Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid certification is often required for workers such as daycare personnel, school employees, and rescue and medical personnel. Parents, individuals and other employers also often seek out courses to ensure that they are prepared in the event of an emergency situation. Courses are typically readily available in most communities throughout the U.S.
Identification
CPR is an emergency procedure delivered to cardiac arrest victims. CPR combines rescue breathing and chest compressions, a process intended to keep blood flowing to the brain and heart until normal function resumes, according to the American Heart Association. First aid courses cover recognition of and emergency procedures for several conditions including shock, wounds, poisoning, head injuries and seizures. Both CPR and first aid training are intended to prepare students to treat victims until professional medical help arrives.
Types
Course offerings include standard first aid, infant and child CPR and adult CPR with automated external defibrillator (AED). The American Heart Association and the American Red Cross both offer combinations of courses and individual courses. Upon request, additional training can also be added to your classes, including procedures for dealing with "bloodborne pathogens, oxygen administration and injury prevention," according to the American Red Cross.
Location
The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association provide links to local classes on their websites. Both organizations offer traditional classroom courses as well as blended classes that combine web-based learning with hands-on classroom practice and skill testing. Web-based CPR and first aid courses are available through other providers as well, but not all courses will meet the certification requirements of all employers. Before signing up for a CPR or first aid course for work or career purposes, check with your employer or regulator to make sure the course is approved.
Certification
Both CPR and first aid courses lead to a temporary certificate. A first aid certificate awarded by the American Heart Association is valid for two years, while the American Red Cross first aid certificate is good for three years. Infant and child CPR certificates and adult CPR with AED certificates awarded by the American Red Cross expire after one year. CPR certificates awarded by the American Heart Association are valid for two years.
Considerations
Outside of on-the-job requirements, a certification in CPR and first aid does not obligate you to perform these emergency procedures in public. You are obligated, however, to continue CPR once you've started it until emergency personnel arrives. According to the University of Washington School of Medicine, there is no record of any case of HIV being transmitted during CPR, and CPR doubles the survival chances of a cardiac arrest victim.
