CPR classes (cardio-pulmonary resuscitation) are designed to teach the average, non-medical person to perform chest compressions on someone who has suffered a heart attack. This procedure will allow a small amount of blood to continue flowing until emergency medical personnel arrives and greatly increases the chance for survival of a heart attack victim. Most communities offer CPR training which can be accessed through a number of organizations. There are several levels of classes one can choose from and will depend on such factors as whom you are most likely to have to perform the procedure on or if it is a requirement of your job. Some of the CPR classes available include:
Standard First Aid and CPR – These classes will include basic first aid, breathing and cardiovascular situations, level A CPR, injuries to the head and spine and how to help prevent transmission of disease. This is ideal for dealing with emergencies either in the workplace or in the home, as well as for those who simply want to know how to respond to emergency situations.
CPR and Emergency First Aid – Participants will be given an overview of first aid and CPR techniques appropriate for the both the home and the workplace. You will be taught level A CPR, how to recognize and respond to cardiovascular emergencies in adults as well as how to deal with airway obstruction and breathing emergencies including choking.
CPR/AED – The specific content of these classes generally depend on the needs and background of the participants and can include levels A, B, C and HCP. Depending on legislation within the specific community where CPR classes are being taught, participants may also attain certification in the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator).
Everyone benefits from being trained in how to respond to an emergency situation. St. John’s Ambulance, The Canadian and American Red Cross as well as the Heart Associations in both countries will be able to give you information on first aid and CPR classes in your community. There are also a number of advanced and specialty CPR classes for those in the medical field or for people who work with or have infants or young children of their own. Some advanced CPR classes that may be helpful or required for specific jobs include:
- Remote and Advance Wilderness First Aid and CPR
- Marine Standard First Aid and CPR
- Workplace CPR and First Aid
Children who are 11 years or older and plan to babysit can take a babysitting course that teaches them the responsibilities of their job, basic childcare skills, safety tips and what to do in an emergency. One is never too young to start learning some basic safety skills and many schools are now beginning to bring in organizations to teach children between 5 and 12 years of age tips on safety in their homes and in their communities. Children are taught basic safety awareness, first aid, how to call for help and how to care for an injured person until medical personnel arrive. Infant and child CPR classes are typically required for anyone working with young children and should also be seriously considered by anyone who has infants or young children as well as for grandparents of these two age groups.