CPR certification is beneficial whether you work in the medical industry or not. You never know when CPR skills or certification may be useful. The great thing about CPR certification is that it’s easy to get, and you can renew it online. Learn everything you need to know about CPR, including who benefits most from a certification, how to get certified, and how and when to recertify.
What Is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency response procedure that encourages the heart to start beating again. When performed correctly, CPR has the ability to double or triple a person’s chances of making it after their heart stops. CPR works by encouraging consistent blood flow until emergency response workers are able to make it to the patient.
CPR typically consists of mouth-to-mouth breathing paired with chest compressions for a certain period of time. Successful CPR requires training, and it’s usually best to get certified. Some medical professionals may be required to have CPR certification to work in certain fields.
Who Can Benefit From a CPR Certification?
Anyone can benefit from a CPR certification. There aren’t any career, age, or other requirements to becoming CPR certified. A CPR certification allows you to administer life-saving practices on another person if needed.
Of course, medical providers and anyone who works near patients regularly may want to consider CPR certification. Some fields that may benefit most from a CPR certification include childcare workers, physical therapists, medical billers, professional trainers, flight attendants, caregivers, or law enforcement workers.
Some workplaces may even organize group CPR certification classes. This allows all staff members to become CPR certified or renew their current certifications. Childcare centers, schools, hospitals, and medical centers can all benefit from group certifications.
How To Become CPR Certified
You can become CPR certified with the completion of an approved course. CPR certification courses are available both in person and online. While both class types are acceptable, you’ll want to make sure you choose an accredited class. Once you find a class that works with your schedule, sign up and begin learning. A few accreditations to look for when choosing a CPR certification course include CAPCE, the United States Coast Guard, AFAA, and AANA.
At the end of the training, you’ll be required to successfully pass a certification test. This test usually requires you to perform CPR on a fake subject. Some classes may also require that you complete a written test. If you pass the minimum passing grade set by your state, you now hold a CPR certification. You can file this with your human resources (HR) department or print your own copy and keep it in a safe place.
ProTrainings is a great place for CPR certification and recertification. You can choose a CPR class that best fits your needs, with options for adults, children, or all ages. To obtain CPR certification with ProTrainings, you’ll need to complete up to three hours of training, which includes videos. You can repeat the test if you don’t pass on the first try.
Once you successfully complete your CPR certification through ProTrainings, you can print out a copy for your records. All CPR certification classes through ProTrainings are nationally accredited.
How To Renew Your CPR Certification
Most CPR certification organizations require ongoing renewal. ProTrainings offers a CPR Recertification Course, which allows you to refresh your skills. You can review all of your initial training but without the timing requirements. The great thing about recertification is that it gives you the opportunity to learn about any new updates or recommendations for safer CPR administration.
It’s recommended that you renew your CPR certification every two years. This ensures that the proper practices and techniques are fresh in your mind. You can complete CPR certification online, in person, or through a blended course that combines both. For example, some people may prefer completing lessons online but practicing hands-on CPR administration in person on a dummy doll.
CPR Plus Additional Training
Investing in other emergency response classes can better help you deal with an emergency. For example, a CPR plus first aid class offers comprehensive knowledge and training that deals with a wide range of emergencies. This combined class may be a better option for team members working with medical patients.
CPR is a valuable skill, regardless of the industry in which you work. A CPR certification ensures you’re always ready to administer CPR to a person in need. You never know when you may be the only person in a room with CPR skills, so receiving your certification through an accredited school is important.
