Do you remember that office party where Joe fell and everyone was in a panic? Even the janitor has a LinkedIn account, but no one knows Para CPR & First Aid. Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, despite awkward chuckles and other funny things that may happen to you in the future, is not something to be left to chance. This could mean the difference between a life-saving operation and a somber memo in your office.
You’re considering getting certified. You’re doing great! CPR training not only makes you a superhero (without the cape unfortunately), but it also prepares you for emergencies. Being prepared is key, because life can be unpredictable.
Before you dive in head-first, here’s a quick A-Z. Imagine you are walking into a class, or perhaps logging in to a virtual classroom and coming out ready to save lives. Magic, right? Sign up for the program first. Look for a program that is certified, and not just one where you get a certificate once you know how to spell the word “resuscitation”.
Fun fact: CPR courses often involve practical exercises with dummies. Resusci Anne, your not-so breathing buddy will help you to learn these maneuvers. You’re basically performing surgery on a toy action figure… except she has more human size and less rock hard abs.
Let’s now talk about technique. You will be prepared for any emergency situation with the training. All you need to do is focus on chest compressions, and take rescue breaths. Keep the beat alive by pumping the blood. Bee Gees’s “Stayin’ Alive”, at 100-120 beats-per-minute–because who knew that song association can save lives?
But class isn’t only manual labor. Also, you’ll learn why some steps are made. There’s more to it than just Doctor McDreamy. Your instructors will teach you how to apply the concepts in real life. You will be able to practice every possible ‘what-if’ scenario. Not only will you know what to do but also why.
Even the clock is ticking. The standard certification lasts for about two years. You must renew your certification before it expires. You can think of it as keeping your license current, but without the DMV waiting times or grumpy people. Many places provide a refresher. This is a shorter but still effective course; it’s more like a memory jog than a long marathon.
Here’s another neat detail: Some workplaces may pay for your certification. What a great perk! Tell your HR person or boss. Your initiative may surprise them, or they might enroll because they realized that everyone needs to know CPR.
CPR is not just for playing the hero. You can also polish your resume with it! Imagine an employer skimming through a stack of resumes and finding that you are CPR-certified. You’re no longer just the ideal candidate, but also the one who will ensure safety. It has a very nice sound to it.
Let’s address the question of online or offline training before we conclude. Choose the course that best suits you. Choose the classroom if you prefer to learn in a hands-on manner. Virtual learning might suit you if you like to learn while sipping on coffee and wearing your pajamas.
This is not just a paper, or an honorific. You can even save multiple lives during a simple Starbucks run, or at a concert. Doesn’t that feel good? It’s not just smart to be prepared in case of an emergency, but it also gives you peace-of-mind.
Are you ready to get your hands dirty? CPR Certification is calling. It’s time to respond.