As one of the preferred methods to save a life during a sudden cardiac arrest, it is unfortunate that CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) isn’t a technique most Americans know how to do.
To learn how to perform CPR, you would need to enroll in a CPR class and learn all about CPR, when and how to deliver help, as well as the basics of CPR certification. These classes teach participants when to resort to hands-only CPR (involving only chest compressions) and when to include mouth-to-mouth breathing (rescue breaths).
Join us as we cover everything CPR certification-related, as well as how to choose the best CPR class in Boca Raton for your specific needs.
First Things First: What Is CPR?
CPR is a special medical technique involving chest compressions (and rescue breaths) that maintains the vital bodily functions of a sudden cardiac arrest victim when their heart stops breathing or they are not breathing.
The American Heart Association urges everyone to learn CPR since sudden cardiac arrest is a condition that can happen to anyone, regardless of age, sex, race, health condition, etc. Sadly, children can also experience a sudden cardiac arrest, in which case, knowing how to administer CPR (child or infant) can make a crucial difference.
What’s Included in the CPR Certification Process
The basics of CPR certification begin with signing up for a CPR training course. Depending on what you’re looking to achieve, there are different CPR training classes you can consider. This is in regard to becoming CPR-certified on your own initiative or being required to do it by an employer.
There are three different types of CPR classes to attend: an online class, an in-person one, or a blended learning model. After you have completed the training, the next step is passing a final exam; this ensures you receive a certificate to attest to your CPR skills. Once you become certified in CPR, you should keep in mind to renew your certification every two years. Maintaining a valid CPR certificate is very important if you’re in a line of work that requires CPR certification.
For example, if you’re looking to attain a CPR certificate because you’re applying for a childcare job, it won’t be enough to attend an online CPR class, but an in-person one. Also, be sure to check the specifics of the CPR certification requested by the employer. The reason we’re highlighting this point is that some employers or organizations do not accept CPR credentials only obtained online.
To make sure you choose the right CPR training provider, see if they’re accredited by either the American Heart Association, the American Safety and Health Institute, or the American Red Cross. Additionally, you can check with your local fire departments in Boca Raton, the hospitals, or community centers to see if they offer CPR classes and certification.
The Cost of CPR Certification
When it comes to completing a CPR certification class, the first thing that people think of is the cost. In that context, there are several aspects to consider.
Essentially, how much a CPR certification class costs depends on the provider of the training. In general, prices range between $50 and $100. Additionally, the majority of the training centers charge for the CPR card as well, which costs somewhere between $10 and $20.
Lastly, you should also expect to pay some rather small administrative fees the training provider charges for. All expenses considered, becoming CPR-certified will cost anywhere in the range of $60 to $130.
Maintaining a Valid CPR Certification
A CPR certification is no good unless it’s valid, and this is especially important for persons in a field of work that requires them to be CPR-certified. Maintaining a valid CPR card includes renewing it every two years.
The main goal of the renewal is to ensure the holders of the CPR card are up to date with the latest CPR techniques and requirements. Typically, the renewal process entails the participant taking a refresher course and completing a final test showcasing their CPR skills and abilities.
Choosing the Right CPR Certification Course for Your Needs
Before learning the basics of CPR certification, one of the factors you should consider is the reputation of the training provider. Finding a CPR course that meets your specific needs is also crucial.
Before choosing a CPR course, the first thing to do is to determine the type of CPR certification you need. For example, do you need a BLS (Basic Life Support) certification, EMS (Emergency Medical Services), PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support), or other? Each CPR certification course in Boca Raton entails certain procedures and requirements, so choose carefully and make sure the CPR class you choose aligns with your specific needs.
Presumably, you work in an organization or for an employer that enforces the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulations. In this case, you need to attend the CPR certification class in person.
The 5 Steps of a CPR Certification Course
Let’s look at the steps involved in the CPR certification process:
- Determine the type of CPR certification you need: Make sure you understand the title of the CPR course, what it includes, and what you’re looking to achieve.
- Choose between an online, in-person, or blended class format: This depends on whether you’re taking the class voluntarily or an employer has made it a requirement.
- Make sure the course you choose is accredited: Only choose CPR certification providers that are accredited and reliable.
- Sign up for the class: Attend the class as scheduled and follow the curriculum. Get every reading material you need and try to be present as often as possible.
- Pass the final exam: Before you become certified in CPR, you’d need to pass the final exam and showcase your skills. (Note that you might not pass the exam if you do not show sufficient knowledge and aptitude).
The Basics of CPR Certification: Breathing Life Back in Boca Raton
Suffering a sudden cardiac arrest does not have to entail fatal consequences when there is someone to help the victim in the first minutes of the event. Performing CPR is always a matter of life and death for someone experiencing an SCA. Whether it’s doing hands-only CPR or combining chest compressions with rescue breaths, the technique does save lives to the extent of stretching their survival odds until the victim reaches the hospital.
Today, learning how to do CPR properly is easier than ever, thanks to the many CPR certification centers across the U.S. However, before enrolling in a course, make sure you know what you’re looking for, how much you’re willing to pay, and, ultimately, why you need the CPR certificate.
The answers to these questions will help you make an educated decision and find the most-suited CPR class in Boca Raton.
FAQs
I took a CPR class years ago, do I need to take the exam again?
A CPR certificate is valid for a time period of two years. After that, you would have to take a refresher course, which doesn’t mean you’ll do the whole training all over again. CPR refresher courses are shorter and include updated practices and CPR guidelines.
What is the worst mistake I can make during CPR?
One of the biggest mistakes in CPR is performing chest compressions slowly. The blood won’t reach the organs if chest compressions aren’t fast and deep enough.
I need to get a CPR certificate, but I don’t have much time to spare. Is there a solution?
There is. You can choose the blended learning model and attend the course online with some in-person training. This is the perfect option for busy professionals who need to be CPR-certified with not a lot of time on their hands.
Aren’t CPR classes expensive?
Typically, the price for CPR certification classes starts at $50. The total cost includes the course itself, the certification card, and any related fees. All in all, it’s important to know that prices can vary depending on the training provider, the materials used, etc.