CPR: A Lifesaving Skill Every Family Should Have
CPR: A Lifesaving Skill Every Family Should Have
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a simple but powerful set of skills that can keep oxygen and blood flowing to a person’s brain and vital organs when their heart or breathing stops. For infants and young children, who are more prone to choking and respiratory emergencies, CPR can dramatically increase the chance of survival—especially when it’s started before EMS arrives.
If you’re a parent or grandparent, you already know that kids can be unpredictable. They explore the world with their mouths, they run fast, climb high, and sometimes accidents happen. By learning CPR, you’re not just being proactive—you’re giving yourself the power to protect your family when every second counts.
Not Just Parents—Caregivers Need to Be Certified Too
It’s not enough for you to be trained. Anyone who cares for your child—daycare providers, babysitters, preschool teachers—should be CPR certified. And yes, you can ask to see proof. In fact, you should.
A Quick Look at the History: CPR Requirements in Childcare Settings
The push to require CPR training for daycare staff and school employees began in earnest in the 1980s and 1990s, when child safety became a growing public concern. After multiple tragic stories of children dying in childcare settings due to choking or sudden cardiac arrest, states began to pass laws mandating CPR training for licensed childcare workers.
By the early 2000s, most states—including California—required that at least one staff member with current CPR certification be present at all times in licensed daycare facilities. Some states, like Texas and New York, took it further by mandating both CPR and first aid certification for all childcare employees.
In 2010, the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics reinforced the importance of pediatric CPR training for anyone working in schools or with children. Today, public schools in many states require teachers and coaches to be trained in CPR—and some even require AED (automated external defibrillator) use as part of that training.
What Every Parent Should Ask Their Daycare:
Are all staff members certified in CPR and First Aid, including infant and child CPR?
(Bonus: Ask if the certification is from the American Heart Association or Red Cross.)How often is CPR and emergency training renewed or updated?
Is there always someone on-site who is CPR certified during daycare hours?
Do you conduct regular emergency drills (e.g., choking, cardiac arrest, fire)?
What’s your emergency response plan if a child stops breathing or becomes unresponsive?
Make It a Family Priority
When you learn CPR, you’re investing in your family’s safety. You’re preparing for the unexpected, and you’re showing your loved ones that you are ready to protect them no matter what. The same goes for the people you trust with your children when you’re not there. Ask your daycare if their staff is up to date. Ask your school if their teachers are trained. These aren’t awkward questions—they’re smart, loving ones.
Take Action Today
If it’s been a while since your last CPR class, or if you’ve never taken one, now’s the time. At Lifesaver Education, we offer family-friendly, hands-on CPR classes designed specifically for parents, grandparents, and caregivers. Classes are available in English and Spanish, and we make it easy to learn in a stress-free environment.
Because knowing CPR isn’t just for healthcare workers—it’s for every heartbeat you love.