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How to Teach CPR Classes

It's a fact that cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, saves lives. If CPR is administered immediately and effectively, the chance of a person's survival increases twofold, the American Heart Association says. Teaching this lifesaving skill to others can be rewarding. So, how do you become an instructor and what abilities or knowledge are required to teach CPR classes?

First, you must become a qualified instructor. The American Red Cross, or ARC, and the American Heart Association are among organizations that offer regular classes on certification. In general, to pass the class you must demonstrate proficiency in the skills, agree to abide by the authorizing organization's guidelines (such as code of conduct for the ARC) and pay a fee. Chapters and organizations determine prices, but most classes cost $200 or more. Instructor classes can be completed in a day. You must be 16 or older for most certifications. Once you complete certification, you will be ready to conduct your first CPR class.

Things You'll Need

  • CPR/first aid license
  • Training site for 4 to 6 hours
  • Instruction manual
  • Practice dummies
  • Training DVD or video (plus device to play media)
  • Tests for students
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Instructions

  1. Teaching the Class

    • 1

      Preparation is key to a quality class. Obtain your instructional materials either all or in part from the organization that authorized you. Training dummies are costly to buy but can be rented or supplied along with the required materials. In most cases, the fee for these items is roughly $40 per student. You should work out arrangements with students in advance regarding pickup of materials and collection of payments and fees. Provide a room for training that is well-lighted, comfortable and has adequate facilities to use for 4 to 6 hours. Plan to arrive at the training site at least 30 minutes early, as some dummies require assembly.

    • 2

      Welcome students with enthusiasm. Introduce yourself, and explain the location of restrooms and exits. Ask students to shut off cell phones. It's a good practice to have students introduce themselves and explain why they are taking the class. Pass out course record sheets for them to sign. Discuss the need for CPR, why it's effective and how it works.

    • 3

      Explain how to identify an emergency situation, such as a heart attack or choking. Discuss the Good Samaritan Laws, which protect rights of responders. Review data on seeking consent of conscious victims. Explain how to prevent disease transmission with gloves and face shields. A brief overview of blood-borne pathogens is necessary. All students should understand these topics before you move forward. A question-and-answer format is effective.

    • 4

      A good teaching strategy is to involve as many senses as possible. Follow that line of thinking by first explaining the skills necessary to perform CPR, then showing the appropriate video segment. At this point, you should demonstrate a skill, then allow students to perform it. Do not overwhelm them by giving all the information at once. Practice one skill set at a time (such as checking for a pulse) before you move on.

    • 5

      Continue through the instructional video, using the above format of explaining, watching, demonstrating and performing. CPR classes usually also teach how to respond to choking victims. If that is included in your lesson plan, use the same format until all students display competency. Answer any questions students have. Give the written test. Have students demonstrate full CPR from start to finish, making sure they have mastered lifesaving abilities. Congratulate students and yourself on a job well done.

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