CPR training agencies have multiplied in number in the recent years due to the exploding demand. Thousands of agencies have cropped up which offer a variety of training materials and training methods. Someone looking to enroll for a class needs to know the basics of what these agencies offer to make a better decision of choosing the right CPR training class. The choice of a CPR class is mainly dependent on the reason for enrollment. You could be looking to either learn “how to administer CPR” or simply get a certification.
I want to get a certification. That’s it!
Well, a large number of people want to enroll for CPR classes only for the sake of a certification. Most hospitals and healthcare organizations require their employees to have basic knowledge regarding First-Aid, CPR and AED. A person looking for a certification to just get employment in such organizations, has endless options of classes to choose from.
A simple “CPR class” search on Google will fetch a long list of agencies and a variety of training classes for enrollment. However an overwhelming majority of these online agencies have absolutely no standards in granting a certification. They are there to just make money. These agencies may provide a handbook on CPR and conduct an online test before granting a certification. As a matter of fact, a large number of them just hand over a certification for simply registering for the course and paying the fees.
Nonetheless, whether the employing organization will accept the certification from a particular online agency or not is completely at their discretion. Therefore, it is better to know which certifications they accept beforehand, if possible.
I want to learn to administer CPR
It is impossible to learn CPR without some actual practice in the presence of an instructor. The actual practice is done on a mannequin in a CPR class. Only some agencies go to the lengths of providing a mannequin and an experienced instructor to train the students. When I say experienced instructor, he should be someone who has had hands-on experience of administering a CPR. Having someone who has worked as a paramedic or a nurse is the best bet. Likewise, the classes which require their students to demonstrate competence in CPR administration, for awarding a certification are trustworthy.
Various hospitals and EMS providers conduct weekend CPR classes, which are, more often than not, quite good too. But, generally they do not offer certifications for attending their classes.
Remember to ask these questions before enrolling for a CPR class.
- Is hands-on training available?
- Is there a mannequin available on which you can perform chest compressions? Will each student get one to practice?
- Is the instructor experienced?
- What was the nature of his previous job? Did he have the opportunity to perform CPR?
- How rigorous is the training?
- Are there any tests for awarding the certification at the end of the training?
I want to learn as well as get a CPR certification
The certifications awarded by various CPR classes are not valid universally. Whether a certification is considered valid is purely at the discretion of the person and/or the organization asking for it. Overall, there are only 2 organizations whose certifications are widely, if not universally, accepted. They are American Heart Association and American Red Cross. These organizations are known for their excellent training programs. On the other hand, depending on your location, they may not have year-round classes. It is therefore recommended to check for their class schedules in advance.