CPR Certification

Introduction & Assessment

CPR saves lives — and knowing it makes you a safer person in your community, your family, and the outdoors. Start by watching the American Heart Association free video "Hands-Only CPR" at heart.org. Notice the two simple steps: call 911, then push hard and fast in the center of the chest. Also look up where your nearest AED (automated defibrillator) is located — most Utah schools, rec centers, and gyms have them posted near exits. Search "where is the AED" next time you enter a public building. You are ready for the next step when you can explain the Hands-Only CPR two-step process and describe what an AED does in your own words.

Foundation Building

Before you practice compressions, you need to understand the science. Read the free AHA CPR facts page at cpr.heart.org. Key points: push at least 2 inches deep, push at 100–120 beats per minute (the song "Stayin Alive" by the Bee Gees is exactly that speed), let the chest fully rise back up between compressions, and minimize interruptions. Also learn when CPR applies: when someone is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Practice the compression depth and rate by pushing firmly on a pillow for 30 seconds while timing yourself. You are ready for the next step when you can push on a practice surface for 30 seconds at the correct rhythm without stopping.

Skill Development

Now you practice on a mannequin. Sign up for an in-person CPR class — the American Red Cross (redcross.org/take-a-class) and American Heart Association both offer certification classes in Salt Lake City regularly, often at Intermountain Healthcare training sites or fire stations. During the class you will practice full cycles: 30 compressions followed by 2 rescue breaths. If you choose Hands-Only certification (no breaths), that is also valid for bystander response. You will also learn to use an AED trainer device — it talks you through every step. You are ready for the next step when you have attended a hands-on CPR class and practiced at least three complete cycles on a mannequin.

Practice & Refinement

Repetition is what makes CPR automatic under pressure. Use a CPR feedback app — the AHA offers free CPR reference tools, and some phones have a metronome app you can set to 110 BPM. Practice on a firm sofa cushion or a purpose-made CPR practice pad. Focus on: correct hand placement (heel of hand on lower half of breastbone), full arm extension (lock your elbows), and full chest recoil. Do five sets of 30 compressions with a 30-second rest between sets. Also review rescue breaths: tilt the head back, lift the chin, pinch the nose, and give a breath that makes the chest rise. You are ready for the next step when you can complete two full cycles of 30 compressions and 2 rescue breaths with correct form without being coached.

Challenge Mode

Test your skills under simulated pressure. Have a friend or family member role-play a cardiac emergency scenario — they collapse, you respond. Time yourself from recognition to first compression. Practice the full chain of survival: recognize the emergency, call 911 (or have someone else call), start CPR, and get the AED. If your class included AED training, walk through the steps verbally even without a device. Also practice on an infant or child CPR scenario — the AHA has free guides online for the differences in technique. You are ready for the next step when you can run a full cardiac emergency scenario start to finish under time pressure with another person watching.

Mastery Demonstration

Complete your official CPR certification exam through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association. Your card will be valid for two years. After you receive your certificate, teach a family member or friend the Hands-Only CPR basics — no card required to share the knowledge. Find out if your workplace, school, or community group needs a CPR-certified volunteer and offer your skills. In Utah, you can also register as a community CPR resource through the Utah Department of Health PulsePoint program. You are ready for the next step when you hold a valid CPR certification card and have taught at least one other person the core steps.