Benefits of Getting a CPR Certification 

CPR certification is a beneficial skill that could have a life-saving impact on someone you know or love. For this reason, being CPR certified is a requirement for many jobs or professions, including those in healthcare, education, or hospitality.

However, getting certified requires taking a class and paying a specific amount in fees. Therefore, it can be hard to justify if it’s worth going through everything to become CPR certified. But the truth is, CRP is a critical technique that everyone should know how to do.

What Is CPR?

CPR is the abbreviation for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. If someone were to suffer from cardiac arrest (when the heart stops beating or beats too slowly to circulate blood), CPR can be administered.

When CPR is administered, the victim’s chance of survival can double or even triple. For that reason, CPR is an invaluable skill that saves thousands of lives each year.

While CPR is a relatively easy skill to learn, obtaining certification is important. Not only does it enhance the safety of the victim, but it also gives you tools to know what needs to be done in an emergency.

What Are the Different Types of CPR

There are two main types of CPR you’ll learn in certification class – hands-only CPR and CPR with rescue breaths. Hands-only CPR requires chest compressions, while CPR with rescue breaths involves a combination of compressions and breath. During CPR training, you will learn how to do both techniques.

Benefits of Getting a CPR Certification

It Saves Lives

This benefit may be obvious, but it’s so important that it bears repeating: the number one reason to get CPR certified is that you’ll be able to save lives. Emergencies happen when you least expect them. And giving CPR to a friend, loved one, or even a stranger can be the difference between life and death. However, it’s important to know how to properly do the technique so that you improve their chance of survival.

It Buys the Person Time

Medical professionals should always be called in an emergency – even if you are administering CPR. However, it can take time for emergency services to reach you and the victim. For people suffering from cardiac arrest, waiting for a few minutes for them to arrive could have dire consequences. Without CPR, they may have long-lasting brain damage even if they do survive.

Therefore, giving them CPR until the rescuers arrive can severely improve their chances of surviving. That’s because CPR helps to circulate blood and oxygen to the brain. Without a consistent stream of blood flow, the brain will not receive enough oxygen in order to function.

It Gives You Confidence

When an emergency arises, it can feel overwhelming to know what to do in that exact situation. Part of CPR certification is equipping you with the knowledge of how to act in a state of crisis. That way, you’ll be prepared for whatever happens.

It Increases Your Employment Opportunities

As mentioned earlier, CPR certification is a prerequisite for many jobs in healthcare, education, or food and service. While some companies provide this as part of their training, others require you to have it while applying. If you already have CPR certification, you may have a competitive advantage over other applicants for the position.

How to Earn a CPR Certification

Now that you know the benefits of getting CPR certified, let’s talk about how you can go about getting certification.

Determine the Type of CPR Class to Take

There are so many different types of CPR classes. In addition to regular CPR certification classes for adults, you may also choose to specialize in pediatric CPR. There are also classes catering specifically to healthcare professionals and emergency service responders.

Nowadays, classes can be offered in-person, online, or a blended setting. This makes it easy fit certification into your schedule. However, keep in mind that most institutes require an in-person demonstration in order to get certified.

Look for an Accredited Institute

You should also make sure you’re booking with an accredited institute. The most common place to take CPR classes is with the American Red Cross. They offer training and certification across the country and in all formats. In some cases, your local hospital, community center, or fire department may offer certification courses.

Take the Class

The duration of the class largely depends on the format and course type. Basic CPR classes can be completed in just a few hours (in a classroom or online). However, more in-depth classes may take several days.

Classes usually involve a mixture of lectures and hands-on practice. If you are taking an in-person or blended class, you will usually have the chance to practice on a dummy.

Pass the Certification Test

In order to become fully certified in CPR, you’ll need to pass an exam at the end of your course. This is usually a written exam or multiple choice test to prove what you have learned in your class.

To be certified, you will likely need to demonstrate CPR on a dummy. This means you need to join an in-person or blended learning class (online learning may not come with certification).

Renew Certification When Needed

CPR certification usually only lasts for two years. You can always re-take a course to stay up to date on the latest skills and techniques.

CPR certification is a small but important step that could make a life-changing impact on someone’s life. It can help you identify the difference between a heart attack and a panic attack and to administer help in an emergency. In addition to learning CPR, there are other first aid techniques that may come in handy during your lifetime. This includes Mental Health First Aid (or MHFA). Becoming MHFA certified can also help you deal with people suffering from urgent mental health issues. It’s just another life-saving technique that everyone in the world should know!