Pediatric CPR Certification

Lifeguards need to be trained in CPR methods.

Certification for pediatric cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a common requirement for teachers, lifeguards, community workers, daycare providers and firefighters. Most CPR classes are divided into adult and child/infant. Some courses certify all three at once, but they usually cost more and can last from six to eight hours. Pediatric CPR classes range from four to six hours. The certification process of any CPR class is the same. The only difference for pediatric CPR techniques involves the age-specific method taught.

Function

CPR was invented by Peter Safer in the late 1950s. When an individual is suffering from heart failure or ceases to breathe independently, CPR plays three major roles that increase the chances of survival to 40 percent if applied in a timely manner. CPR opens airways, allows oxygen to enter the body and promotes circulation of the blood. The CPR technique functions to resuscitate a dying individual and is altered slightly depending on the age of the person.

Types

Getting oxygen into the infant's body is crucial.

Professionals who predominantly work with children are required to become certified in pediatric CPR. Pediatric CPR has two techniques, depending on if the person is a child or infant. Infants are defined as under 1 year of age, and children are under the age of 8. The anatomic differences in children from infants require a more delicate procedure that prevents harming an infant while administering CPR. Infants have smaller bodies, so their brains run out of oxygen more quickly. The instructor will emphasize the importance of supplying oxygen to infants rather than chest compressions that promote circulation. Chest compressions for infants are carried out using the pressure of two fingers in the center of the chest just below the nipples. For children, chest compressions are carried out with the heel of one hand.

Certified vs. Non-certified CPR

The pediatric CPR class you take must be accredited and meet your employer's approval. Your CPR certification needs to be updated every year or two depending on which organization you take the class with. The Red Cross offers one-year certification, while the American Heart Association usually offers two-year certification. An instructor certified to teach CPR is key to learning CPR for job-related purposes. Generally, a red flag that the class may not be certified is the cost. Non-certified classes are much less expensive than certified classes. If you are not sure, you can always ask for the credentials of the instructor. This will save unnecessary delays in becoming certified.

Where to Find Instruction

Many organizations provide certified pediatric CPR instruction. Some employers provide pediatric CPR instruction to employees through the company. If your employer does not provide CPR certification, you can check with your local Red Cross chapters. The American Heart Association also provides certified instruction. The Girl Scouts provides certification to members at discounted rates. You can always check your local directories for private organizations that offer pediatric CPR.

Online Certification

Certified pediatric CPR instruction is available online. Many companies offer CPR instruction through video instruction. These classes are usually less expensive than live classes. Make sure that your employer will accept certification through online methods. The classes are comprehensive and require a test at the end before a certificate can be mailed to you. The benefit of online instruction is the convenience of being able to be certified within hours of purchasing the class. Finding an opening in a live class can take months at a time.

References

• American Red Cross: CPR instruction
• American Heart Association: CPR Instruction
• University of Washington: Learn CPR Infant
• University of Washington: Learn CPR Child

Resources

• First Aid Web: How CPR works