When it comes to CPR training, many think there’s no point for those not in the medical field. That could not be further from the truth, though. People in many careers benefit from being CPR certified and many workplaces outside of the medical field even require it.
If you work with the public, with children, or in a career that is physically demanding, you’re a great candidate for CPR certification. It’s also a good idea to encourage a few of your coworkers to get certified with you!
11 Jobs Where You’ll Benefit From CPR Training
If you’re in one of these fields, you should seriously consider getting CPR certified.
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General Staff at Medical Practices
While you may think you don’t need to be CPR certified if you’re a receptionist or other staff member at a medical practice, it’s still a good idea to take CPR training. If someone has a cardiac event in the waiting area, it may take a doctor or nurse several minutes to tend to the patient. If the receptionist knows CPR, the patient can receive life-saving treatment immediately.
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Childcare Worker
When you work with kids, you can never be too cautious. Teachers, paraprofessionals, nannies, babysitter, daycare providers, and even scout leaders, camp counselors, and coaches should all be CPR and First Aid certified. Some states require that teachers be certified and in states that don’t require it, your school district may require or highly recommend it.
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Firefighters, Law Enforcement Officers, and Security Guards
Since firefighters, officers, and security guards are involved in a variety of situations that can range from minor incidents to major accidents, having CPR training is essential. And since firefighters and officers are often called to the scene of an accident, it’s important that they know how to administer CPR in the event they arrive before EMS.
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Physical Therapists
While physical therapists are part of the medical field, they are not involved with administering medical care like a physician. Because of this, some people might think physical therapists don’t need to worry about CPR training. This couldn’t be further from the truth, though. Since physical therapists work with patients recovering from illness, injury, or surgery, those patients may be weaker and more susceptible to cardiac arrest.
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Fitness Instructors and Personal Trainers
When physical activity is involved, the chance of a cardiac event always increases. Group fitness instructors, including yoga teachers, and personal trainers should be CPR certified so that in the event one of their students or clients has an issue, they can help immediately. Other gym staff, like front desk personnel, should also consider CPR training.
Outdoor Adventure Guides
Just like fitness instructors, whitewater rafting guides, trail guides, horseback riding instructors, and rock climbing instructors are involved in activities that naturally increase the risk of a cardiac event. The physical exertion can trigger cardiac arrest, especially when combined with heat and humidity present in some climates. It‘s important that outdoor guides be CPR certified so aid can be administered while waiting for help to arrive.
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Flight Attendants
Did you know the original job of a flight attendant was to ensure passenger safety? Although that is not the bulk of a modern-day flight attendant’s duties, it is still one of their responsibilities. You should not count on a doctor or nurse being on every flight and since it’s impossible to call 911 on a plane, it’s up to flight attendants and other passengers to deliver life-saving treatment. CPR certification is so crucial in this field that being certified can increase your employability as a flight attendant.
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Social Workers and Counselors
Social workers and counselors often work with people going through difficult and/or very stressful life events and although science doesn’t know exactly how stress leads to heart disease, they know there is a link between the two. For social workers and counselors, it’s important to have CPR training to be able to administer care to their clients/patients in case of a cardiac event.
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Construction Workers and Electricians
When you think of people that need CPR training, construction workers and electricians probably don’t come to mind, but they absolutely should consider getting CPR certified. Construction and electrical work are both physical jobs that take place in dangerous, sometimes very hot conditions. In the event that a worker goes into cardiac arrest, having someone deliver CPR immediately can be the difference between life and death.
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Foodservice Workers
Restaurant workers and managers deal with the public all day, automatically increasing their risk of witnessing a cardiac event. When you add in the fact that heavy or especially rich meals can trigger heart attacks, it’s easy to see why those that work in the restaurant industry should seek CPR training.
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Prison Personnel
It’s important that jail and prison staff be properly trained in CPR because it can take longer for EMS to arrive due to security in prisons. When someone has a cardiac event, every second counts and being able to administer CPR immediately will give the victim a better chance of survival.
Advance Your Career and Save a Life with CPR Training
Earning a CPR certification is valuable in more ways than one. If you’d like to complete CPR training as part of your job requirements or for your own peace of mind, we offer in-person certified first aid courses (Raleigh-area only) and online CPR certifications. To learn more or sign up for a class, call us at (919) 639-4848 or register online.
