What Is CPR and Why Should I Learn It?
It's The Difference Between Life and Death.
With a half-million cardiac arrests each year, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) can help save a life if a person's breathing or heart stops. It's not just for healthcare workers and emergency responders. In fact, CPR can double or triple the chance of survival when bystanders take action. The American Red Cross helps train you safely, effectively and confidently, so you're prepared for the minutes that matter the most.
Get CPR/AED certified – and learn how to help when it's needed most. As part of our mission to train people how to respond to and prepare for emergencies, we offer CPR/AED certification classes that can help you save a life when every moment counts.
You may not realize it, but the response time for first responders after 911 is called averages 8-12 minutes, and during sudden cardiac arrest – each minute that defibrillation is delayed reduces someone's chances of survival by approximately 10%. This is why, at the American Red Cross, we support the position that improved training and access to AEDs could save 50,000 lives each year. In fact, we believe that all Americans should be within four minutes of an AED and someone trained to use it.
Getting Certified
The Red Cross CPR/AED certification program is designed and taught by experts. Our courses not only satisfy OSHA-mandated job requirements (or workplace and other regulatory requirements), but are fast, easy, informative and affordable. In addition, they're delivered in a variety of ways – including in-person and via our best-in-class blended learning, which combines online course work with in-person skills sessions. This way, you can choose the option that suits you best.
Our First Aid, CPR and AED certification programs are typically combined, giving you the opportunity to get certified in three important areas during one convenient class. Certification takes just a few short hours, but with the skills you'll learn – you can help save a life.
Recertification
The American Red Cross CPR/AED certification program also includes a recertification component for current certificate holders, and can help nurses, first responders, social workers, teachers and others, earn continuing education credits. Currently, we are approved to award CEUs in Preparedness and Health and Safety Services courses, such as CPR/First Aid/AED, CNA training, swimming and water safety, lifeguarding, babysitting, and more. Browse our complete list of eligible CEU training.
Certification Made Simple. Fast. Easy. Digital.
Red Cross Digital Certificates give you anytime, anywhere access to your certificates; plus the ability to print, share, and download them wherever and whenever you like. Digital certificates can be viewed, printed or shared online and can be accessed anytime through your Red Cross Account. Each certificate includes a unique ID and a QR code which meets employment requirements and allows employers to easily confirm your certificate is valid. Class participants and employers can visit //www.redcross.org/take-a-class/digital-certificate and enter the ID found on the digital certificate (or scan the QR code with a standard QR reader using a smart device) to access a copy of the valid certificate with student training information.
Click here for instructions on accessing your First Aid, CPR and AED certification.
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More than 4.6M people turn to us, the trusted training provider for First Aid, CPR, BLS and more, every year to gain lifesaving skills. Trust us to deliver unmatched lifesaving training that will provide you the confidence and skills to act when moments matter.
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For Students
As a Red Cross student, you will obtain the most up-to-date lifesaving knowledge and skills to confidently respond when moments matter. Our comprehensive courses include First Aid, CPR, Lifeguarding, and Basic Life Support (BLS) and others.
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The latest science-based advancements in lifesaving care
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Training meets OSHA workplace and healthcare provider certification requirements