Taking CPR training is not enough. Every one to two years, CPR recertification is needed. This is simply because CPR is not something that we use every day in life and it is something that can easily be forgotten. Like anything in life, if you don’t use it, you often lose it, and CPR techniques should be refreshed as recommended by the American Heart Association or the Red Cross. In fact, studies show that after as little as one year half of those who received CPR and tested one year after their training failed the basic knowledge tests. The Red Cross has suggested that CPR recertification occur every six months.
If you happen to be an employer that enforces CPR training for your employees, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggests that employees should receive CPR training and first aid recertification no less than each year, and at six months, to offer the employees refresher courses.
The American Heart Association and the Red Cross have plenty of programs both in land facilities and online where individuals can refresh their knowledge and skills.
Recertification is not only necessary to refresh your knowledge and skills. It is also important to keep up with changing guidelines. This past 2010 is a prime example when the American Heart Association refreshed the CPR guidelines.
Where Should You Choose CPR Recertification?
Just as in your original CPR class, you should renew your certificate through a course that is accredited by the National Safety Council, the
recertification CPR
Renew your certificate
American Heart Association or the Red Cross. The American Heart Association and the Red Cross both have sites here online that are user friendly and will guide you to a course in your area. When you choose a course, choose a course that teaches you how to use an AED- automated external defibrillator as when used on a cardiac arrest victim, the victim’s chances for survival increase dramatically.
CPR Recertification Facts
CPR/AED and first aid certifications are valid for two years. However, there are some rules to the exception, such as New York State where lifeguards must renew annually.
Most CPR recertification allows those that need to renew their certification to take a review or challenge course to renew your certification. A review is simply reviewing the material and retesting. A challenge course is no reviewing and simply testing. Review courses are administered by the American Red Cross and participants must currently hold a certification from the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association to be eligible for the course.
Challenge courses are available for lifeguarding/first aid certification renewal and the course must be taken no more than 12 months after the expiration of their certification.
Why CPR Recertification?
CPR certification is not only a responsibility to your loved ones, it is a social responsibility. There is also the benefit of employment. If you are in search of a job and have CPR training, the employer may be more impressed with your dedication.
When you took your first course, you were likely quite proud of yourself and your learned skills. CPR classes do not require a great time investment, nor are they expensive. You dedicated yourself once to help save a life and you should keep that commitment and renew your certification each time it expires.
How to Renew Your CPR Certification
There are different means to renew your CPR certification. If your certification was originally earned online, then likely you will be asked to retake your examination online. If you hold an American Red Cross or American Heart Association certificate then you can retake a review or challenge course through one of their programs.
Each time you renew your certification, you will become more confident with your techniques and skills.
Whatever you do, keep current, someone may depend on your skills to save their life as others stand by hopelessly as the person suffers brain damage or dies.
If you happen to be an employer that enforces CPR training for your employees, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration suggests that employees should receive CPR training and first aid recertification no less than each year, and at six months, to offer the employees refresher courses.
Article source : cprcertificationtrainingonline.com
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