Saving a life is not a simple thing to be taken lightly. It’s arguably one of the greatest acts you can do for another person. However, even though saving a life is remarkable, that doesn’t mean you should be intimidated by or succumb to elitist attitudes (i.e., “I’m not good/qualified enough” self-talk) about completing CPR and first aid training in order to learn the skills that can really make a difference.
The truth of the matter is that if someone is suffering a life-threatening event – such as cardiac arrest, stroke, drowning, etc. – some CPR, even imperfect CPR, is better than no CPR. Therefore, any bit of CPR training is better than no CPR training. However, many people don’t think they have the time, skills, or even the right as a non-medical professional to learn CPR.
There’s really no reason not to get trained in CPR and first aid. Now, we’re debunking four common myths that prevent people from getting CPR and first aid training.
Myth: The AHA Is the Only Source of Good Training
Many people and organizations look to the American Heart Association (AHA) as the standard for CPR best practices, training, and so on. As a result, a common myth is that only CPR training that comes directly from the AHA is legitimate.
But while AHA guidelines are often used by state boards and other accrediting organizations, they aren’t the only qualified source of training in CPR and first aid.
CPR requirements may come from your state or licensing board, your employer, national bodies such as OSHA, CARF, or the Joint Commission, or all of the above. As long as your training meets the applicable requirements — and, most importantly, prepares you to save lives — it’s good training, even if it’s not through the AHA.
If you’re curious about where the AHA receives its treatment recommendations, those come from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR).
Myth: All CPR Classes Are In-Person & Take 4-6 Hours
Since the covid-19 pandemic, the entire world has expanded its understanding of what can be done online. Just like going to work, attending school, or grocery shopping – all things that we all would have said had to be done on-site 10 years ago – CPR and first aid training is one of those things most people have long-held misconceptions about.
But the truth is that you don’t have to go to a classroom to learn CPR and first aid. And it doesn’t have to take up the majority of your Saturday to do so. In fact, learning general CPR for adults can take as little as 1 hour and 40 minutes – and it can be done entirely online and at your own pace.
Think about this: you could save someone’s life and give them back years with their loved ones in exchange for 2 hours of your time watching CPR training videos online.
Myth: Online CPR Training Is Impossible or Illegitimate
For many people, the difficulty and inconvenience of attending in-person CPR and first aid training is a huge deterrent. At the same time, they view online training as insufficient, either to meet requirements or to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to administer emergency aid.
However, studies have shown that online training programs can be just as — if not more — effective than traditional classroom training, especially when those programs incorporate a blend of online learning and hands-on practice.
CPR and first aid training doesn’t have to be exclusive to those who can afford to attend in-person classes. There are plenty of flexible, adaptable options available that provide equally as good, if not better, training.
Myth: Only Medical Professionals Can Save a Life
“Leave it to the professionals” is common advice that applies to many situations — but not to saving lives in an emergency. Of course, first responders and medical professionals have specialized training and equipment, but until those professionals arrive on the scene, you may be the only person who can help — and some aid is much better than none.
As a bystander, you can make a difference. In 2014, about 45% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims survived when a bystander performed CPR.
In fact, bystander CPR is associated with a two- to three-fold increase in survival when compared to victims who had no CPR before the arrival of emergency medical services personnel.
However, only about 46% of those who went into cardiac arrest outside of a hospital in 2017 received bystander CPR, indicating that we need more people to be trained in CPR so they can help when seconds count.
This is why it’s so important for everyone to get CPR and first aid training, whether your job requires it or not. You don’t have to be a medical professional to save a life. You just have to be willing and able to help and (ideally) trained in CPR.
If you’ve hesitated to get CPR certified because you’re not a medical professional, don’t put it off any longer. Anyone can get CPR and first aid training, and anyone can step up to help save lives.
CPR & First Aid Training Is for Everyone
Getting trained and certified to administer CPR and first aid in a crisis should be a top priority for us all, but too often people are led to believe that it’s not worth the trouble or that they won’t be able to afford legitimate training.
The truth is that good CPR and first aid training is both available and affordable. And here at ProTrainings, we’re committed to helping as many people as possible get that training so that together, we can make this world a safer place.
Contact us today to learn how ProTrainings can help make getting your staff CPR certified easier and more efficient.