As the head coach for my Girls On The Run team at our local elementary school, I am required to have a valid CPR Certification. Although the certification lasts for 2 years, it sure does seem to fly by. Admittedly, I usually view this as an annoyance that I do not have time for. Both of my kids are leaving for college next week and this was the only week I could fit in my class. I had a little bit of a different takeaway from my CPR Certification Class this time.
Takeaways from a CPR Certification Class
I found a CPR Certification class through the Red Cross that I could take on line and then go in for a skills check at the designated time. This seemed like the best way to fit it in. Honestly, I thought, “I have done this class 5 times already over the last 10 years, what could I possibly learn?”
To my surprise, there were a few particulars that I had kind of forgotten. I remembered the basics of giving 30 compressions but had forgotten how many rescue breaths to give. Was it 2, 3 or 5? And did it really matter? It’s 2 rescue breaths and yes it does really matter.
I was shocked to learn that most cardiac emergencies (almost 90%) happen outside of hospital settings (often at home) and that bystanders are usually first on the scene to aid in emergencies way before the trained professionals arrive. Knowing what to do in the first few seconds of an emergency situation really can save someone’s life.
Most CPR Certification classes also provide instruction on how to use an AED. Schools, gyms, and many workplaces now have AED’s on site and they are pretty much self explanatory. Anyone can use them without training. My class also including basic first aid training. As a coach, runner, mother, traveler, gym goer etc, I realized that there are many instances that I could find myself calling on this knowledge.
Final takeaways from my CPR Certification class
I went into my class thinking it was just an inconvenience, but now appreciate that I feel confident to assist in an emergency. CPR is easy to learn and can be taken on line or in person. Find a class through the Red Cross. I hope I never have to use my skills but know that I could.
Are you CPR certified? Have you ever performed it in real life?
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I have to renew my CPR certification and PALS (pediatric advanced life support) every 2 years for my job. I do learn something new every time, even this year when I took that sketchy class. IRL, I actually haven’t had to do compressions but once in my job. However, when my youngest was 18 month old, he choked on a piece of meat and I had to do back blows to dislodge it. I never miss an opportunity to remind him that I saved his life! LOL
You should definitely remind him often! You never know when you might have to step in and help someone.
I took a class about 4 years ago but I for sure need a refresher. I’m going to look online to see if I can take a class locally. Always good to have this type of knowledge!
Yes I think so too. I took the class online and then just had to go in for an hour long skills check. Super easy
I’m positive that my certification expired since I haven’t been a lifeguard in years. The one plus for it was we had to practice every week so it’s burned into my brain.
I know it’s bad but I always chuckle with CPR since it reminds me of The Office episode haha.
I think that’s great that they had you practice weekly a great way to drill it in
We did CPR training before my daughter was born, so it’s been 28 years! I thought they weren’t teaching rescue breaths anymore? Or they just don’t want un-trained people doing rescue breaths? Anyway, it’s great that you are certified!
That was what I thought but yes they are still teaching rescue breaths. Even if you don’t do it exactly correctly, you could still save someone
I’m fortunate that I’ve never had to use my CPR skills, even though I’ve been certified for years and even taught it for a while. My renewal date is coming up soon. I also find it an annoyance but they do change things from time to time, so it’s important to keep up. Fortunately, I just took my First Aid online a few weeks ago, so I don’t have to do that.
Yes I see me using the First aid skills more with coaching and running with the group etc. Good to know what to do!
I am certified but have never had to use it. Thank goodness!
yes thank goodness! BTW lately your site is telling me I am a bot and I think all of my comments went to your spam
I was certified at one time when I was a personal trainer, but the class didn’t make me feel like I could actually perform it if I needed to. My certification has since run out.
That’s too bad that you did not have a good experience. I kind of think that anything I could do might help someone even if I did not totally do it 100% correctly
I will clarify that I don’t blame the class instructors at all. I just think I was doubting myself!
I’ve been certified in CPR since 1980! It’s a requirement of my job but seriously, after almost 40 years it DOES get monotonous having to take the full class over and over and over. Not THAT much changes, but it definitely is good to refresh from time to time. I seriously think everyone should learn it.
I am certified but I’m past due for my re-certifications. I’ve never had to use my skills, thankfully. I’m always surprised how much pressure it takes to do those compressions on that dummy! I’ve actually cut the heel of my hand doing it.
wow really? I guess they really want you to know how hard to push in case of a real person
I had taken dog CPR a few summers ago but I still don’t feel confident that I could save a dog that way. I can’t remember the last time I took Human CPR. Maybe it was back in High School or College. I hope I never have to use Human nor dog CPR! -M
I hope so too! Did not know they had dog CPR
I am certified but I have never had to perform it in real life thankfully. Thanks for sharing
I hope I never have to either!
Believe it or not I’ve never taken a CR class.
Should. You never know when you could help someone
Yes exactly you just never know
I’m CPR certified (necessity as an in-home personal trainer) but I hope I never have to use it. I had a nurse teach me how to use an AED machine as well. I remember the 30 compressions but I always forget which song beat to sing it to lol
Yes that staying alive song gets stuck in my head for weeks!
I’m not certified, and thankfully have never had to perform it. And I definitely hope that I never have to!
I hope so too! I am glad to know how though
A good reminder that I need to get re-certified too! I had no idea that most happen outside of a hospital – did they say why?
I have never taken a class (other than the required health class in high school), but I know this is something valuable to have specific training for potential emergency situations. It’s probably a very minimal tuition, but an invaluable investment in helping others. Thanks for the insight!
Yes I totally agree!
I first became CPR certified in college when I took an entire 3-credit course on CPR and first aid. We learned single-person and two-person CPR for adults, adolescents, and children. That was back when Annie wore an ugly navy with red trim “jogging” suit and white sneakers. 🙂
With just a couple of lapses, I’ve kept up my certification ever since. Fortunately, I’ve never had to use it…
I am glad and hope I never have to either
I learned the basics of CPR a long time ago, but I’ve never had to be certified. I feel like that’s something I should know for backpacking trips!
It definitely cannot hurt to be prepared
I’ve got the first aid portion nailed down. I’ve always been good at that stuff. But the CPR part still worries me even though I’ve taken the class several times now. I just hope I never have to use it. That’s one of the downfalls of being a coach and running with clients that are new runners. Their breathing is all sorts of strained and messed up and it can be hard to differentiate the physical changes they’re feeling!
Yes I think I would be fine with all the first aid stuff bc I use it for my little girls and my kids. I hope I never have to use the CPR
Hoping I never have to use mine, but so glad I have the training if it does. Thanks for sharing!
Yes definitely good to have
I was CPR certified years ago. I really should take a class again!
I think it can’t hurt for everyone to have some basic knowledge. You just never know!
I have been CPR certified since I was a 12 and started babysitting. I am SO thankful that I have never had to use it in real life. It is so good to have and good to have a refresher course! I feel like every few years they are changing up the best way to give CPR.
Thanks for sharing!
Yes I am glad that I am certified as well and that I’ve never had to use it