When the CPR Class Became Real: Students Save Their Instructor’s Life At CPR Safety 411, we often tell students something simple: “You never know when you’ll actually need these skills.” Recently, that statement became reality in a way almost nobody could imagine. In March 2026, EMT instructor Karl Arps was teaching a CPR and emergency response class at Fox Valley Technical College when he suddenly suffered a cardiac arrest in the middle of class. What started as a routine tr

CPR saves lives anywhere—at home, on the road, or in public. Training helps everyday people step in fast when every second counts.

If your organization is thinking about adding an AED, the biggest question is not just “Which brand should we buy?” It is “What type of AED setup actually fits our people, building, and risk level?” An automated external defibrillator, or AED, is designed to help respond to sudden cardiac arrest by analyzing the heart rhythm and advising or delivering a shock when needed. Public access AEDs are intended for use by laypeople with minimal training, and the FDA notes they are co

Not all AHA Heartsaver classes are the same. Learn the difference between Heartsaver Total, Heartsaver Basic, and Heartsaver Pediatric, incl

Buying an AED is a smart move. Maintaining it is what makes that investment actually count in a real emergency. An Automated External Defibrillator is designed to be simple to use, but it is still a medical device with parts that have to be ready when seconds matter. That is why AED maintenance should never be treated like a “set it and forget it” purchase. A unit hanging on the wall may look ready, but expired pads, a depleted battery, damage, or a missed warning indicator c

Picture this: an AED is mounted on the wall near the front desk. It has been there for a couple of years. Nobody has touched it. It looks fine. The green light is on — or at least it was, last time anyone noticed. Then one afternoon, someone collapses. A coworker grabs the AED, tears it open, and the device either fails to power on or delivers an incomplete shock because the pads have long since expired. So — do AEDs expire? The short answer is: the device itself does not hav

Can CPR break ribs? Yes, it can — but that should never stop someone from giving lifesaving chest compressions during cardiac arrest. Here is what people should know.

When a second rescuer is available for an infant or child, the CPR ratio shifts from 30:2 to 15:2 — and that change is rooted in the physiology of pediatric cardiac arrest. Here's what you need to know.

If you work in childcare, you've probably seen more CPR training options than ever before — especially online and blended formats. So the big question becomes: does blended CPR training actually meet Pennsylvania childcare requirements and PQAS expectations? Short answer: Yes — when it's done correctly. Let's break it down. What Is Blended CPR Training? Blended learning combines two parts: 1. Online Learning (Self-Paced) Covers CPR, AED use, and First Aid concepts Includes vi

Not sure whether you need instructor-led BLS, HeartCode blended learning, or renewal? Here's a simple breakdown of each AHA BLS course option, how long it takes, and who it fits best.

When most people finish a CPR class, they leave feeling confident. Then life gets busy. Weeks go by. Months go by. And suddenly that "30:2" or "what do I do first?" feeling isn't quite as sharp as it used to be. That's completely normal—and it's exactly why CPR and first aid apps are becoming such a powerful tool. Apps like the American Heart Association's Knowledge Booster and the American Red Cross First Aid app are helping people retain skills longer, stay confident, and e

If you've taken a CPR class before, you might remember hearing that guidelines have changed since your last training. That's not unusual — and it's not random. CPR guidelines are updated intentionally, based on science, research, and real-world outcomes. These updates help ensure that the techniques being taught today reflect the most effective ways to save lives. How Often Do CPR Guidelines Update? The American Heart Association (AHA) releases updated CPR and Emergency Cardi

When people look for CPR training, they often notice several organizations offering certification. While many programs teach lifesaving skills, the American Heart Association (AHA) has long been recognized as the gold standard for CPR and emergency cardiovascular care training. From hospitals and healthcare systems to schools, workplaces, and public safety organizations, AHA certifications are widely trusted because they are built on rigorous science, consistent standards, an

When someone suddenly collapses, every second matters. But not every emergency is the same—and knowing the difference between cardiac arrest and other conditions can determine the right response. Here's how to recognize cardiac arrest quickly—and what to do next. What Is Cardiac Arrest? Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating effectively. Blood flow to the brain and vital organs stops immediately. Without fast action, it becomes fatal within minutes. Key

When new CPR instructors begin preparing to teach their first classes, one of the biggest decisions they face is choosing the right CPR manikins. Manikins are the foundation of every CPR course. They allow students to practice chest compressions, rescue breathing, and AED pad placement in a realistic environment. Choosing the right training manikins can make teaching easier and improve the learning experience for your students. In this guide, we’ll explain what new instructor

One of the first questions many new instructors ask after completing their instructor certification is: “What equipment do I actually need to start teaching CPR classes?” The good news is that getting started doesn’t require a huge investment. Many instructors begin with a small, portable equipment kit that allows them to teach professional CPR classes in workplaces, schools, community centers, and healthcare settings. Below is a breakdown of the core equipment most new inst

Let's be honest—emergencies don't wait for a convenient time. They happen in kitchens, driveways, job sites, and on random weekday afternoons when you least expect it. The difference between a minor situation and something more serious often comes down to one thing: Were you prepared? At CPR Safety 411, we focus on life-saving skills like CPR and AED use—but those skills work best when they're backed by smart preparation. One of the easiest (and most overlooked) ways to stay

One of the most common questions new CPR instructors ask is: “How many students can I teach in a CPR class?” The answer depends on the training organization you’re teaching through and how much equipment you have available. Major certification providers like the American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), and Health & Safety Institute (HSI) all provide guidelines designed to ensure students receive enough hands-on practice to learn life-saving skills effectiv

Cold exposure can quickly turn into a serious medical emergency—even outside of winter. Levels of Cold-Related Illness Mild Cold Stress Shivering, numbness Action: Warm gradually, add layers, hydrate. Hypothermia Confusion, slurred speech, slowed movement Action: Warm slowly, remove wet clothing, call 911 if severe. Severe Hypothermia Little or no shivering, unconsciousness Action: Call 911 and begin CPR if needed. Frostbite Numb, pale or waxy skin Action: Warm gently, do not

Chest compression depth is one of the most important parts of effective CPR. Recommended Compression Depth Adults: At least 2 inches (5 cm), not more than 2.4 inches Children: About 2 inches or 1/3 chest depth Infants: About 1.5 inches or 1/3 chest depth Why Depth Matters Shallow compressions do not move enough blood to the brain and organs. Proper depth helps maintain circulation and increases survival chances. Common Mistakes Not pushing deep enough Fatigue reducing compres