Everything You Need To Know About CPR Recertification

Reasons For CPR Certification Renewal

CPR recertification courses give you the opportunity to refresh your memory and improve upon your current skills by equipping you with the latest knowledge. Considering the fact that more than 70 percent of all cardiac arrest cases happen in public or at home, the individual closest to the victim is most likely going to be bystander or family member with no previous medical training.

When it comes to responding to cardiac arrest cases, time is of the essence. It is important to remember that cardiac arrest victims usually lose consciousness after around fifteen seconds. After thirty to sixty seconds, the victim stops breathing; this can result in serious permanent damage to major organs in the body.

The chances of survival from this serious medical event can be enhanced if someone at the scene can be able to perform CPR on the victim properly.

If you already have a CPR certificate, it is recommended that you have it renewed by attending a valid CPR recertification course before it expires to ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to be able to respond to applicable medical emergencies, at home or at work or any other setting.

Extend The Validity Of Your CPR Certification

Depending on who issued your CPR certificate, it may be valid for either one on two years. To maintain the validity of your certificate, especially if it is part of your work requirements, it is recommended that you seek to have it renewed within the last six months, before it expires.

If your current CPR certification expires, 30 days after the expiry of the 2 year validity period, you will not be allowed to take a recertification course, and will be forced to undergo a full certification course all over again.

However, it is important to note that keeping your CPR certificate current is not the only reason why you should seek recertification; here are two other important reasons.

Changes In CPR Standards And Guidelines

One of the main reasons to have your certification renewed involves keeping up with any changes in CPR guidelines and standards. The American Heart Association (AHA) is charged with the task of regularly reviewing and updating existing CPR guidelines with a view of significantly improving their effectiveness and efficiency in practical situations.

Whenever the AHA conducts research whose findings make a case for changes in existing standards and guidelines in CPR, the current CPR certification curriculum is amended to accommodate the necessary changes. To learn about the new changes to the curriculum, anyone who had attained CPR certification needs to undergo training through a recertification program.

Refreshing Your Memory/Knowledge

As previously stated, a CPR certificate is valid for a maximum of two years, before the end of which the holder is required to undergo recertification. Two years is a long time, and it is only natural for you to forget some of the practical skills and knowledge you learnt

During your initial CPR certification course. In fact, it has been observed that skill retention starts deteriorating just a few months after the course, and continues throughout the two year validity period. Furthermore, less than half of CPR certified individuals can pass the skills test a year after completing their training and earning their certification.

The main reason for this loss of skills and knowledge might be linked to the fact that most people rarely use these skills, regardless of how important they are. By CPR recertification makes it possible for you to re-sharpen your skills and refresh your memory to ensure that if and when the time comes, you can be able to respond properly to any emergency situation that requires your CPR skills.

From the above, it is clear to see just how important it is for you to renew your CPR certification, regardless of whether it is required by your employer or not.

Choosing The Right Recertification Program

Before you enroll for a CPR recertification program, it is important to find out whether it is right for you; suffice it to say, all CPR cards are not created equal.

Employer Acceptance

Employer approval is one of the most important factors to consider when choosing a CPR certification renewal course. All employers accept American Red Cross and American Heart Association CPR cards. To pass their recertification courses, participants are required to attend a weekend of classes and excel in their in-person evaluations.

There are many other in-person courses provided by independent service providers that still offer the same level of hands on training as the AHA and Red Cross. However, to ensure that you end up with a recognized CPR card, it is recommended that you choose one that is designed in accordance with the AHA and Emergency

Cardiovascular Care (ECC) and International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) guidelines.

If you are not sure about the best service provider in your area, consider asking the Human Resource department for employer approved courses, especially if your employer requires you to be certified. Even if your employer does not require your certification to be valid, consider asking the HR for any approved courses that meet the organizations disaster preparedness guidelines.

You may also consider approaching the local hospital, fire department or chamber of commerce and asking whether they offer CPR certificate renewal courses.

How Long Does A Typical CPR Recertification Class Take?

Since you are already familiar with the basic knowledge and skills as a CPR certificate holder, certification renewal courses are generally shorter than the initial certification course. The entire recertification course, which includes lectures and practical training and evaluation, may take as little as 3 hours or more. OUR FAQ IS HERE:

CPR skills and knowledge can be a life saver to say the least in life or death emergencies. While seeking certification arms you with the skills you need to respond to cardiac arrest emergencies swiftly, seeking CPR recertification not only extends the validity of your current 2 year certification but also arms you with the latest CPR knowledge on top of refreshing your existing skills.

To get a widely recognized CPR card, it is recommended that you choose the right CPR certification renewal course.

 

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