During a medical emergency, CPR can be the difference between life and death. Given that around 350,000 people suffer from some form of cardiac arrest each year, it is important that as many people as possible learn to administer this life-saving procedure. Learning basic first aid and CPR can give you the skills to save someone’s life. Online CPR classes are making this training more accessible than ever before.
While in-person classes can be time-consuming and difficult to find in some areas, options for certification now exist online. CPR Online certification is one of the fastest and easiest ways to receive the necessary training to perform basic life support interventions. Online courses allow you to work through training materials at your own pace until you qualify for full certification. Most online training courses are also nationally recognized as they follow the guidelines set out by the American Heart Association or American Red Cross. Let’s take a look at becoming CPR certified through online training.
What is online CPR instruction?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation incorporates chest compressions and airway ventilation to keep the heart pumping blood to the brain and other parts of the body. CPR is usually performed on patients in cardiac distress until help from medical professionals can be rendered. While this process is fairly basic, it requires training and practice to be performed effectively. Online courses integrate videos, virtual instruction, and coursework to provide child and adult CPR training. Online CPR certification is usually administered by trained instructors who develop course materials and training videos.
The benefits of online CPR certification include unlimited access to training materials, the ability to work at your own pace, and completely virtual instruction and exams. Once you reach full certification, you will be able to print out your certificate and proof of completed coursework. Additionally, once you are certified, you can take online renewal courses and other first-aid training and AED certification courses.
How is online certification different from traditional training?
Whether your CPR courses are taught online or in person, the information will be the same. As we have seen from the COVID-19 pandemic, online instruction only differs from traditional instruction in the delivery method. As discussed, online courses utilize videos and virtual instruction to deliver training and information. In a traditional class, the instructor will provide training and live demonstrations. With online course material, class participants can work from the comforts of their home or office to complete training according to their busy schedules. Participants in an online environment can start and stop lessons as needed.
The major difference between online certification and traditional training is the skills assessment. A skills assessment might be required for lifeguards, health care providers, and those bound by OSHA regulations. In these situations, it might require that participants attend an in-person session to complete this requirement. Depending on your program, however, some online courses can deliver a CPR dummy to your home so that you can participate in a virtual skills assessment with a live instructor.
What are the technology requirements for online training?
Each CPR course will be different and have varying requirements for technology and capabilities. As a general rule, however, most online participants will need an internet-enabled device and a good internet connection. For most courses, materials can be accessed with a computer or smart device. Online CPR course providers seek to make the process as easy and accessible as possible.
CPR certification is a critical skill to have to be able to save someone’s life in an emergency. Unfortunately, however, only about 54 percent of Americans know how to perform CPR. This means that many people will not be able to intervene in an emergency. With online training, certification is easier than ever before.
