How to Teach CPR

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) involves giving chest compressions and artificial respiration to a victim who has undergone cardiac or respiratory arrest. CPR can save lives, and CPR instructors have the ability to teach laypeople and medical professionals how to perform this life-saving procedure. As a CPR instructor, it is important to make your students feel confident in their ability to successfully perform CPR if the situation presents itself.

Things You'll Need

• CPR curriculum
• CPR manikins
• Alcohol swabs

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Instructions

• 1

  Read through a CPR curriculum (such as the one available through the American Heart Association). Follow the teaching methods described in the curriculum as closely as possible, as they are based on instructional research.

• 2

  Begin the first lesson with a story of a time that you or someone you know used CPR effectively. This will give students an introduction to CPR and inspire them to take the instruction seriously.

• 3

  Explain why CPR is necessary and how it helps. This will enable students to understand the concepts behind the techniques they are learning.

• 4

  Describe the process of CPR step-by-step. Hand out any materials that the curriculum provides during this time, including a write-up of the instructions.

• 5

  Give students time to practice CPR as a class, making sure that they include steps that are often overlooked, such as calling for help before beginning, assessing the safety of the situation, and identifying those who would benefit from CPR, which is valuable in a situation that impacts several people, such as a car accident.

• 6

  Examine each student performing CPR on a manikin, and give individual feedback as needed.

• 7

  Encourage students to ask questions about anything they have learned.

• 8

  Give your students your contact information and encourage them to get in touch with you if they have any additional questions or feedback about the course.