How to Learn CPR & Infant CPR

Be prepared to save an infant's life with CPR.

If you properly administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately to a victim of cardiac arrest, you will double his chances of survival, according to the American Heart Association. Yet, without training it is nearly impossible to accomplish the task. Fortunately, you have options to help you learn CPR and infant CPR.

Instructions

1. Locate a CPR class that is accredited by either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Go to the website for the AHA or ARC using the links in Resources and type in your zip code to find available classes in your area. Courses will include instructions for administering CPR to infants, children and adults.

2. Register for a class that fits in with your schedule and make a note of the date and time. Pay the required fee. Fees vary, but many fall in the $25-to-$35 range.

3. Attend the class and participate in all instructional and "hands-on" activities. Ask questions for clarification as needed. Classes last an average of two hours.

4. Request take-home informational materials, such as a pamphlet outlining the steps of CPR, so that you may review the procedure at home. Obtain a dated card that states that you have completed the CPR course. It should be signed by an instructor certified through the AHA or ARC, and it should include the seal of the AHA or ARC to validate it.

Tips & Warnings

• If you live in small town, contact your local Emergency Medical Services (EMT) office and ask if it offers CPR classes.

• If you have taken a CPR course before and you just need a refresher, you can opt watch a video or read about it in a book or online. If you have never been trained in CPR before, you should take an AHA- or ARC-accredited class so that you can learn "hands-on" how to perform this life-saving act.

• Other groups provide CPR classes too. Sometimes these are private organizations. If you choose one of these, make sure to check out the credentials of the instructor. He should have a certification from the AHA or the ARC that he can show you if needed. Both of these organizations are nationally recognized and accepted providers of CPR training courses.

References

• Mayo Clinic: CPR
• Safety Trainers: FAQs

Resources

• American Red Cross: Preparing and Getting Trained
• American Heart Association: ECC Class Connector