CPR
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
What is CPR?
Cardio means "of the heart" and pulmonary means "of the lungs." Resuscitation is a medical word that means "to revive" — or bring back to life. Sometimes CPR can help a person who has stopped breathing, and whose heart may have stopped beating, to stay alive.
Why should you be CPR certified?
In case of emergencies, you are qualified and trained enough to possibly save someone's life. There has been countless stories of people performing CPR on another person and ended up saving their life. You could be one of those people.
Who should be CPR certified?
Certain people need to know how to perform CPR to do their jobs. Medical professionals — from nurses and doctors to paramedics and emergency medicine technicians — must know CPR. Lifeguards, childcare workers, school coaches, and trainers usually have to learn CPR. Many parents know how to perform CPR on kids in case of emergency. Other adults who have family members with medical conditions such as heart disease sometimes know CPR, too.
Where can you get certified?
The American Red Cross, American Heart Association (AHA), and the National Safety Council all offer CPR courses. You also might find CPR classes at your local hospital, places of worship, the YMCA, or your school.