Do Lifeguards Need to be Trained in CPR and First Aid?

Why is it Important for Lifeguards Know CPR and First Aid?

You’ll often hear about CPR and first aid classes in lifeguard certification programs. If you’re wondering if lifeguards need to be trained in both CPR and first aid, the short answer is yes. The long answer? Keep on reading and we’ll explain.

What is CPR?

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and it is “an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating,” according to the American Heart Association. CPR consists of two main steps. The first? Call 911, always. If you’re performing the rescue, yell out to someone nearby to call 911 while you start chest compressions, which brings us to step 2. The rescuer will perform 30 chest compressions (about 2 inches deep) followed by 2 mouth-to-mouth breaths. This cycle continues for several cycles, or until 911 shows up.

What is first aid?

First aid is similar to CPR because it helps you save lives. That said, first aid is more specific and encompasses several different emergency scenarios, whereas CPR is very specific to a situation when a heart stops beating. In first aid, you’ll learn about cuts, fractures, allergic reactions, bone breaks, choking, and several common — but severe — diseases.

Which is more important?

Trick question. CPR and first aid are BOTH important, especially for medical professionals or lifeguards who save lives for a living. If you’re a lifeguard, there’s a good chance you’ll see at least one emergency situation where you need to be fully versed in CPR performance and first aid fundamentals. You’ll need to be able to evaluate the situation quickly and determine what treatment needs to be performed. The way to do that is through CPR, first aid classes, and your lifeguard certification.

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