Red Cross CPR Certification

What is Red Cross CPR certification?

American Red Cross CPR certification is one of the best CPR qualifications on the market today. Not only is the certification nationally recognized but internationally as well. Since their formation in 1910, the American Red Cross has been involved in helping people. Their training covers not only AED and CPR classes but also every other aspect of first aid training courses.

What are the minimum eligibility requirements for Red Cross CPR Classes?

There are no official eligibility requirements and you certainly do not need any prior medical knowledge. All your instructor will look for is a willingness to learn combined with commitment to do the work required. The Red Cross organizes training in your workplace and will deliver either a standard course or one suited to the specifics of your industry. The training can be taken in a series of education units so you can build up your knowledge and level of expertise not only in CPR/AED but also in the area of first aid in general.

Some people believe that once you pass your CPR certification that is the end of your study. This isn’t the case. You need to apply for recertification at least every two years but the Red Cross studies show that knowledge retention rates are so poor that most people have forgotten their basic cardiac pulmonary resuscitation knowledge within a year of passing. For this reason they have designed a serious of continuing education units available to study either at work or at home. Once you have passed your American Red Cross CPR certification you can then revise the study material as and when you wish.

You can organize Red Cross CPR classes at your place of work

It doesn’t matter if you work in an office or on a building site; you never know when one of your colleagues may suffer a cardiac arrest. He or she has a very slim chance of survival unless one of your workmates has passed their CPR certification. Of course the Red Cross CPR guidelines very firmly recommend that you call 911 and ask for an ambulance. But while waiting for the emergency services the clock is ticking for your friend and if he or she doesn’t get help within five minutes they are very likely to die. YOU can make a difference. The earlier CPR either on its own or combined with an AED is started the better. Why not ring the Red Cross today and find out more about their program of education in the workplace and whether they can provide Red Cross CPR classes at your place of work. You won’t regret your decision and you may even save someone’s life.

How do you study for Red Cross CPR certification?

We all study in different ways and at various paces. The American Red Cross recognized this and designed a system of learning that includes cards, books and also videos. If you want online access to Red Cross CPR certification you can do this via redcross.org which is their official website. Be wary of any other companies offering online CPR certification unless they are officially accredited by the Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Another benefit of taking CPR training with the Red Cross is the fact that it is a not for profit organization. This means that some of the money you and your employer spend on training materials is reinvested back into your community. These funds are used for education as well as vital equipment such as AEDs for the general public.

Why stop at CPR certification?

American Red Cross CPR classes should be the first step in your journey to become an extremely useful member of your community. Once you get your CPR certification you can learn other skills that may be vital in an emergency. For example you can learn how to prevent injury at work, how to perform child or infant CPR, and how to deal with blood borne pathogens amongst other things. Don’t we all have a duty to learn how to use an automated external defibrillator and perform basic CPR so that we hold the knowledge to save lives should we be involved in an emergency?