What to Expect During Your CPR Certification Training
A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certification course equips participants with life-saving skills and confidence to respond quickly to cardiac or breathing emergencies. These courses are ideal for parents, teachers, healthcare workers, and many other individuals. If you’ve never taken a CPR course before, understanding what happens throughout the training can help you make informed decisions about the type of course to take. Here’s more information on what to expect during your CPR certification training:
CPR Courses
Before registration, check the available CPR courses and choose one that aligns with your purpose or job requirements. CPR certification courses are designed for lay rescuers, first responders, healthcare providers, and instructors. Many training providers offer the Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. This course teaches high-quality CPR with and without rescue breaths for infants, children, and adults, along with AED use and choking relief during emergencies.
Individuals can also take the Heartsaver CPR and AED course to learn basic cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This course is ideal for teachers, school staff, childcare providers, or individuals whose family members are at high risk of cardiac issues. People taking this course learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Healthcare providers often take the Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) course after completing the BLS training. The ACLS course teaches advanced cardiac life support techniques. Such techniques include cardiac arrest algorithms, airway management, medication use, ECG interpretation, and team-based resuscitation skills. These professionals may also take the Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) course to learn more about caring for children in such emergencies. This course focuses on advanced pediatric life support, including CPR, respiratory and shock management, pediatric assessment, and coordinated team-based actions during emergencies. If you’re passionate about teaching life-saving skills, you can take an instructor course to teach CPR to others.
Learning Types
Instructors offer online, in-person, or blended CPR training to cater to different learning styles. For in-person classes, instructors may provide hands-on practice using mannequins. This method is ideal for individuals who prefer immediate guidance and feedback.
Online CPR classes are ideal for individuals who prefer learning at their own pace. These classes offer flexibility, allowing participants to access learning materials anytime, anywhere. Instructors offering blended CPR classes combine in-person skills training with online coursework. This option caters to busy individuals who need to meet the required professional certification requirements.
Skills Mastered
CPR training equips individuals with the skills needed to recognize cardiac arrest and other life-threatening emergencies. Common signs include sudden collapse, unresponsiveness, and abnormal or absent breathing. The goal of CPR training is to enable lay rescuers and healthcare professionals to respond quickly and effectively.
CPR courses teach participants to follow the Chain of Survival, emphasizing early recognition, prompt activation of emergency services, high-quality chest compressions, and early defibrillation. Learners are trained to perform chest compressions to help maintain blood circulation and, in appropriate settings, to provide rescue breaths as part of effective CPR. Participants also learn how to use automated external defibrillators and understand when defibrillation is needed, particularly when a person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Some courses — especially those designed for healthcare providers — include training on barrier devices and bag-valve masks (BVMs) for assisted ventilation.
Get Your CPR Certification Today
CPR is a life-saving skill for cardiac emergencies or when the victim is not breathing properly. To begin your training, prioritize a course that aligns with your goals or professional requirements and follows recognized safety guidelines. You can choose an online, in-person, or blended CPR course depending on your ideal learning style and availability. Contact a trusted, accredited training provider today to book your CPR certification training and gain confidence in responding during emergencies.
