AED and CPR Training

AED and CPR training courses can be completed in only a few hours, but the skills learned could save a life. While CPR and AED certification is often required by certain employers, the training is open to anyone interested.

Identification

• CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a means of manually pumping blood and oxygen through the body of an individual who has suffered from cardiac arrest. CPR respondents administer rescue breaths and chest compressions to the victim of the heart attack. AEDs, or automatic external defibrillators, check for abnormal heart rhythms and instruct the user if CPR or defibrillation (a shock intended to regulate the heart rhythm) is needed.

Benefits

• CPR alone generally does not resuscitate victims of heart attack, but it allows more time for them to receive defibrillation and other medical care that can be life-saving.

Where

• Classes are offered at many local chapters of the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. There are also vendors who offer certification online. A CPR and AED training course can completed in about 5 hours, and certification lasts one year.

Requirements

• Caregivers, health-care workers, and individuals who work with children or the elderly are often required to maintain current CPR and AED certification as a condition of employment.

Who

• While some professionals have to maintain certification, there are no prerequisites for CPR and AED training courses. Anyone interested can enroll and learn skills that could save a life. Some organizations also offer pediatric CPR courses for babysitters.