CPR Training: Your Guide to CPR Certification Online

CPR Training

According to a recent survey, only about 54 percent of Americans know how to perform CPR. Are you part of this group? If you’re not, you probably ought to look into learning this valuable skill.

For those who don’t have time to attend an in-person CPR training or course to renew a CPR certification, an online course might be a good alternative. Read on to learn more about online CPR training and the benefits it has to offer. You’ll also find some tips on how to choose the right online training program.

What Is CPR?

CPR is short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It has been around since the year 1740 and is meant to help restart the heart in those who have gone into cardiac arrest. Despite its long history, there are still a lot of people in the U.S. and worldwide who don’t know how to perform CPR correctly.

There are two versions of CPR that one can perform in the event that someone goes into cardiac arrest: chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing or compression-only CPR.

Chest Compressions and Mouth-to-Mouth Breathing

This is the method of CPR that is taught in CPR training courses, as well as to those in the medical field. It involves performing 30 chest compressions (pressing on the center of the chest in an attempt to restart the heart) followed by two breaths into the patient’s mouth.

Compression-Only CPR

As the name suggests, this method involves performing compressions only. It’s also known as hands-only CPR. It’s recommended for the general public and can be an alternative option for those who have training but who don’t want to perform mouth-to-mouth breathing on a stranger.

Benefits of Learning CPR

There are lots of reasons why a person ought to learn CPR, even if they don’t have any plans to go into the medical field. The following are some of the most noteworthy benefits you’ll experience after completing a training CPR class:

  • Increased confidence and knowledge that you can help someone in need
  • Improved leadership capabilities and the ability to take charge and remain calm in an emergency situation
  • Bolstered resume (CPR knowledge can give you a competitive edge, even when you’re applying for non-medical jobs)

If any of these benefits sound appealing to you, consider looking into a CPR class in your area. You can also register for an online course if in-person training doesn’t work with your schedule or isn’t available near you.

What’s Included in Online CPR Training?

An online CPR course will teach you everything you need to know about resuscitating someone who’s gone into cardiac arrest. Every online program is a bit different, though.

In general, you’ll cover the following subjects as you work to complete the training program:

  • How to assess a situation in which someone appears to have gone into cardiac arrest
  • The CAB method of resuscitating someone (Compressions, Airway, Breathing)
  • How to perform compressions on an adult
  • How to provide rescue breaths to an adult
  • How to perform CPR on a child
  • How to perform CPR on an infant
  • How to use an automated external defibrillator (or AED for short)
  • How to save an adult or child who’s choking
  • How to save an infant who’s choking

As you can see, online courses take you through quite a bit of information. When you complete a well-planned online course, you’ll feel confident in your ability to handle a variety of situations and assist those in need.

Benefits of Online CPR Classes

Why should you consider an online CPR class over an in-person one? Are there any advantages to a virtual CPR training course?

Here are some reasons why online classes can be just as good as, if not better than, traditional classes:

Flexibility and Convenience

When you take a course online, you get to enjoy a greater level of flexibility and convenience. You can access the course whenever you want, in most cases, so you don’t have to worry about taking time off from work or arranging childcare so you can attend in-person.

Easier Focus

The flexibility of online training can make it easier for you to focus and retain information, too. Since you’ll be able to sit down and learn at a time that’s convenient to you, you’ll be less likely to get distracted or miss important details because you’re busy worrying about other things.

Affordability

In some cases, online training is more affordable than in-person training. If you’re working with a limited budget, an online course can provide you with the knowledge you need at a lower price point.

Work at Your Own Pace

Online courses allow you to work and learn at your own pace. For those who have busy schedules or who take longer to interpret and integrate information, participating in online training will help you ensure you’re retaining important details and have the confidence to actually put your CPR skills to the test in the real world.

What to Look for in an Online CPR Certification

Okay, you’re interested in signing up for an online CPR class. How do you know which class to choose, though? How can you ensure it’ll cover everything you need to know?

The following tips can help you to narrow down your options and ensure you’re selecting the best CPR training course for your specific needs:

Course Recognition

There is not one specific governing body in charge of accrediting CPR certification courses. However, you should still do some digging to see if the course you’re thinking about taking has any kind of professional recognition.

Most courses will include information on their website that lets you know which organizations recognize or recommend their program. You can also contact the company that offers the course directly and ask them what kind of accreditation or recognition they have.

Course Materials

Not all CPR courses include the same course materials or cover the same information. Check online to see what will be covered in the course you’re considering signing up for. This will help you ensure you’re getting the specific training you want or need (especially if you’re taking the class to fulfill a job requirement).

Course Layout

Consider the layout of the CPR online course, too. How many sections does it include? How long, on average, does it take participants to complete it? Is there a practical, hands-on component to it, or does it take place completely online?

Program Interface

How easy is it for you to navigate the course interface? When you’re looking into different online courses, find out if you can see a preview or demo before you sign up.

Some companies will allow you to do this to determine whether or not it’s a good fit for you. If you’re someone who’s not particularly tech-savvy or who just wants to know exactly what you’re signing up for, this can be an excellent way to review the course.

Blended Training Options

If you’re required to complete CPR training for a job, you might need to complete a skills test in addition to passing an exam. You might also just want to do this so that you can feel confident in your CPR knowledge before you have to use it in an actual emergency situation.

Many online courses also offer a blended training option to satisfy these needs/requirements. This allows you to complete the coursework online at your own pace and then take a practical test in-person.

Some organizations also let you sign up to take the test virtually via Skype, Zoom, or another video conferencing platform. This can be a good option for those who have busy schedules and find it difficult to get to an in-person test. In the time of COVID-19, it also makes it easy for you to practice social distancing and keep yourself and others safe.

Course Reviews

Always read the reviews for an online CPR course (or any course, really) before you sign up for it. Pay attention to what past students have to say about the course and take note of any potential issues they report. You can use this information to decide if the class is a good fit for you or if you need to keep shopping around for a different option.

Pricing

Don’t forget about pricing, too. Most online CPR classes are very affordable. Find out exactly how much you’ll have to pay and what’s included in that price, though, before you settle on a specific course.

Money-Back Guarantee

You may want to find out if the course comes with a money-back guarantee, too. If you’re not satisfied or if you find out that the course doesn’t comply with your specific requirements, can you get a full refund? Check to see what the rules are surrounding this before you pay for the class.

Start Your Online CPR Class Today

Now that you know more about the benefits of learning CPR online, are you interested in signing up for CPR training? Online training can teach you everything you need to know about how to rescue someone in need. If you want to register for a course that checks all the boxes outlined above, the American CPR Care Association’s online program is the perfect option.

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