CPR First Aid Training: How Long Do CPR Classes Take?

CPR First Aid Training: How Long Do CPR Classes Take?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used to revive individuals who have stopped breathing or whose heart has stopped beating. This technique involves compressing the chest and providing rescue breaths to keep oxygen flowing to the brain and other vital organs.

CPR can help buy time until emergency medical professionals arrive or until the individual can be transported to a hospital. Knowing this technique can be the difference between life and death in an emergency situation, and that's why it's important to get certified.

CPR certification courses equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to perform CPR correctly and confidently, making them better prepared to save a life. In this article, we’ll cover some of the most frequently asked questions about CPR.

Where Can I Get CPR Certified?

There are various places where you can get CPR certified. The American Red Cross offers CPR certification courses both in-person and online. These courses teach individuals how to perform CPR and respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies. The American Heart Association also offers CPR and first aid courses and provides a Course Locator tool on their website to help you find courses near you. Additionally, you can ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have taken CPR classes and choose a reliable training provider that offers both in-person and online certification courses.

How Long Is CPR and BLS training?

The length of CPR training can vary depending on the course and level of certification. For instance, the Red Cross offers various CPR courses that range from 2 hours to 5 hours long. The basic CPR and AED course is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours long, while the CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers course is about 5 hours long.

The American Heart Association (AHA) also offers CPR courses of different lengths, ranging from 2 hours to 6 hours long. The AHA’s Basic Life Support (BLS) course takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete, and the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) course is around 12 to 16 hours long.

What All Is Involved in a CPR Class?

A CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) class typically involves learning how to perform chest compressions and rescue breathing on adults, children, and infants who are not breathing and have no pulse. CPR training also includes learning how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to help revive someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest.

Depending on the course, CPR classes may also cover first aid techniques like treating wounds, burns, and poisoning. The content of a CPR class can be tailored to the needs of the students and always has hands-on training.

One great thing about the CPR classes designed for the general public is how versatile they are. You can add a First Aid module to your course and learn about treating abrasions, burns, poisoning, and more. You can remove Pediatric CPR Training to streamline the class to your needs.

How Old Do You Have To Be To Be CPR Certified?

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), there is no minimum age requirement for learning CPR, as the ability to perform CPR is based more on body strength than age. Studies have shown that children as young as nine years old can learn and retain CPR skills. However, many children at that age may not yet have the strength to perform an adequate chest compression on an adult. AHA recommends speaking with an AHA Instructor or Training Center if you have any concerns.

The American Red Cross also offers CPR classes, which are designed for the way you live and learn, with options available on weekdays and weekends, plus online, instructor-led, and blended learning course formats.

Therefore, the minimum age requirement for CPR certification may vary depending on the organization providing the training. It is best to consult with the specific organization offering the training to determine their age requirements.

Do You Perform CPR if There Is a Pulse?

According to the Mayo Clinic, if you are well-trained and confident in your ability, you should check to see if there is a pulse and breathing. If there is no pulse or breathing within 10 seconds, you should begin chest compressions. Therefore, if there is a pulse, you should not perform CPR.

However, it is important to note that checking for a pulse can be difficult and that pulse checks are not always accurate. The American Heart Association recommends that untrained bystanders who witness a sudden cardiac arrest should not check for a pulse but instead begin hands-only CPR immediately.

How often should you switch chest compressors to avoid fatigue? According to the latest basic life support guidelines from the American Heart Association, rescuers should switch chest compression providers at least every 2 minutes, depending on their fatigue during CPR, to prevent the loss of effective compressions and minimize interruptions of chest compressions.

Do You Need BLS if You Have ACLS?

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), ACLS certification builds on the fundamental skills of BLS (Basic Life Support) and emphasizes the importance of continuous, high-quality CPR. Students who take ACLS are expected to already know BLS, but the AHA does not require them to have a current BLS certification. However, it is important to note that some medical licenses may require BLS certification, even if you have ACLS certification.

Therefore, while the AHA does not require BLS certification if you have ACLS, it is possible that your medical license or employer may require BLS certification. It is best to check with your employer or state licensing board to determine specific requirements for your situation.