Level C CPR Certification

Worldwide, there are several different levels of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification available. In Canada, these levels are classified as Level A, B, C and HCP. Level C CPR certification is the standard for professional rescuers, including police, firefighters, first responders, workplace first aid teams and lifeguards.

Identification

• Level C CPR certification, also referred to as Basic Rescuer certification, courses are taught by certified first aid and CPR instructors. Level C certification covers the skills needed to recognize and respond to cardiovascular emergencies and choking in adults, children and infants, including two-rescuer adult/child CPR. Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certification is also included where legislation permits, according to the Canadian Red Cross.

Requirements

• There are no prerequisites, but the Lifesaving Society recommends that the training candidate be at least 12 years old. Professional rescuers are often required to update their current certification to remain employed. The Canadian Red Cross CPR/AED course requires full attendance and a 75 percent minimum passing grade at a written exam.

Benefits

• CPR can more than double a victim's chance of survival when provided immediately after a sudden cardiac arrest, according to the American Heart Association. Level C CPR certification training teaches you how to help victims who are choking, not breathing or have suffered sudden cardiac arrest. Skills can be applied to help adults, children and infants.

Where

• The most common places offering Level C CPR certification training are the Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance and the Lifesaving Society. But several learning academies, colleges and universities also offer CPR certification training courses led by certified instructors. Online training and certification may also be available (See Resources).

Time Frame

• Most courses take a few hours to complete. The Canadian Red Cross Level C certification course lasts about six hours. In some cases, it may take up to 24 hours after course completion to process all certified documentation.

Warning

• The Canadian Red Cross recommends CPR recertification annually, and many employers require it. In most cases, certification is good for three years. Although many workplaces may offer CPR training courses and certification, course participation, training materials and certification processing usually comes for a small fee.