CPR & Training
Early CPR saves lives. Whether you’re a bystander, coach, teacher, or parent — knowing how to perform CPR can be the difference between life and death during sudden cardiac arrest.
What Is CPR?
CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is an emergency procedure that helps keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and organs when the heart stops beating.
CPR combines:
- Chest compressions to mimic the heart’s pumping action
- (In some cases) Rescue breaths to provide oxygen
In many situations, Hands-Only CPR — continuous chest compressions without mouth-to-mouth breathing — is enough to keep someone alive until help arrives.
Why Is CPR So Important?
CPR keeps the heart and brain alive during those critical moments before an AED is used or emergency responders arrive.
- CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival
- Every minute without CPR decreases survival by 7–10%
- Most cardiac arrests happen at home or in public places, where a bystander may be the only hope
A Step-by-step Guide to Performing CPR
First call 911! After establishing contact with professional help, you can administer CPR by following these steps.
- Position the heel of one hand precisely at the center of the chest.
- Overlay the second hand upon the first, ensuring your fingers are securely interlaced.
- Administer firm and rapid pressure downwards, maintaining a depth of about 2 inches and a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. Push hard and fast. Pro Tip: Use a song from our playlist to keep you on beat.
- For healthcare providers and those trained - after performing 30 chest compressions, administer two rescue breaths to the person. To do this, tilt their head back, close their nose, cover their mouth with yours, and exhale until their chest rises.
- For the general public- we recommend compression-only, or Hands-Only CPR. Hands-Only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth breaths. The efficacy of CPR lies in the continuous repetition of compressions until professional medical help arrives.
How to Learn CPR and How to Use an AED
Anyone can learn CPR and how to use an AED — no medical background needed!
Each training course will provide you with the knowledge and skills to act when you need to be the first responder in an emergency. Learn how to perform CPR, how to use an AED, and become more comfortable with the steps of the chain of survival before paramedics arrive on the scene.
CPR and AED Training Providers:
- American Heart Association (AHA)
- American Red Cross
- HSI (formerly the Health and Safety Institute)
Looking for a class? AED.us offers on-site, nation-wide training classes, taught by experienced, nationally accredited instructors.
CPR Training for Workplaces, Schools, & Organizations
If you’re a business, school, or community group, CPR training is a must.
We recommend:
- Offering staff-wide CPR/AED certification
- Hosting hands-on training sessions annually
- Making CPR part of student health curriculum
- Including CPR drills in emergency action plans
AED.US can help you organize group training, provide resources, and ensure your staff is rescue-ready.
Other Training Options
Looking to expand your skills beyond CPR and AEDs? We have several other training courses available:
- Basic Life Support Training: a more comprehensive and advanced version of CPR training, specifically geared towards healthcare professionals and first responders.
- Bloodborne Pathogen Training: learn about bloodborne pathogen and needle-stick precautions and best practices, infectious disease control, hazard recognition, what to do if exposed to a pathogen and how to protect against HIV, HBV and HCV
- First Aid Training: learn basic first aid skills, injury and illness prevention, and how to respond to medical and injury emergencies.
- AVERT - Active Violence Emergency Response Training: a comprehensive workplace violence and emergency response training program to address rising threats like mass shootings and workplace violence.
Tips for First-Time Responders
Feeling nervous about helping in an emergency? That’s normal. Remember:
- Push hard and fast in the center of the chest (100–120 compressions per minute)
- Don’t worry about doing it perfectly — doing something is better than nothing
- AEDs will guide you step-by-step; you are not alone
- Good Samaritan laws protect you when acting in good faith
- You’ve got this — and we’ve got your back.
Want to Know More About CPR & Training? Check Out These Blog Posts
- The Power of Music in CPR: Enhancing Life-Saving Techniques
- Understanding and Mastering CPR
- When Can Children Learn CPR?
- AEDs Vs. CPR: What's the Difference?
- CPR on Women: Stigma vs. Survival