CPR Training and You
Should I get CPR training?
Yes, you should get CPR training! Every year, thousands of people have a cardiac arrest.
This is when the heart stops beating. It happens at home or in other places outside
of a hospital. Most people who have cardiac arrest die before they reach the hospital, but CPR
can greatly increase their chances of surviving. Unfortunately, few people who have
cardiac arrest outside of a hospital get CPR. If you know CPR, you can help save a
life.
You may not want to do CPR because you are afraid of or uncomfortable with the rescue
breathing (sometimes called mouth-to-mouth). The American Heart Association (AHA) has
found that chest compressions only works just as well as chest compressions with rescue
breathing. This is called hands-only or compression-only CPR. Hands-only CPR is 2
simple steps: Call 911(or send someone to do it) and push hard and fast in the center of the chest (100
to 120 beats per minute). It's important to learn how to do hands-only or compression-only
CPR and help save a life.
Where to get CPR training
You can take a CPR training class online or in your area. To find a class:
Other courses
Both the AHA and the American Red Cross offer many different first aid and CPR classes. Contact
your local hospital because they have regular education and training opportunities
such as:
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Infant CPR
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Child CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator)
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Adult CPR with breaths
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Hands-only CPR, also called chest compression-only CPR and using an AED
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How to help a choking adult, child, or baby
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CPR refresher
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Babysitter or caregiver courses