4 Myths About CPR & First Aid Training that Prevent People from Getting Certified

Saving a life is not a simple thing to be taken lightly. It’s arguably one of the greatest acts you can do for another person. However, even though saving a life is remarkable, that doesn’t mean you should be intimidated by or succumb to elitist attitudes (i.e., “I’m not good/qualified enough” self-talk) about completing CPR and first aid training in order to learn the skills that can really make a difference.

The truth of the matter is that if someone is suffering a life-threatening event – such as cardiac arrest, stroke, drowning, etc. – some CPR, even imperfect CPR, is better than no CPR. Therefore, any bit of CPR training is better than no CPR training. However, many people don’t think they have the time, skills, or even the right as a non-medical professional to learn CPR.

There’s really no reason not to get trained in CPR and first aid. Now, we’re debunking four common myths that prevent people from getting CPR and first aid training.

Myth: The AHA Is the Only Source of Good Training

Many people and organizations look to the American Heart Association (AHA) as the standard for CPR best practices, training, and so on. As a result, a common myth is that only CPR training that comes directly from the AHA is legitimate.

But while AHA guidelines are often used by state boards and other accrediting organizations, they aren’t the only qualified source of training in CPR and first aid.

CPR requirements may come from your state or licensing board, your employer, national bodies such as OSHA, CARF, or the Joint Commission, or all of the above. As long as your training meets the applicable requirements — and, most importantly, prepares you to save lives — it’s good training, even if it’s not through the AHA.

Myth: All CPR Classes Are In-Person & Take 4-6 Hours

Since the covid-19 pandemic, the entire world has expanded its understanding of what can be done online. Just like going to work, attending school, or grocery shopping – all things that we all would have said had to be done on-site 10 years ago – CPR and first aid training is one of those things most people have long-held misconceptions about.

But the truth is that you don’t have to go to a classroom to learn CPR and first aid. And it doesn’t have to take up the majority of your Saturday to do so. In fact, learning general CPR for adults can take as little as 1 hour and 40 minutes – and it can be done entirely online and at your own pace.

Think about this: you could save someone’s life and give them back years with their loved ones in exchange for 2 hours of your time watching CPR training videos online.

Myth: Online CPR Training Is Impossible or Illegitimate 

For many people, the difficulty and inconvenience of attending in-person CPR and first aid training is a huge deterrent. At the same time, they view online training as insufficient, either to meet requirements or to provide the necessary skills and knowledge to administer emergency aid.

However, studies have shown that online training programs can be just as — if not more — effective than traditional classroom training, especially when those programs incorporate a blend of online learning and hands-on practice.

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