Almost everyone will experience an emergency at some point in their life. And being prepared can make all the difference. If you don’t know how to administer CPR, you might be unable to help save a loved one’s life. That’s why it’s important to get CPR certified. Here are eight reasons why you should consider doing so.
1. It Is Easy to Learn and Renew Your Certification
CPR is not difficult to learn. Most people can learn the basics in just a few minutes. You can decide to take a CPR class in person or even get the CPR Certification online. Once you’re certified, you’ll need to renew your certification every two years, so it is easy to keep your skills up-to-date.
2. It Could Save a Life
The most obvious reason to get CPR certified is that it could save a life. Worldwide, cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death, but if someone nearby knows CPR, the victim’s chances of surviving increase dramatically.
When seconds count, having someone who knows how to perform CPR can make all the difference. With CPR, you can help out when a person is unconscious.
3. It Is Not as Intimidating as You Might Think
Many avoid getting CPR certified because they are intimidated by the thought of performing CPR on someone else. However, modern CPR techniques are designed to be easy to learn and remember, and many courses include hands-on training so that you can practice on a mannequin before performing CPR on a real person.
4. You Never Know When You Might Need It
Though we hope we will never have to use our CPR training, the truth is that you never know when you or someone else might need it. Getting certified now means you will be prepared if an emergency arises.
5. It Can Help You Feel More Confident in an Emergency Situation
Even if you have never had to use your CPR training before, knowing that you are prepared for an emergency can help you feel more confident and in control if you ever find yourself in a situation where someone needs CPR. With CPR certification, you will know exactly what to do and how to do it, which can help reduce stress in an already chaotic situation.
6. It May Be Required for Your Job or Volunteer Position
Employers may require employees to be CPR certified in some professions, such as healthcare or child care. And for those who volunteer their time with organizations like the Red Cross or other disaster relief organizations, CPR certification may be a requirement for participation. Whether it is required or not, CPR certification can only help your career or volunteer efforts.
7. Good Samaritan Laws Protect Those Who Administer CPR
Good Samaritan laws are in place to protect civilians who help those who are sick or hurt, without expecting anything in return.
These laws vary from state to state, but in general, they protect lay persons from liability as long as they administered first aid within their scope of knowledge and abilities and did not act negligently or recklessly (for example, by continuing to administer aid after it was clear that doing so was futile).
Because Good Samaritan laws generally extend to those who administer first aid, including CPR, getting certified could give you additional protection if you ever find yourself in a situation where you need to provide aid to someone else.
8. CPR Is Usually Free or Low Cost to Get Certified
One final reason to get CPR certified is that it usually doesn’t cost much money or time. As mentioned above, many organizations offer free or low-cost classes, and some even offer online courses you can take at your own pace. There is no excuse not to get certified! Whether you are looking for a way to give back to your community or want to be prepared for an emergency, getting CPR certified is a wise investment of your time and money.
Conclusion
CPR certification is a valuable asset for anyone, and there are many reasons to consider getting certified. From the potential to save a life to the added legal protections Good Samaritan laws provide, CPR certification can offer peace of mind in knowing that you are prepared for an emergency. And with free or low-cost classes, there is no excuse not to get certified. So why not sign up for a class today?
Author’s Bio:
Samantha Higgins is a professional writer with a passion for research, observation, and innovation. She is nurturing a growing family of twin boys in Portland, Oregon with her husband. She loves kayaking and reading creative non-fiction. She recommends getting CPR Certification online as a preventative measure for emergency situations.
