Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a technique used to maintain blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain and other organs until advanced medical help arrives. Performing CPR can be the difference between life and death for someone experiencing cardiac arrest. Understanding what to expect during a training course can help demystify the process and prepare you to gain this life-saving skill. The training environment is designed to be supportive and practical, ensuring you leave with the knowledge and confidence to respond effectively in an emergency.
Preparing for the Course Logistics
Training courses are offered in two primary formats: a fully in-person classroom setting or a blended learning model. The traditional in-person course typically runs for four to eight hours, depending on the scope and whether it includes additional First Aid training. The blended format allows you to complete theoretical coursework, such as videos and quizzes, online before attending a shorter, mandatory in-person session for hands-on practice.
The hands-on portion requires active physical participation, so wearing comfortable clothing is recommended. You will work with training manikins, which are anatomically correct models used for practice. Instructors deliver content using video presentations, brief lectures, and guided practice sessions.
All necessary equipment is provided, including adult, child, and infant manikins, barrier devices, and training Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). These training AEDs mimic the prompts of a real device, allowing you to practice pad placement and delivery of a simulated shock. The environment is structured to be low-stress, focusing on repetition and muscle memory development.
The Hands-On Skills Covered
The training sequence starts by emphasizing scene safety and activating the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) system. Recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest, such as unresponsiveness and abnormal breathing, prompts the immediate need to call for help. This initial assessment and activation ensure the victim receives timely advanced care.
You will spend significant time mastering chest compressions, the most important component of CPR. For an adult victim, compressions must be delivered at a rate of 100 to 120 beats per minute, pushing down at least two inches (about five centimeters) into the chest. Proper technique involves using the heel of one hand with the second hand laced over the top, keeping your arms straight and pushing straight down on the center of the chest.
The training emphasizes allowing the chest to fully recoil after each compression, which permits the heart to refill with blood. For children, the compression depth is slightly less, aiming for about two inches or one-third the depth of the chest, often using only one hand. Infant compressions require a different technique, using two fingers on the breastbone to compress the chest by about one and a half inches.
Training also covers delivering rescue breaths, typically provided in a 30 compressions to 2 breaths ratio for a single rescuer. Breaths are delivered using a barrier device, aiming for a volume just sufficient to make the chest visibly rise over about one second. You will also learn the appropriate sequence for managing conscious and unconscious choking victims, involving back blows and abdominal thrusts for adults and children, or chest thrusts for infants.
A dedicated segment focuses on the proper and timely use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), which delivers an electrical shock to restart the heart. The training demonstrates how to power on the device, attach the pads to the victim’s bare chest, and follow the device’s voice prompts. Understanding the subtle differences in technique for adult, child, and infant victims ensures the care provided is safe and effective.
Assessment and Certification
The culmination of the training involves a two-part evaluation to confirm theoretical understanding and practical competence. The first part is a written knowledge exam, typically consisting of multiple-choice questions or scenario-based assessments. This exam tests your recall of the correct sequences, compression ratios, and protocols for different age groups and emergency situations.
The second part is the practical skills check, a hands-on demonstration performed on manikins under the instructor’s observation. You must flawlessly execute a full cycle of CPR, including scene assessment, chest compressions, rescue breaths, and the proper application of an AED. The instructor assesses for correct hand placement, compression depth, and maintaining the required rate without excessive interruption.
If you do not pass a section on the first attempt, most programs offer immediate remediation and an opportunity to retest. The instructor provides specific feedback on areas needing improvement, such as compression depth or ensuring a proper seal for rescue breaths. Upon successfully passing both the written and practical examinations, you will receive a certification card, often in a digital format.
The certification card is generally valid for two years, reflecting the need for periodic refresher training. This two-year period is based on studies showing that skill retention can decline significantly over time. Allowing the certification to lapse may require you to retake the full course instead of a shorter renewal class.