CPRFirst

CPRFirst is an organization that develops and disseminates training resources for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and first aid. It provides curricula and certification programs designed for laypersons, school staff, and healthcare professionals to improve bystander response in cardiac emergencies. Since its founding in the early 2010s by emergency medical technicians and educators, CPRFirst has expanded through in-person workshops, blended learning, and online courses.

Programs and materials: CPRFirst offers CPR with AED, hands-only CPR, pediatric CPR, infant CPR, rescue breathing, and team-based CPR. Training combines instructor-led sessions, manikins with feedback devices, and digital simulations. The organization maintains a digital platform with online modules, instructional videos, and mobile app–based checklists and guidance to support practice and self-paced learning.

Certification and guidelines: Upon completion, participants receive a CPRFirst certification that is valid for a specified period and is intended to align with current guidelines from major health organizations. Recertification emphasizes refreshers, ongoing practice, and updates to reflect evolving recommendations.

Impact and reach: CPRFirst operates with partner organizations in schools, workplaces, and community centers and claims to have trained thousands of individuals. It emphasizes accessibility, multilingual materials, and cost-effective options. The program is generally viewed as practical and widely applicable, though some observers call for broader access and more consistent retraining.

Criticism and challenges: Barriers include cost for some communities, variability in instructor quality, and the need to continually update materials to reflect new guidelines. Ongoing evaluation and partnerships are cited as important for maintaining quality and relevance.