If you’re considering taking a class in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, you might be wondering what types of careers would benefit from such training.
You can find CPR certification in many places and for many reasons, with some employers requiring it as part of their job description.
However, there are plenty of other careers out there where CPR certification is still useful, even if it isn’t required by your employer.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique involving chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth breathing that can help people suffering from cardiac arrest regain consciousness.
Here are five non-medical careers where you’ll still find CPR certification to be helpful:
Firefighters
Firefighters often learn CPR as part of their training.
They use it on victims of fires or other injuries that require immediate medical attention, but they also use it when they’re rescuing people from drowning or buildings that have caught fire.
Firefighters often carry defibrillators and other equipment to help victims’ hearts start beating again if they’ve stopped.
Police Officers
Police officers are trained in first aid and CPR, including how to use a defibrillator on someone who has had an electric shock or cardiac arrest.
Police officers also use CPR when dealing with someone who has overdosed on drugs or had some kind of medical emergency that caused them to lose consciousness and stop breathing normally.
Flight Attendants
As a flight attendant, CPR certification is critical.
You never know when you might need to step in and help a passenger in need, but knowing how to perform CPR can be a great way to make sure you’re prepared if the worst happens.
Airline passengers don’t need to be afraid of fainting or choking on their food while they’re in the air.
Flight attendants can help passengers who are suffering from anaphylaxis or other medical emergencies until the plane lands.
Social Workers
Social workers often provide support to those affected by natural disasters or other life-threatening situations, such as fires and domestic abuse.
They also help people who are coping with chronic conditions such as cancer or diabetes.
In these cases, knowing how to perform CPR can be beneficial for both the person receiving care and the social worker providing it.
Coaches and Personal Trainers
Many coaches and personal trainers know that CPR certification is mandatory to work with clients who are at risk of heart attack or other life-threatening illnesses.
However, it’s also good for anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of how the body works during an emergency.
The knowledge you gain from CPR training can help you identify potential problems before they occur, and therefore save lives.
Learn CPR Today
The American Heart Association estimates more than 50% of cardiac arrests occur in places other than hospitals, such as homes, work sites, or shopping centers.
While most people think of CPR certification as something only useful if you are working in a medical field, there are many other professions where it is still helpful.
Even if you do not plan on becoming an EMT or doctor, having CPR certification can be helpful in other areas.
Sandra is a health blogger based in San Diego, California. She is passionate about living a healthy lifestyle. She loves being outdoors and exploring new places with her husband. She is a mom of two awesome kids and a dog named Luna!