CPR is a life-saving procedure that is performed when someone’s heart stops beating. During a medical emergency, CPR can be the difference between life and death. It is estimated that more than 350,000 people suffer from some form of cardiac arrest each year. Of these cases, most of them occur outside of a hospital and require CPR. Learning basic first aid and CPR can empower anyone to become someone’s hero. It can enable you to step in and resuscitate someone who suffers from a cardiac event.
Unfortunately, only about 54 percent of Americans are certified and know how to perform CPR. However, with the number of cardiac emergencies each year, it’s more important than ever to seek out CPR training. At the same time, earning CPR certification might seem like a struggle to find the time and resources. This can be particularly true for those with a busy schedule and little time to devote to classes.
Fortunately, there are other options for certification besides time-consuming in-person classes. CPR Online certification is the fastest and easiest way to learn how to perform life-saving resuscitation skills. Online courses allow you to work at your own pace through the course materials until you reach full certification. These online training classes are also nationally recognized and follow the American Heart Association or American Red Cross guidelines. Let’s take a look at online CPR certification classes.
Online CPR Instruction
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation combines chest compressions with airway ventilation that keeps the heart pumping blood to the brain and other vital organs. CPR is performed on patients until help from healthcare professionals can arrive. The process is fairly simple but does require training and certification to be properly done. Online CPR classes offer certification using your computer or mobile device instead of visiting a classroom. Course instruction is typically taught using videos, course materials, downloadable training manuals, and certification tests.
The benefits of online instruction include having unlimited access to course materials, the ability to work at your own pace, and fully virtual instruction and exams. Online classes are more convenient and allow you to study and complete coursework from the comfort of your own home or office. You also have the ability to start, stop and skip around within the course as often as you would like. Once you have achieved certification, you can renew your CPR certificate online as well as take additional AED, first aid, and bloodborne pathogens courses.
Online vs. Traditional Certification
In many ways, traditional CPR certification courses are very similar to online training courses. The difference will be in the skills evaluation portion. In most online learning environments teaching basic resuscitation techniques, there is no skills demonstration. As discussed, students view class material over the internet to complete the certification course. Once you pass the certification exam, you can print out your card. With a traditional certification program, all instruction takes place in person, and a skills evaluation test is included in the final exam.
If you are required to complete the skills evaluation, you can choose a blended class to do this portion in person. Additionally, many platforms offer distance evaluations. Some programs can have a CPR manikin shipped to you and then allow you to demonstrate your skills via an interactive online meeting. Aside from the skills evaluation portion, online CPR and traditional training offer the same knowledge, skills, and information.
Online CPR programs are more flexible and offer several versatile options than you’d get with a traditional in-person CPR certification class. Whether you need CPR training for work or have a desire to expand your personal skills, online CPR courses can meet your needs.
