How to Learn CPR in Your Home

Knowing CPR can save somebody's life.

There are a number of ways to learn CPR in your home, all of which will provide you with the necessary training to administer CPR to somebody who has suffered cardiac arrest. Many organizations offer online courses, training DVDs and practice manikins, all of which can be used in your home. To become certified in CPR, you will need to take a course that has a skills session component that usually takes place outside your home.

Instructions

Learn CPR

1. Obtain CPR training materials. A number of organizations sell CPR training kits that include practice manikins. Movie rental stores may also have CPR training DVDs.

2. Watch the training video in your home and practice on the manikin. Pay attention to the specifics, such as the order of the steps, how many chest compressions to use, and how to check whether CPR is working. If the training manikin does not have sensors that provide feedback on how you are doing, it would be a good idea to do the training with somebody else so you can check each other's work.

3. Review the material periodically to ensure that you do not forget how to do CPR. You never know when you will be in an emergency situation, and it is important to always be ready.

Earn CPR Certification

1. Register for an online CPR certification course. Most courses have a fee associated with them and will accept payment by credit card.

2. Read and study all of the online materials. The CPR course will typically include reading materials, online training videos, quizzes and other components to help you learn the CPR techniques.

3. Pass the online exam after you have studied and learned the CPR techniques. Most online CPR training courses will give you two chances to pass the exam, after which point you must sign up for the course again.

4. Attend one of the skills sessions offered by the company. You may need to register in advance to reserve your spot at this session, which usually must be completed within a month after your online exam. At this skills session, you will have to demonstrate the CPR techniques you learned in your home on manikins.

Tips & Warnings

• Performing CPR incorrectly or in circumstances that do not require it could cause serious injury. The best way to ensure that you have learned the material well is to be CPR certified through a trained instructor who can check your learning.

References

• Red Cross Online
• American Heart Association: What is Family & Friends CPR Anytime?