Statistics reveal an alarming truth: while 65% of US citizens have undergone CPR training at some point in their life, only 18% consistently maintain their skills. This startling gap suggests that a staggering 82% of people might hesitate in a life-saving moment that requires the use of CPR.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Correctly administering CPR within a few minutes following a cardiac arrest is essential. In fact, it can double or even triple the chances of survival for the victim. This is why it is incredibly important to find a credible CPR certification course so you can confidently aid in emergencies involving cardiac arrest.
With so many CPR certification classes available, it can be challenging to figure out which one is the best. The best for your needs, your budget, and learning style, but also with a good reputation and from an accredited cpr certification organization. Here are all the things for you to consider while you look for which CPR certification class you will take.
Determine Your CPR Training Level
CPR classes are categorized into four distinct levels, A, B, C, and Basic LIfe Support. Let’s learn a bit more about each:
CPR Level A
CPR Level A serves as foundational CPR training and is often a mandatory workplace requirement for health and safety compliance. This level equips participants with essential skills in CPR, choking management, and circulatory emergencies for adults. While seemingly basic, this certification, inclusive of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage, provides adequate proficiency for most common medical emergencies encountered in home or workplace settings.
CPR Level B
CPR level B is best for individuals seeking to use CPR skills for children and infants. THis could be babysitters, nannies, parents, caregivers, and more. Children and infants require some separate guidelines for effective CPR given their differences in physiology and body size. This acts as an additional level of training, not a replacement for level A.
CPR Level C
CPR Level C covers all ages including adults, children, and infants. This is a good class for professions that require comprehensive training such as police officers, firefighters, and lifeguards.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
Basic Life Support (BLS) classes are designed for healthcare professionals, emergency responders, and other medical personnel. In this more advanced class they focus on advanced life support proficiency.
You can pick the level of CPR certification based on your personal needs.
CPR Certification Class Costs
Once you’ve determined your ideal CPR training level, the next vital consideration involves assessing the financial aspect. CPR training expenses can vary significantly depending on multiple factors including the course type, provider, and location.
Most adult only CPR classes will very between $20 and $60 while pediatric CPR classes might be between $25 and $50. If you are looking for a CPR and first aid class, you can look at spending between $50 and $90. For a BLS training course or healthcare providers, the price is going to be between $60 and $80.
With such a wide range of cost options, there is an affordable price for almost anyone. In fact, if your employer requires CPR certification, you may get it for free. Furthermore, some employers will actively encourage their staff to undergo basic CPR training for the safety of the workplace. It doesn’t hurt to ask your employer if they are willing to cover the cost.
CPR Course Format
Another important factor when deciding which CPR class to take and from who, is to consider the different course formats. CPR certification classes generally come in one of three primary formats: in-person, online, and blended.
In-person classes are facilitated by a skilled instructor that is able to demonstrate CPR techniques on dummies and provide a comprehensive learning experience in just hours. These sessions allow direct interaction and hands-on practice, ideal for those seeking practical expertise. We recommend this course format as it prepares you the best while giving your practice that instills confidence.
In contrast, online classes offer flexibility with pre-recorded video lectures and downloadable materials which accommodates more diverse schedules. It’s important to note that while online courses offer convenience, not all employers recognize certificates obtained through this format. Furthermore, without hands- on practice with feedback from an instructor, you might be doing something wrong and not know it!
If you like the idea of the convenience of an online course but would still like some hands-on training, a blended course could be a good option for you. Blended learning classes combine online modules with hand on skill training.
Given that CPR necessitates physical strength and application, we believe hands-on practice remains indispensable, making in-person sessions an invaluable aspect of comprehensive CPR training.
Course Length
The length of the course you take is going to depend on what format you choose, what class type, and the organization providing the training. Most CPR training courses will be between 2 and 5 hours, offering flexibility based on the chosen format and the depth of instruction required. It’s important to factor in these variations while selecting a course, ensuring it aligns not only with your schedule but also with your desired level of expertise and learning pace.
Accreditation of the Organization Providing the CPR Training
The fourth aspect you will want to consider when choosing which CPR class to take and from who, is whether they are accredited by esteemed health organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC). This accreditation ensures that the class you choose adheres to established CPR and ECC (Emergency Cardiovascular Care) guidelines . This ensures a standardized and comprehensive learning experience.
If your workplace mandates specific accreditation standards, prioritizing a training provider that aligns with your company’s accreditation requirements will also be important. This ensures that the acquired certification meets the specific criteria set forth by your employer, ensuring compliance and relevance to your workplace requirements.
Where to Find CPR Certification Classes
Finding a CPR class that suits your needs is simple. You can explore options for CPR training through various channels. Online searches for local CPR classes in your area often yield results from community centers, educational institutions, and dedicated training providers.
Consider visiting CPR Wesley Chapel, where you’ll find comprehensive CPR courses. The website provides detailed information about available courses including a Basic Life Support (BLS) class, a BLS CPR & AED Classes with Infant, and BLS + First Aid class. CPR Wesley Chapel is accredited by the American Heart Association and is your premier destination for quality CPR training in Wesley Chapel, Florida.
Key Takeaways
In conclusion, mastering CPR skills through a reputable certification course, such as with CPR Wesley Chapel is crucial. When looking for the right certification class for you, consider the training levels, class costs, class format, and accreditation. This comprehensive approach to finding the best accredited CPR certification class will ensure you have the skills to respond effectively to life threatening cardiac arrest related emergencies.
Questions and Answers
What are the different levels of CPR training available?
CPR training offers three levels tailored to various skill sets and audiences. The levels—A, B, C, and Basic Life Support (BLS)—serve different purposes. Level A focuses on foundational CPR skills suitable for lay rescuers, encompassing choking management, circulatory emergencies, and AED usage. Level B is specifically designed for infant CPR and AED application, catering to childcare professionals. Level C merges skills from Levels A and B, covering CPR for adults, children, and infants, and is recommended for roles like firefighters, police, and lifeguards. BLS, intended for healthcare professionals, involves more advanced CPR training.
What does CPR Level A cover?
CPR Level A serves as the most basic training in CPR, typically required at workplaces to meet health and safety standards. It includes skills related to CPR, choking, and circulatory emergencies for adults. This level also encompasses training on using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), vital in emergency situations.
Who might benefit from CPR Level B training?
CPR Level B is tailored for individuals who need CPR skills specifically for children and infants. This level is often chosen by babysitters, nannies, parents, and caregivers, as it offers guidelines and techniques specific to the age group due to physiological and size differences.
Can CPR Level C training be helpful for certain professions?
Absolutely, CPR Level C covers a comprehensive range of CPR skills for all ages, including adults, children, and infants. It’s particularly recommended for professionals in demanding roles like police officers, firefighters, and lifeguards, where comprehensive CPR training is essential for their duties.
What’s the importance of course format in CPR training?
The course format significantly impacts the learning experience. In-person sessions, led by skilled instructors, offer hands-on practice and immediate feedback, which instills confidence and practical expertise. Online classes, while flexible, might lack direct interaction and real-time guidance, potentially impacting the practical application of CPR skills. There are blended class that offer both online and in-person instruction that would be better than an online only class.
How long do CPR training courses typically last?
The duration of CPR courses can vary depending on the format, class type, and the organization providing the training. Most CPR training sessions span between 2 to 5 hours based on the chosen format and how in-depth the instruction is.
Why is accreditation an essential factor in choosing a CPR class?
Accreditation from esteemed organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) ensures that the CPR class complies with established guidelines, protocols, and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) standards. It guarantees a standardized and comprehensive learning experience, ensuring the quality and relevance of the certification. For workplaces with specific accreditation standards, choosing a provider aligned with those criteria ensures compliance and relevance to workplace requirements.