively in emergencies. Currently, the online training format is the most preferable due to the flexibility it offers, especially to working professionals.
Step 4: Pass the Final Exam and Skills Check
You must also pass the certification exam to receive your CPR completion card after completing the training session. In most cases, your card will remain valid for only two years. Currently, CPR courses also require you to showcase your knowledge and skills through both practical and written assessments.
Step 5: Obtain and Maintain Your Certification
You will receive your official CPR certification card after completing your CPR training and passing the certification exam successfully. This card serves as proof that you are a trained professional who can easily perform CPR in an emergency.
What Are the Requirements for CPR Certification?
Understanding the requirements for CPR certification is the key for professionals who are looking to improve their skills in emergencies. Apart from knowing how to get CPR certified online, here are the key requirements you must be aware of:
Course Content
CPR certification courses cover key topics such as BLS techniques and cardiopulmonary resuscitation procedures, which are completely different for adults, children, and infants. This is also inclusive of the knowledge related to automated external defibrillator (AED) usage and other advanced training tools.
Training Providers
You can easily obtain CPR certification from accepted training providers and other recognized organizations like the AHA. These providers offer various training formats, such as in-person classes and online courses. This helps you accommodate your respective learning preferences and schedules.
Certification Renewal
Your CPR certification is valid for two years. Hence, you must renew your certification before the expiration date. This allows you to maintain up-to-date skills and knowledge in the healthcare field. As part of the same, you must complete another refresher course and pass an evaluation to showcase your competency in CPR techniques.
What is Covered in a CPR Certification Course?
According to the AHA, cardiac arrest victims who receive bystander CPR within just two minutes have an 81% chance of surviving and being discharged from the hospital. These people also have a 95% chance of surviving without any brain damage.
This, once again, highlights the urgent need for professionals certified in advanced CPR techniques. However, simply knowing how to get certified or the certification requirements is not enough. You must also know how to perform CPR accurately, which is mentioned in the topics covered in the certification:
Assess the Situation
Initially, you will learn how to check for signs of life safely. This involves tapping on the person’s shoulder and asking loudly if they are okay. If there is no response, you must quickly check for breathing. Next, you need to call 911 or send someone to get help right away.
Start Chest Compressions
Here are the key steps for chest compression that you will learn in a CPR certification course:
- Position the individual on their back, preferably on a firm surface.
- Kneel beside their chest.
- Put the heel of one hand on the center of the chest, over the sternum.
- Place your other hand on top and interlace your fingers.
- Lock your elbows and keep your shoulders directly over your hands.
- Push hard and fast at 100–120 compressions per minute.
- Aim for a compression depth of about 2 inches.
- Allow full chest recoil after each compression.
Rescue Breaths (if Trained)
If you are already trained in rescue breathing and have the confidence to save lives, you must proceed with the same. Start by giving two full breaths after every 30 chest compressions. Then, you can tilt the person’s head back to open the airway and pinch their nose. Place your mouth over theirs to give a breath and help the chest rise. Continue giving the chest compressions and rescue breaths in a 30:2 ratio.
Use of AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
- Turn on the AED as soon as you get it.
- Expose the chest and wipe it dry if it’s sweaty or wet.
- Attach the pads exactly as shown on the diagrams.
- Make sure no one is touching the person when the AED analyzes the heart rhythm.
- Stand clear if the AED advises a shock, and press the shock button when prompted.
- Resume CPR immediately after the shock or “no shock advised” message.
- Continue following the AED’s voice instructions until help arrives.
Continue CPR
You will also be trained to continue compressions and breaths until emergency responders arrive or the person begins to breathe or move. The course specifically emphasizes staying calm and consistent to give the person the best chance at survival.
Where to Find CPR Certification Near You
Finding a CPR certification course nearby is relatively simple, thanks to a multitude of options available locally. Here are some effective ways to locate your nearby training centers and courses:
Search Online for “CPR Certification Near Me”
One of the best and quickest ways to find CPR certification courses is to search online. You can use keywords like “CPR certification near me” or “CPR classes in [your city or state]”. This will provide you with a list of nearby training providers, course options, and even locations. Make sure to check reviews from past participants to ensure the quality of the training, including the provider’s accreditation, course availability, and schedules.
Check Hospitals, Community Centers, and Schools
Several local community centers and hospitals in the United States, especially those with emergency departments, provide CPR training as part of their respective community outreach programs. Moreover, you may also find a few colleges and universities that offer CPR training as part of their health and wellness programs. Some of them may even provide discounts for students.
Contact Providers Like American Health Care Academy for Available Courses
If you’re looking for a reputable provider, consider contacting organizations like American Health Care Academy (AHCA), which offer valid CPR certification courses. The best part is that they provide you with multiple online course options to fit your schedule.
Look for National Providers
National organizations like the American Red Cross, American Heart Association (AHA), and National Safety Council (NSC) only offer valid CPR courses at training centers across the country. Make sure that the course you chose is validated or accredited by either of these organizations. Failing to do so may lead you to pursue an invalid CPR certification.
Inquire About Group or On-Site Training
If you have a group of people or colleagues in a team who are interested in CPR certification (e.g., sports teams, employees, or students), a few training providers even offer on-site training. This can be more convenient and cost-effective, especially for organizations.
Learn How to Become CPR Certified to Transform Your Career!
The CPR certification is a lot more than just a course. It teaches you basic and advanced lifesaving skills that can make the difference between life and death in various critical situations.
When you know how to get CPR certified and why it’s important, you’re more ready to help a victim in an emergency. Quick action can always help you save a life. So, if you haven’t gotten certified yet, now is the best time to take our accredited online CPR course. It might be one of the most valuable things you ever learn, especially to save people in medical emergencies.
FAQs
1. Does CPR certification require mouth-to-mouth resuscitation?
CPR certifications generally include mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, but currently, several authorities have opined that it’s not nearly as critical as chest compressions. CPR certifications aim to teach you both procedures, but even if you are not certified and find yourself in a cardiac arrest emergency, you can perform chest compression-only CPR.
2. Can I retake my CPR certification exam until I pass?
Yes. When you easily sign up for an online CPR certification class at American Health Care Academy. Here, we make sure you leave with a CPR certification after learning all the relevant lifesaving skills. The best part is that you can complete the course at your own pace without feeling overwhelmed or pressured.
3. When will I get proof of my CPR certification?
Employers often require proof of your CPR certification. Because of this, American Health Care Academy already gives you immediate access to your credentials. All you need to do is to review your exam, print your certification, or download a digital copy to present it to your employer. This means you need not wait to prove you are CPR certified.
4 Who needs a CPR certification?
CPR certification is essential for doctors, nurses, emergency responders, and other healthcare professionals. However, it is not limited to medical roles. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrests often occur in homes, schools, and public places, and survival rates depend heavily on immediate bystander action before emergency services arrive. That means trained lay responders can make a critical difference.
