CPR “A” courses are the most basic CPR classes available through the 4 major Canadian providers. This course focuses on CPR techniques for adult and child victims. It was formerly just CPR for adult victims, however, CPR techniques have simplified over the past decade and CPR for adults is the same as CPR for children. Because of the changes CPR level “A” has come to include CPR for adults and children.
CPR “A” Course Providers:
The following providers offer CPR “A” either through a first aid course or as a stand-alone CPR course:
- St. Johns Ambulance.
- St Mark James Training
- Vancouver First Aid
- Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
All of the major providers adhere to the standards and recommendations provided through the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). ILCOR analyses, records and provides all the recommendations for the major CPR providers so that they provide the same, high quality and effective CPR.
AED Training:
Automated external defibrillator (AED) training is compulsory with CPR level “A”. AED’s dramatically increase the chances of survival for victims that enter cardiac arrest. The defibrillators “reset” the rhythms of the heart when they enter ventricular fibrillation or tachycardia which is common after cardiac arrest. AED’s are becoming more and more prevalent in Canadian societies and all of the major providers stress the importance of using a AED.
Certification:
When students complete a CPR “A” and AED training they will receive wallet sized or wall-mount certificate that is valid for 3 years. Renewal courses are not available for CPR “A” because the original course is already so brief and quick. If completed through a major provider the certification will meet legislation and government standards.
Course Length:
CPR “A” courses are 3 to 4 hours in length and almost always completed within one sitting.
Price of Course:
CPR “A” training cost depends on location and the provider. Course fee varies from 45 dollars to 90 dollars including tax. Check with your local provider to find the fee of the course in your region.
Course Content:
CPR “A” and AED courses teach the following curriculum:
- Recognize and treat adult and child victims that are breathing and unconscious.
- Recognize and treat adult and child victims that are not breathing and unconscious.
- Recognize and treat adult and child victims that are choking with obstructed airways and conscious or unconscious.
- Stay safe and prevent further harm while doing CPR.
- Understand the legal implications of doing CPR at the workplace and outside the workplace.
By taking a CPR course you dramatically increase the chances of survival for a stranger, friend, co-worker or loved one.