CPR Levels

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, refers to a technique that can revive circulation and breathing in emergencies such as heart attacks and near-drownings. Some professions, such as daycare workers, lifeguards and healthcare professionals, require CPR training. Four levels of CPR training exist.

Level A

Level A CPR training teaches people how to give CPR to adults and how to respond to adult choking. Level A classes may teach people how to use an automated external defibrillator, depending on local legislation, according to the Canadian Red Cross. Level A training takes four hours and is designed for the general public.

Level B

Level B training teaches CPR and how to respond to choking in adults, children and babies. It may teach how to use an AED, depending on local legislation. Level B training takes five hours and is designed for childcare professionals.

Level C

Level C training includes all Level B material and also teaches two-rescuer CPR for both adults and children. Level C training lasts six hours and is designed for police officers, lifeguards, firefighters, first-aid teams and other professional rescuers.

Level HCP

Level healthcare professional or HCP includes all Level C content and also teaches the use of a bag valve mask and two-person CPR for babies. Paramedics, doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals take Level HCP, which takes six hours.

Considerations

Participants must attend all class sessions and score at least 75 percent on a written exam to earn certification at each level.

References

• Canadian Red Cross: CPR/AED Course