How to Find Your Ideal Program
Since CPR training began more than 50 years ago, so much about how we live and work has changed. From the cars we drive to the ways we communicate and more, we not only have new ways of doing things but we have more choices, too — and that includes more choices in how to conduct your group CPR training.
But navigating choices can feel tough when you don’t fully understand them. So, let’s take a look at the options you have to get your staff members CPR certified, starting with an overview of the two components that may be involved in CPR certification.
Two CPR Training Elements
The first component of CPR certification teaches people how to perform CPR, giving step-by-step instructions. The second element allows people to practice their newly learned information on manikins. Every solution includes the step-by-step CPR training but not every solution includes the hands-on training. Depending on your industry, you may not need hands-on.
Group CPR Program #1: Traditional In-Person
Back in the 1960s, the first CPR training program featured a live instructor who would teach a group of people in-person. This would include both the step-by-step process instruction and the hands-on evaluation.
This option still exists today, although COVID protocols may require some adjustments. The trainer may be a third-party instructor or you may choose to have someone on your team certified to do this.
Works well for:
- Single locations
- All staff working the same hours
- Groups that can afford to have everyone stop working at one time to attend class
- Low staff turnover or new hires
- No need for online access to training records
Bonus Perk:
- Some staff or administrators feel more comfortable with a program type they know and have used before
Group CPR Program #2: Online Instruction + In-Person Evaluation
Many CPR certification programs now offer robust online instruction via recorded video courses, giving people the ability to take training wherever and whenever they need. The 2020 American Heart Association CPR training guideline updates even indicated this training method may be just as beneficial as in-person training.
The online option helps groups with staff who need to recertify at different times and eliminates worries about certification lapses. You can then identify one or more of your staff to be trained to provide the hands-on evaluation to other team members as needed.
Works well for:
- Single location or multiple locations within easy travel range of hands-on evaluators
- Frequent staff turnover or new hires
- Groups that can afford to have specific staff take time away from other responsibilities to provide hands-on evaluations of coworkers
- Organizations that must provide proof of CPR training compliance to OSHA, licensing departments or other entities
Bonus Perks:
- Online dashboard provides anytime access to staff certification status
- Staff can get automated recertification reminders
- Staff can train at their own pace, even replaying portions of the course
Group CPR Program #3: Online Instruction + Online Evaluation
Here the CPR instruction is again delivered via recorded video, but the difference is that the hands-on evaluation is also conducted virtually. After completing the online training course, a staff member simply joins a live online hands-on evaluation course led by a certified instructor. Most curriculum providers can supply you with manikins for your staff to use for this portion.
Works well for:
- Multiple locations, remote workers or
single locations where safety protocols
are a concern - Frequent staff turnover or new hires
- Organizations that must provide proof of CPR training compliance to OSHA, licensing departments or other entities
Bonus Perks:
- Online dashboard provides anytime access to staff certification status
- Staff can get automated recertification reminders
- Staff can train at their own pace, even replaying portions of the course
Group CPR Program #4: 100% Online Instruction
For organizations that do not require staff to complete hands-on evaluations with manikins, offering 100% online training can be a great option.
Works well for:
- Multiple locations, remote workers or
single locations where safety protocols
are a concern - Frequent staff turnover or new hires
- Organizations that do not need hands-on evaluation as part of their compliance requirements
Bonus Perks:
- Online dashboard provides anytime access to staff certification status
- Staff can get automated recertification reminders
- Staff can train at their own pace, even replaying portions of the course
So, there you have it – four really great options to choose from for your group CPR certification training program. Each has its own set of benefits based on your organization’s needs — and, each can give you the peace of mind you need knowing that your group is fully compliant with all regulations but that your team members are ready to help in the event of an emergency.