With another school year just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to get your CPR certification.
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a technique used to save the life of someone experiencing cardiac arrest. It involves a combination of chest compressions and rescue breathing (mouth-to-mouth resuscitation) to restore breathing and blood circulation and prevent damage to the brain from lack of oxygen. Everyone knows that CPR saves lives. What most don’t know is how easy it is to get CPR certified.
If you’re a teacher or staff member at a public school in the state of California, you’re required to have a CPR certification. But CPR isn’t just for the classroom. It can be used any time and anywhere someone experiences a cardiac emergency. Fortunately, getting CPR certified is a simple process that doesn’t take much time or money. If you’re in need of certification, or if several years have passed since you last took the class, here’s how to get your certification before the start of the school year.
Where to Go
There are many organizations that offer CPR training classes. You can get CPR certified from private training companies like SureFire CPR. In addition to quality CPR training, these firms typically offer a variety of other basic first aid and emergency aid classes at very reasonable prices. Many also offer online training for those unable to take the in-person training.
What You’ll Learn
Contrary to popular belief, CPR does not restart a heart that has stopped. Instead, it helps to restore breathing and circulation to keep blood flowing to the brain. CPR certification teaches you when, where and how to perform chest compressions and rescue breathing to keep the person alive until medical professionals arrive on the scene.
How Long to Get Certified
The basic CPR training class lasts approximately 3 – 4 hours. If the class includes other types of training, such as basic first aid skills, it can take longer. During the class, instructors will cover the basics of performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and you will have ample time to practice the skills you learned. At the end of the class you will receive a certificate stating you have mastered the skills necessary to perform CPR to someone having cardiac arrest.
How Long the Certificate Lasts
Your CPR training certificate is valid for two years. At that time, you can sign up to take the course again or enroll in an online class to renew your certification. Health professionals recommend immediately renewing your certification, as new tools or techniques may have been introduced into the training since your last class.
CPR training is quick and easy, and you never know when you may need to use the skills. Get your certification now so you have the skills you need to save a life – in or out of the classroom.
