Know How to Perform CPR? It’s Time to Learn!

When my oldest child was nearing toddlerhood, I took a CPR certification course. I felt that I needed to be prepared should anything ever happen. Besides it being one of the funniest New Jersey experiences I’ve ever had — there was a tossed infant dummy, an angry instructor and near fisticuffs — it was also really a helpful class. When I was certified more recently for my personal training certification, I was again glad I was getting a refresher course. It’s never a comfortable thought; no one ever wants to imagine their child choking or going into cardiac arrest, but learning what to do in those situations should be a requirement for every parent. Two of three of my kiddos have choked on food and knowing how to spring into action to clear a blockage gives you a little bit of power back in a situation where you feel like you’re not in control. Luckily with my kids, a big smack on their backs has done the trick, but those are some of the longest seconds of your life, I guarantee it. No parent should feel helpless in that situation, and knowledge really is power.

A few basics you should know if you don’t know how to perform CPR:

There’s really no substitute for a live class, in my opinion, but ACLS offers CPR training online if that’s not an option for you. If it’s too hard to coordinate taking a class because of your work and kid demands or if you’d just prefer to learn online, it’s far better than not having any training. Today, ACLS is giving away a CPR certification course for one of our readers. If you’ve been putting off this important task, just comment below telling me why you’d like to win!

Have you taken a CPR course? Ever had to use any of your training? —Erin