An Overview of CPR and First Aid Certification 

First aid certification is a key component of the training and education of first responders. It has been shown that first aid knowledge improves survival in cardiac arrest patients. The European Resuscitation Council (ERC) recommends that all healthcare professionals should be trained to provide basic life support (BLS), including cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is a general procedure that is often performed during life-threatening events inside or outside the hospital. It consists of chest compression, rescue breathing, and proper use of AED in an emergency situation to increase the victim’s chance of survival.

While a doctor is always the best option for someone in need of immediate medical attention, it is often the person who is able to stabilize patients until emergency services arrive. CPR and First Aid training allow workers in different fields to respond to various common, everyday situations, making them an invaluable source of assistance during real-life emergencies.

Why There Are Jobs That Require CPR and First Aid Certifications?

Studies show that most health-related emergencies happen outside the hospital, such as cardiac arrest, with approximately 350,000 cases reported annually. Whenever someone suffers from cardiac arrest, either in the workplace, at home, at school, or even in a deserted place, it is essential to act quickly and respond accordingly, especially when there are no medical professionals around who can help. It is important to be trained in how to identify signs and symptoms of medical emergencies such as cardiac arrest, stroke, and choking for medical professionals and individuals who work in different fields to increase the chance of survival for someone who needs medical attention.

Many people wonder what to do if someone falls ill, especially during workdays. While plenty of online resources offer advice, one of the most important things to remember is that every person responds differently to illness. Some may feel fine and recover quickly, while others could become seriously ill or even die. This is why it is crucial to know how to perform CPR and administer basic life support.

This is the reason why jobs require CPR and first aid certification. It will help save lives! In fact, the American Heart Association says that every minute of delay in getting CPR can result in up to 10 minutes less time before someone has a heart attack or stroke.

Careers that require CPR and First Aid Certification 

Listed below are the following profession that requires CPR and First Aid Certification:

1. Fireman:

As a fireman who fights fires and rescues people from burning buildings, it is essential for them to be skilled and trained on how to provide basic life support. This job requires firefighters to put themselves in harm’s way, often risking life and limb to protect others.

2. Coaches and Athletic Trainers:

Coaches and athletic trainers are key members of the sports medicine team. The role of an athletic trainer has evolved over time, from being primarily a physical therapist to now having a broader scope of practice that includes medical management of injuries and illnesses and prevention of injury and illness.

3. Child Care Provider:

Childhood injuries are preventable. This is why childcare professionals must receive training to ensure that their care is safe. In addition to being trained in basic safety procedures like how to hold infants properly, caregivers must know about different types of emergencies that could occur. For example, choking is one of the most common childhood accidents, but it requires specific techniques to administer CPR correctly.

4. Police officer:

In every emergency that occurs daily, police are considered the first responders during a life-threatening event. Whether they are on patrol or off duty, they are the ones who act fast and provide basic life support until EMS arrives whenever someone calls for help.

5. Gym Instructors:

Though it is not mandatory for a gym instructors to have CPR and first aid certification, it is recommended that they are trained to determine signs and symptoms and have knowledge on how to perform life saving techniques since they are the ones who teach and monitor correct fitness methods and techniques in any type of exercise for a person either a child, teen, or an adult.

6. Electrician:

CPR and First aid are important skills they need to know because electricians are responsible for maintaining power distribution systems, control panels, transformers, substations, and other dangerous electrical equipment that may cause electrocution resulting in unconsciousness or, in the worst case, death. They work under extreme weather conditions and deal with hazardous and radioactive material, so having the skill of performing basic life support will definitely increase their chance of survival whenever a bad event occurs.

7. Flight Attendant:

The only crew members who can be reached quickly on a plane are the flight attendants, and they are typically in charge of acting appropriately in an emergency. They must be trained in how to administer basic life support techniques such as CPR and defibrillation. In addition, flight attendants must be able to recognize signs of an impending cardiac arrest and respond accordingly.

8. Jail and Prison Personnel:

Jail and prison personnel deal with a variety of situations every day. From dealing with prisoners and ensuring they follow the rules to helping rehabilitate those who have committed crimes, prison personnel must know how to handle different scenarios and keep themselves safe. In addition to knowing CPR and what to do in the event of a cardiac emergency.

9. Lifeguard:

Lifeguarding responsibility is not just about keeping swimmers safe but also must be available to save lives, such as administering first aid. Most states require them to have CPR and first aid certification, and they must complete training courses and pass tests in order for them to be a certified lifeguard.

10. Nanny and Babysitter:

A nanny or babysitter includes many responsibilities, such as caring for a young child. Most parents and companies wanting to hire a nanny or babysitter wouldn’t even consider a candidate if they didn’t have First Aid and CPR certification since it’s required by law in some states because an infant or child is prone to choking, so a babysitter trained to perform CPR can give you assurance to the parents, especially when they are away.

11. Restaurant worker:

Though employers are legally required to provide safe working environments for employees. There is still a chance that the worker might get caught off guard by hazards like chemical exposure and physical injury. Employers must ensure safety by training employees about providing basic life support and protective equipment. In addition, workers may encounter their customers suffering from cardiac arrest or any other medical condition that seeks immediate action, so it is essential for a worker to know how to perform CPR and how to apply first aid.

12. Security Guard:

Security guard jobs come in many different forms, including those working in retail stores, banks, convenience stores, gas stations, hotels, restaurants, and warehouses. A security guard who is trained in CPR and first aid takes the initiative to save someone’s life since they are expected to be the person who is currently on watch, so whenever a life-threatening event happens, they can step up and perform necessary medical action.

13. Teacher and School Staff:

Children are susceptible to injury, illness, choking, and drowning. This makes it important that teachers and school staff know how to perform basic life support and first aid skills for infants, toddlers, and young children. The American Heart Association recommends that CPR classes be taken annually for those working with children.

How to Get CPR and First Aid Certification?

To get your CPR and first aid certification, you must:

1. Determine what type of CPR certification you want to receive:

If you are a first responder, then the American Heart Association (AHA) offers two levels of CPR training: Basic Life Support and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, you may visit organizations, which offer a wide range of certifications to determine what type of CPR certification best fits you. It is better to have knowledge of CPR rather than to know nothing at all.

2. Enroll in a CPR training Provider:

After you determine what type of certification you will take, enroll in any CPR training provider that is approved by the American Heart Association and Red Cross, which offers flexible and high-quality training in CPR/AED & First Aid that provides knowledge in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Hands-only CPR, Airway Obstruction, and First Aid Care for infants, children, and adults. In addition, organizations should follow the guidelines of the American Heart Association and Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

3. Study the course:

This is the most important part where you’ll need to provide time and effort in order for you to learn and digest all the lessons and topics that you will be encountering during the course. Taking notes and engaging in activities will help you grasp ideas more rather than just listening.

4. Pass the Certification Exam:

After studying the course, this will be the final requirement that you need to get your CPR certification card. Don’t worry! The exam will consist of multiple-choice, and a practice quiz will be available on the website for you to try! Although they are not exactly the question, you will encounter on the official exam. You can try to familiarize yourself with what type of question.

5. Get Your Certification Card:

After passing the certification exam, your CPR training provider will issue a CPR certification valid for two years. Most training providers offer instant certification, wherein you will get your digital certificate instantly via email. Official CPR card will be delivered within 2-5 business days. Once you have your CPR training certificate, keep it safe and secure so no one can use it for their own benefit.

6. Renew Your Certification:

The American Heart Association has taken the lead in maintaining the most recent CPR performance standards and guidelines. That’s why you need to renew your certification every two years to refresh and update your knowledge and skills in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. If you are a healthcare professional, renewing your certification is required. You can get a recertification course from a training provider that granted you the certification.