According to the American Heart Association, about 80 percent of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in private residential settings. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation can mean the difference between life and death for someone who has just experienced traumatic or accidental injury that has stopped his heart or breathing. Anyone can learn CPR, but there are requirements that a person must meet before becoming CPR certified.
Attending Class
The first requirement for becoming CPR certified is attending a class offered by someone that has become a CPR class facilitator. The class takes about ½ a day, and you will be taught the steps of performing CPR on an adult, child and infant. According to the American Red Cross the CPR class can be tailored to fit any age or group.
During the class your instructor will verbally give you information, and you will watch a movie about the different ways to do CPR and when to call for help. The instructor will educate you about how to use an AED (automated external defibrillator). In addition, you will learn how to perform lifesaving techniques for a person who is choking.
Displaying Technique
The next requirement involves the students showing their instructor the correct way to perform CPR. This is done by using dummies made especially for CPR to be performed on them. You will show what you should do if coming across someone who has had a medical emergency and is lying unconscious.
You will display knowledge about how to perform the steps of CPR and how and when to call for help. You will show an understanding of how to open a person's airway properly if she has a neck injury or when doing rescue breathing. You will have to display an understanding of one- and two-man CPR, as well as an understanding of how to use an AED.
Testing
The final requirement for someone to become CPR certified is taking the exam. If you do not pass the exam, you cannot become CPR certified. Most instructors are thorough and will teach you the exact information you need to know to pass the test. However, there are some tricky questions on the test, so remain alert during the testing process.
