Absolutely!!
Basic Life Support is a standard requirement for healthcare professionals however, the majority of cardiac arrests don’t happen in a hospital—they happen at home, at work, or out in public. Being trained in CPR gives you the power to step in when every second counts.
Here is why learning CPR is incredibly valuable, even if you have zero medical experience:
1. You Are Most Likely to Save Someone You Love
About 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home. If you ever have to perform CPR, there is a very high probability that the person will be a spouse, a child, a parent, or a friend.
2. Brain Damage Starts in Minutes
When a person’s heart stops beating, blood flow to the brain stops. Brain damage can begin in as little as 4 minutes, and survival rates drop for every minute that passes without intervention. Emergency medical services (EMS) typically take several minutes to arrive. By performing immediate CPR, you increase the chances of survival until paramedics take over.
3. You Are Protected Legally
A very common worry for non-medical bystanders is the fear of doing something wrong and being sued. In the United States, Good Samaritan laws protect everyday citizens who act in good faith to give emergency medical assistance. The law is on your side for stepping up to help. You should check the laws in your state as some may differ.
Ready to get Certified?
CPRBoston.org offers American Heart Association (AHA) certified courses for both healthcare providers and the general public.
Whether you need a Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or a Heartsaver CPR/AED and First Aid class, we have you covered. We even bring the training directly to you for on-site group classes, teaching you exactly how to recognize cardiac arrest, perform high-quality compressions, use an AED, and confidently provide First Aid.