So it’s that time of year again… CPR Training. Great. Another day wasted with bad videos and boring instructors. Pass me the toothpicks so that I can jam them under my eyelids to keep them open! Does this sound familiar?
Unfortunately, CPR and First Aid training are right up there on the fun scale with extended dental work and cleaning up after a sick dog. How does that happen? It’s true that people are much more likely to tell their friends about the most tedious, boring, and monotonous class they just sat through than one that was just marginal.
If you draw the short straw and are in charge of choosing a CPR class for your office, here’s how to pick a great class and become the hero of your peers.
1) Make sure the company routinely does onsite training. This way, you can get recertified right at your office. Less driving, less work lost, and an environment that is comfortable for you staff. Get references.
2) Find out how long the class is going to take and how long the certification will be valid for. Don’t make your people sit through an all day training for a 1 year certification. You can cut down their time and agony by going through a company that gives 2 year certifications.
3) Ask how many manikins they will bring. If the ratio is 3 people to 1 manikin (3:1), run! 2:1 is acceptable, 1:1 is ideal. Why? More manikins = more individual practice = shorter class = everyone thinks you’re the hero.
4) The instructor ratio must be low as well. Just as with the manikins, more instructors = shorter class. A good rule of thumb is 8 students to 1 instructor or less.
5) Finally, make sure that the instructors themselves have actually performed CPR on a real person before. Actual life experience makes all the difference.
That doesn’t seem so bad, does it? Just follow these tips and you’ll be the office hero!
