CPR Certification Courses

Heart attacks and other serious medical conditions can strike without any warning. Knowing how to perform CPR -- or cardiopulmonary resuscitation -- may mean the difference between life and death. It is important to learn CPR through a certifiable organization such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

Where to Go

• Though there are plenty of books, videos and websites that provide information on how to perform CPR, it is highly recommended to obtain a CPR certification through a certified organization such as the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association. To find a CPR certification course near you, visit either the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association website, enter your zip code and choose the location closest to you.

What to Expect

• In most cases, you can choose to learn CPR, first aid and an automated external defibrillator (AED) all in one course. First aid topics of instruction include treating a variety of injuries and how to manage sudden illnesses and accidents such as a stroke, seizure, poisonous bites or choking. In addition, you will learn how to perform emergency procedures on children, as well. The information is taught via a certified instructor using a variety of methods including videos, hands-on training, workbook exercises and tests/quizzes.

Additional Advice

• Upon completion of the course, you receive a CPR certification card that you can place in your wallet or purse. CPR certification is valid for two years for both the American Red Cross and American Heart Association. In order to renew your certification, you must sign up for a recertification course with the organization that provided you with your original certification. Often, this entails a short refresher course to provide any mandated changes to CPR guidelines as well as a recertification test.