1. CPR Training
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training saves many lives each year. You don't have to be a medical professional to become a cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiac care provider. Getting certified in CPR is as simple as registering for a course and taking time out from your busy schedule to learn and practice. Your place of employment or your religious organization may offer CPR training courses from time to time. Or, contact your local chapter of the American Red Cross to find classes in your area. It takes about 8 hours (or longer, depending on the depth of study and training) to complete CPR training and receive certification.
2. Opt for Online Training
You can get CPR training online if you are not able to attend an in-person class. Most online courses provide basic instruction through video demonstrations and explanatory course material. Then they offer opportunities for live demonstrations and hands-on practice. A representative visits a class location and offers practice with a mannequin.
3. Learn to Use a Defibrillators
Some CPR courses provide instruction and practice in using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Many businesses and religious organizations have at least one AED available for emergency situations. In CPR training, you may learn how to use one of these machines to revive a person in the midst of a breathing or cardiac emergency such as a heart attack.
4. Hands-On
Red Cross training in CPR classes gives you opportunities to practice reviving a person and restoring breathing manually. In order to pass the CPR course, you must be able to show proper technique in using your hands to pump a person's heart back to active beating. You must also be able to show proper mouth-to-mouth resuscitation techniques. The CPR training instructor provides mannequins for practice. Instruction materials are provided for you to take home, and real-life scenarios are played out after all course material has been taught. You must demonstrate with the mannequin that you understand emergency care techniques before you earn certification in CPR.
5. First Aid Training Combined
A certified CPR instructor may offer additional basic training in emergency care for injuries. An approved first aid course requires about 2 hours of additional instruction along with an in-house CPR training certification program. Basic first aid instruction in such things as stabilizing broken bones and stopping bleeding may be combined during a day of learning emergency cardiac care. Certification in CPR, emergency cardiac care and first aid training is good for 2 years. You must take a refresher course to renew your certification.
