There are many different ways to learn CPR. Some people will recommend you head over to you tube and watch a couple of videos. Will this equip you with life saving skills? It is possible but not particularly likely. The recent news coverage on how a young boy saved his younger sibling by administering CPR he learned from watching a TV program is unusual and not the norm as was suggested by the press.

So what is the best way to study CPR?

You should attend a CPR class administered by either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. Both of these organizations are committed to providing high quality training. They also both carry out a lot of research into the whole area of cardiac care and the AHA publishes and updates the CPR guidelines when appropriate.

So how do I attend a class?

The American Heart Association has an online CPR course currently available. You can study the theory but if you want to achieve your certification or even just want to practice your skills you need to visit your local AHA center. A lot of people will take the online course to save time and then book a skills practice and assessment course at a time that suits them.

The American Red Cross is also developing its online offering but is very likely to follow the same process as the AHA. You cannot get your CPR certification without first proving that you have fully understood the theory and are able to put your skills into practice.

If you are a teenager you may just find that the AHA has arranged to visit your school to teach a CPR class. Some states are adding CPR training to their school curriculum which is a very good thing. It is not just old people who suffer cardiac arrests. They are also common in what appear to be fit young athletes who may have an abnormal heart rhythm which has as yet been undiagnosed. These people could suffer a sudden cardiac death if there is nobody around who knows how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

What are you waiting for?

Why don't you make an appointment today to learn CPR and find out just how easily you can learn the skills to potentially save a life. You dont need any prior medical knowledge or training. You also don't need to be a specific age although it is recommended that you can understand the instructions. You don’t need your BLS certification but you may consider doing first aid training at the same time.