Frequently Asked Questions

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CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is an emergency procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to maintain blood flow and oxygenation in someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest.

CPR is important because it can keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until professional medical help arrives. This can greatly increase the chances of survival for someone who has suffered a cardiac arrest.

Anyone can learn CPR, and it is recommended for anyone who wants to be prepared in case of an emergency. This includes parents, teachers, healthcare professionals, and anyone who works with the public.

• Hands-Only CPR: Hands-only CPR is an easy-to-learn skill that could save a life. It involves calling 9-1-1, sending someone for the AED if available and then giving continuous chest compressions. It only takes minutes to learn.
• CPR With Rescue Breaths: While Hands-only CPR can be lifesaving, learning full CPR is still very important. Getting trained in full CPR – combinations of chest compressions and rescue breaths – will increase your confidence and may enable you to help in other types of emergencies. Full CPR is ideal for all ages, and especially for people who are more likely to experience respiratory emergencies such as children and infants.

• An Emergency Can Happen When You Least Expect It.
  No one ever expects emergencies to occur as they go about their day, which is why it is important to learn CPR ahead of time. Cardiac arrest can happen at home, at school, at the gym, on an airplane, in the workplace or anywhere in the community. CPR is a critical skill that can help save a life when a person's breathing or heart stops.
• Every Second Counts.
  You may be wondering, "why learn CPR when I can just call 9-1-1?" While you should always call 9-1-1 first in the event of an emergency, it still takes rescuers some time to arrive at the scene. For every minute without intervention, the chance of survival drops for a person experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. CPR can significantly improve someone’s chance of surviving when bystanders take prompt action.
• CPR Also Prevents Brain Death.
  Even if someone survives cardiac arrest, they may suffer permanent brain damage when they don't receive enough blood flow and oxygen to the brain. CPR certification can help prevent brain damage and death by keeping oxygenated blood moving throughout the body.
• Anyone Can Learn It.
  Another benefit of CPR is that this lifesaving training is for everyone. It only takes a few hours, and it can give you the skills and confidence to act in an emergency and help save a life. You'll find classes that are designed for the way you live and learn, with options available on weekdays and weekends in a variety of formats.
• You'll Have the Confidence to Act when Needed.
  CPR instruction will give you the skills and confidence to perform this life-saving procedure when it's needed the most. Plus, to keep your skills fresh, online refresher materials are available that can help you retain the knowledge you've gained. In addition, you'll also have access to a printable list of the basic steps for performing CPR. This way, you can keep the information you need right at your fingertips.