The online CPR and AED Essentials course explains how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the situations in which workers should administer this lifesaving procedure.
Through interactive learning modules and quizzes, you'll learn the proper compression, airway and breathing techniques for CPR and find out how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).
CPR and AED Essentials is an awareness-level course that provides foundational knowledge on the CPR process and proper AED use, but it does not provide hands-on training from a certified CPR instructor. Students must take additional steps to earn an official CPR certification.
Complete Your CPR and AED Essentials Course Online
Our online CPR and AED Essentials course has numerous benefits, including:
- 24/7 course access
- Train at your own pace
- Email our course trainer with any questions
- You have 90 days to complete the course
Once you finish the course and pass a brief test on the core topics, you can instantly download your Certificate of Completion. The CPR and AED Essentials course takes about one hour to complete.
Who Should Take the CPR and AED Essentials Course?
This course is ideal for workers who need to complete CPR training to satisfy workplace safety training requirements or participate in an employer’s OSHA Emergency Action Plan. Anyone interested in learning about basic CPR techniques and automated external defibrillator use can benefit from this course as well.
While this awareness-level course provides foundational knowledge on CPR and the functions and features of AEDs, it does not provide a CPR certification. To earn a CPR certification or become a certified instructor, you will need to complete hands-on training and demonstrate your skills in front of a certified CPR instructor.
Learning Objectives for the CPR and AED Essentials Course
The primary goal of this course is to teach you the standard technique and methodology behind CPR, including the use of AEDs. You will also learn the importance of bystander preparedness and situational awareness in the event of a medical emergency that requires CPR.
Key topics covered in the course include:
- List and understand the critical steps of administering CPR
- Evaluate the safety of a situation before providing emergency care
- Describe the CAB method of resuscitation
- Identify personal protective equipment and explain proper sanitation guidelines
- Summarize the steps involved in using an AED
CPR and AED Essentials Course Outline
The CPR and AED Essentials course is divided into four learning modules that explain how to administer CPR and use automated external defibrillators safely. You can find a full outline of each module below.
Module 1: Introduction to CPR
Topics covered in Module 1 include:
- The importance of CPR
- CPR statistics
- When to use CPR
- Critical steps of CPR
Learning objectives include:
- Explain the main purpose of cardiopulmonary resuscitation
- List several scenarios that might require emergency intervention
- Recall the critical steps involved in CPR administration
Module 2: Personal Safety During CPR
Topics covered in Module 2 include:
- Safety precautions
- The environment
- Bystanders
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) and sanitation
Learning objectives include:
- Understand the importance of one's own safety when administering CPR
- Distinguish between a safe and unsafe situation
- List items relevant to CPR
- Identify equipment used by medical professionals when administering CPR
Module 3: The CAB Method
Topics covered in Module 3 include:
- The Compressions, Airway and Breathing (CAB) method
- How to perform chest compressions
- Techniques for clearing the airway
- Steps to performing rescue breaths
- The recovery position
Learning objectives include:
- Express understanding of the CAB method and its three steps
- Recall the proper frequency of chest compressions and rescue breaths
- Understand how to move a person into the recovery position
Module 4: AEDs
Topics covered in Module 4 include:
- How AEDs work
- Where AEDs can be found
- The main features of an automated external defibrillator
- AED audio/visual prompts
Learning objectives include:
- List the main features of an AED device
- Describe how an AED works
- Name public places where AEDs are typically found
Additional Links and Resources
Find more information about CPR and AEDs, including OSHA regulations and official guides on CPR methods and safety.