Adult CPR Certification

CPR training is offered in many affordable classes around the world.

Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a method of reviving another person's heart and lung function. CPR involves a timed series of "pumps" or chest compressions and "rescue breaths" to stimulate oxygen circulation. The goal of CPR is not that the victim regains consciousness, but that enough circulation continues to prevent cell death from beginning before medical assistance arrives. CPR is performed differently on adults than it is on children and infants.

How It Works

ExternChest compressions mimic the heart's natural pumping, allowing blood to flow through it as designed.

The combination of rescue breaths and chest compressions performed in CPR is designed to mimic the body's natural oxygen circulation system, where oxygen enters the body through breathing. The breath you blow into the mouth of the victim contains enough oxygen to sustain 20-40 percent of normal circulation. Chest compressions mimic the natural function of the pumping heart. When you press down on the victim's chest, you are manually compressing their heart. When you release the pressure, the heart expands. By using external force to compress and expand the heart, the blood flows as it normally would.

Training

CPR mannequins require the same pressure and force that a person would.

CPR training involves learning the proper sequence for chest compressions and rescue breaths, and live practice on a CPR mannequin. The mannequin is designed to mimic the weight, size and resistance you will experience when performing CPR on a person. An instructor closely observes you and has you repeat the sequence many times. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association both offer CPR certification classes around the country at hospitals and community centers. These courses are typically several hours long and cost between $20 and $35.

Certification

Certification in CPR is your proof that you have received up-to-date training in proper CPR administration. Certification is required for many professionals, including camp counselors, athletic instructors and others who work in situations where emergency medical services may not be immediately available.

Staying Current

CPR certification lasts only one to two years, so you should expect to take a CPR course on a near-annual basis to keep the knowledge fresh and your certification up-to-date.

Further Study

First aid and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training is frequently offered along with CPR training, adding some time and cost to the class.

Warning

Online CPR and first aid training is available, but for you to be ready to help a victim, supervised training on a CPR mannequin is necessary. Online training is useful for continued education about the uses and function of CPR and to stay up-to-date on changes in the approved method, but you should not rely on it alone for CPR training.

References

• American Red Cross: Get Trainedf
• CPR Dude: What is CPR

Resources

• The American Red Cross: Adult CPR Training
• The American Heart Association: Find a CPR Class