Para CPR & First Aid. CPR is not three letters stringed together. You could spend an eternity trying to explain why you loved that particular season at the Pearly Gates. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation really is that important. Imagine that you and your dining companions are enjoying the meal together, but suddenly you notice that the person next to them has dropped his fork. What should you do in this situation? Panic? Under the table hide? CPR is not the answer.
Why getting certified doesn’t mean you have to be a doctor or a lifeguard showing off your sun-kissed glow. Imagine being the unanticipated hero who saves Aunt Edna after she overdoes it with the turkey legs at Thanksgiving. A great tale to share with the family.
CPR Certification takes you from step to step in identifying an emergency, dialing help and performing chest compressions like you were channeling your inner Dancing Queen. But with a purpose, of course. No viral dance video is required, just structured instruction that can help you save someone.
What is the source of these magic powers? Certification organizations. You can think of these organizations as Hogwarts minus the owls. They also have more legal papers. American Red Cross or American Heart Association both offer in-person as well online classes. The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association offer classes both in-person and online. It teaches you how to do CPR in a professional manner, and not just by humming the song “Stayin’ Alive”.
Are you worried about the terminology? You need not be concerned. It’s all broken down into easily digestible bites of knowledge by the instructors. In place of medical texts, instructors use real-life scenarios, drills and helpful mnemonics. The experience is no less than an educational roller coaster, without any nausea.
Certifications have a validity of two years. Long before their certifications expire, the savvy commuter will seek a refresher. Skills need sharpening, much like keeping knives steak-ready. The priceless value of knowing you can help when time is precious.
The decision of where to certify can feel overwhelming, like choosing Netflix to only watch the trailers. The decision will be largely influenced by personal preference. Want to go on a woodland adventure? Outdoor survival courses that include CPR are a great option. Fresh air can do wonders. Online courses are also available for those who prefer to be conservative. They’re virtual but vivid. You can do them from the comforts of your own couch.
The Holy Grail is the text you use to go over the lifesaving skills. You can review it when the weather is bad or you’re at a family reunion, and show off your glossy CPR card, stating with confidence, “Yes I have trained in that.”
From there it’s a breeze, and you can be proud of your CPR abilities. You can reach it easily when you need to calm down. Some say that knowledge is the key to success. When knowledge can save lives, add “crazy legend potential”.
The next time your pep talk turns to a useless debate about superhero strength and flying conjectures or you feel smugly confident that the real power is in their capable, qualified hands who are ready to put life into rhythm, then know where to turn. Let’s keep going, everyone, and put your heartbeats before anything else.