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Please review the following guidance to improve your performance and efficiency during CPR skills. Some common mistakes can increase the time it takes to complete the skills correctly.

Here are 2 key areas to focus on:

  1. Learn Adult, Child, and Infant CPR
    Practice age-appropriate CPR techniques and understand how to respond to different emergencies.

  2. Practice Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
    Learn how to safely operate an AED and follow its step-by-step voice instructions during a cardiac emergency.

  3. Learn First Aid Basics
    If your course includes First Aid training, you will learn how to respond to common injuries and medical emergencies.

  4. Practice Choking Rescue Techniques
    Learn how to recognize choking and provide the appropriate response for adults, children, and infants.

  5. Complete a Practical Skills Assessment
    Demonstrate your CPR and AED skills with instructor guidance to ensure you are prepared and confident.

After completing the course, you will be prepared with the practical CPR skills and confidence needed to take action and help during an emergency.

Heartsaver CPR Certification :Training & Instructional Videos

Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Final Skills Assessment

If you're taking the combined Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course, this video shows what to expect during the final skills evaluation.

Heartsaver CPR AED Final Skills Assessment

This video gives you an overview of the CPR and AED skills you'll demonstrate during your practical assessment.

Preparing before your Heartsaver CPR class helps you feel more comfortable, stay focused, and get the most out of your training experience. These simple steps can help ensure you arrive ready to learn and practice your CPR skills with confidence.

The following tips will help you prepare, build confidence, and get the most out of your Heartsaver CPR training.

1. Complete Any Required Online Coursework

If you are taking a blended learning course, complete the required online lessons before attending your hands-on skills session. Completing the coursework in advance allows you to focus on practicing CPR techniques and applying what you have learned during class.

2. Wear Comfortable Clothing

CPR training involves kneeling, performing chest compressions, and moving around during practice sessions. Wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear that allows you to move freely and participate without difficulty.

3. Arrive Ahead of Your Scheduled Class Time

Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled class time to complete registration, meet your instructor, and get familiar with the training environment. Arriving early helps you start the course feeling relaxed and prepared.

4. Bring Required Identification and Documents

Bring any identification, course confirmation, or completion documents requested by your training provider. Having these items ready helps ensure a smooth check-in process.

5. Stay Hydrated and Prepared

CPR practice can be physically demanding, especially during repeated compression practice on training manikins. Drinking water before and during your training session can help you stay comfortable, focused, and energized throughout the class.

High-quality CPR helps maintain blood circulation and oxygen delivery until emergency medical services arrive. By following the correct techniques and practicing regularly, you can improve your confidence and provide more effective care during a cardiac emergency.

1. Position Your Hands Correctly

Proper hand placement is the foundation of effective chest compressions. Place the heel of one hand in the center of the chest on the lower half of the breastbone, place your other hand on top, and keep your arms straight while performing compressions.

2. Push Hard and Fast

Effective chest compressions require the correct depth, rate, hand placement, and technique to help maintain blood circulation and deliver oxygen to vital organs during cardiac arrest. Proper compression technique is essential for performing high-quality CPR and improving the effectiveness of your response.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for Adult CPR:

  • Compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
  • Maintain a compression rate of 100–120 compressions per minute.
  • Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression.

Using your upper body strength instead of only your arms helps you maintain consistent and effective compressions.

3. Perform Effective Rescue Breaths

If rescue breaths are included in your Heartsaver CPR training, it is important to open the airway properly and provide breaths using the correct technique. Use the head-tilt/chin-lift method, create a proper seal, and deliver each breath slowly until you see the chest rise.

How to Perform Effective Rescue Breaths with a Pocket Mask

This demonstration shows how to create a proper seal with a pocket mask and deliver effective rescue breaths.

4. Use a Face Shield Breathing Barrier

A CPR face shield provides a protective barrier between the rescuer and the person receiving care while allowing rescue breaths to be delivered safely. Learning how to position and use the barrier correctly helps you feel more prepared and confident during an emergency.

How to Use a Face Shield Breathing Barrier for CPR

Watch how to correctly position and use a CPR face shield during rescue breathing.

5. Allow Full Chest Recoil

After every compression, allow the chest to return completely to its normal position before the next compression. Avoid leaning on the chest, as this can reduce blood flow and decrease the effectiveness of CPR.

6. Minimize Interruptions

Keeping pauses as short as possible helps maintain continuous blood circulation during CPR. Resume compressions immediately after rescue breaths, AED analysis, or any necessary interruption.

7. Use an AED as Soon as Possible

An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) analyzes the heart rhythm and provides step-by-step voice instructions to guide rescuers. Using an AED quickly, along with high-quality CPR, can improve the effectiveness of the emergency response.

Key Points to Remember:

  • Turn on the AED immediately when it becomes available.
  • Attach the AED pads correctly according to the instructions.
  • Make sure everyone is clear before the AED delivers a shock.
  • Resume CPR immediately after the AED provides guidance.

Consistent practice, proper technique, and feedback from CPR training equipment like Voice-Assisted Manikins can help you build the confidence and skills needed to perform high-quality CPR when it matters most.

Many students make similar mistakes while learning CPR, especially during their first hands-on practice session. Understanding these common errors helps you improve your technique, build confidence, and perform higher-quality CPR during an emergency.

Here are some common mistakes students make during Heartsaver CPR training and how to avoid them:

  1. Incorrect Hand Placement
    Placing your hands too high, too low, or away from the center of the chest can reduce the effectiveness of each compression, so proper positioning is essential.

  2. Bending Your Elbows
    Keeping your arms straight and using your upper body weight helps deliver consistent compressions with the correct depth and control.

  3. Compressing Too Slowly
    Maintaining the recommended compression rate of 100-120 compressions per minute helps ensure effective blood circulation during CPR.

  4. Leaning on the Chest
    Allowing the chest to fully recoil after each compression helps the heart refill with blood and improves CPR quality.

  5. Taking Long Pauses
    Minimizing interruptions during CPR helps maintain continuous blood flow and increases the effectiveness of your response.

  6. Forgetting Scene Safety
    Always check that the environment is safe before approaching the person to protect yourself and others during an emergency.

By identifying and correcting these common mistakes during training, you can improve your CPR technique, build confidence, and feel better prepared to respond effectively during an emergency.

The Heartsaver skills test is designed to make sure you can confidently and safely perform essential CPR and AED skills. With proper preparation and practice, you can approach the assessment calmly and demonstrate the techniques you have learned.

Here are the key tips to help you complete your Heartsaver CPR skills test:

  1. Listen to the Voice-Assisted Manikin Guidance
    Pay attention to each instruction and demonstration so you understand the correct steps before performing the skill.

  2. Follow the Steps in Order
    Use the CPR sequence you practiced during training to ensure each action is completed correctly and confidently.

  3. Speak Your Actions Clearly
    Verbalizing your steps helps demonstrate your understanding and keeps you focused during the assessment.

  4. Practice Before Testing
    Take advantage of practice time to improve your compression technique, AED skills, and overall confidence.

  5. Stay Calm and Take Your Time
    Avoid rushing through the assessment and focus on performing each skill correctly.

  6. Ask Questions When Needed
    If you are unsure about any technique, ask your instructor for guidance before the evaluation.

Remember, your instructor is there to support you throughout the training process and help you succeed. The goal of the skills test is to ensure you are prepared to perform CPR skills safely and effectively during a real emergency.

Choking can happen suddenly, and knowing how to respond quickly can help protect someone in an emergency. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends different choking rescue techniques based on the person’s age, so it is important to understand the correct steps for adults, children, and infants.

Choking Rescue for Adults and Children (1 Year and Older)

When an adult or child is experiencing severe choking, they may be unable to speak, breathe, or cough effectively. Look for signs such as holding the throat, making weak coughing sounds, or showing difficulty breathing.

AHA Recommended Steps:

  • Confirm the Person Is Choking
    Ask if they are choking and let them know you are going to help.

  • Give Back Blows
    Deliver up to five firm back blows between the shoulder blades using the heel of your hand.

  • Perform Abdominal Thrusts
    If back blows do not clear the airway, provide abdominal thrusts by standing
    behind the person and giving quick inward and upward movements above the belly button.

  • Repeat the Steps
    Continue alternating back blows and abdominal thrusts until the object is removed or the person can breathe normally.

  • Call Emergency Services if Needed
    If the person becomes unresponsive, call 911 and begin CPR according to your training.

Note: For children, use the same choking response steps while adjusting your position and force based on the child’s size and comfort.

Choking Rescue for Infants (Under 1 Year)

Infants require special choking rescue techniques because their bodies are smaller and abdominal thrusts should not be used.

AHA Guidelines and Recommended Actions:

  • Recognize Severe Choking
    Signs may include difficulty crying, coughing, breathing, or making sounds.

  • Provide Five Back Slaps
    Support the infant face-down with the head lower than the chest and give five firm back slaps between the shoulder blades.

  • Provide Five Chest Thrusts
    Turn the infant face-up while supporting the head and neck, then give five gentle chest thrusts using two fingers in the center of the chest.

  • Repeat the Cycle
    Continue alternating five back slaps and five chest thrusts until the object is removed or the infant becomes responsive.

  • Start CPR if Needed
    If the infant becomes unresponsive, begin CPR and follow emergency response procedures.

Key Reminder for Choking Emergencies

The best way to feel prepared is through hands-on training and practice. A Heartsaver CPR course helps you learn the correct choking rescue techniques, build confidence, and understand how to respond calmly when someone needs help.

Earning your CPR certification is an important first step, but regular practice helps you maintain your skills and stay prepared for real emergencies. CPR techniques can become less familiar over time, so refreshing your knowledge and practicing regularly will help you respond with confidence.

Important tips for keeping your CPR certification current:

  • Practice on a CPR Manikin Regularly
    Hands-on practice every few months helps maintain proper compression technique and keeps your skills fresh.

  • Watch CPR Refresher Videos
    Reviewing demonstration videos can help reinforce important steps and remind you of proper CPR procedures.

  • Review AHA Guidelines
    Staying updated with current American Heart Association guidelines ensures you continue following recommended CPR practices.

  • Renew Your Certification on Time
    Complete your renewal course before your certification expires to keep your training current and continue building confidence.

  • Attend Refresher Training When Possible
    Additional training sessions provide valuable practice, instructor feedback, and an opportunity to improve your CPR skills.

Note: Consistent practice helps you retain important skills, improve confidence, and stay prepared to take action when someone needs your help.

Drawing on 20+ years of experience teaching Heartsaver CPR, our instructors have developed these simple, practical tips to help you build strong CPR skills, improve your confidence, and feel prepared to respond during an emergency.

Here are helpful tips from our experienced instructors:

  1. Prioritize Proper Technique
    Focus on correct hand placement, compression depth, compression rate, and full chest recoil to deliver high-quality CPR.

  2. Follow CPR VAM Feedback
    Use the real-time guidance from the Voice-Assisted Manikin to identify mistakes and improve your CPR performance with every practice session.

  3. Practice Until It Becomes Natural
    Repeating CPR skills regularly builds muscle memory, helping you respond more quickly and confidently in a real-life emergency.

  4. Ask Questions When You Need Help
    If you’re unsure about any step or technique, ask your instructor for clarification to ensure you understand and perform it correctly.

  5. Stay Calm and Trust Your Training
    Remaining calm, following the correct CPR sequence, and relying on your training will help you provide effective care when every second matters.

Consistent practice, proper technique, and feedback from experienced instructors and VAM technology can help you build confidence, improve your CPR skills, and stay prepared to respond effectively when it matters most.

At CPR VAM, our Voice-Assisted Manikins (VAM) provide real-time feedback to help you perform high-quality CPR with confidence. During practice, you’ll receive instant guidance on key CPR skills, including:

  • Compression Depth – Ensure compressions are deep enough to circulate blood effectively.

  • Compression Rate – Maintain the recommended rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

  • Full Chest Recoil – Allow the chest to fully rise between compressions for optimal blood flow.

  • Hand Placement – Position your hands correctly to deliver effective chest compressions.

  • Overall CPR Performance – Receive immediate feedback to improve your technique and CPR quality.

This real-time feedback helps you identify and correct mistakes during training, making it easier to build proper CPR skills, improve confidence, and prepare to respond effectively in a real-life emergency.

No. Heartsaver CPR is designed for individuals with little or no medical experience, making it easy for beginners to learn and practice. The self-guided station provides step-by-step voice guidance, real-time feedback, and hands-on practice opportunities to help you develop proper CPR skills before completing the skills assessment. By the end of the training, you will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to respond effectively during an emergency.

No. Heartsaver CPR is intended for the general public, including teachers, parents, childcare providers, coaches, and workplace employees. The course teaches lifesaving skills through simple, step-by-step instruction and hands-on practice. Anyone can complete the course regardless of their medical background.

An American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver CPR certification is typically valid for two years from the date of completion. To keep your certification current, you should renew your training before it expires. Regular refresher training also helps you maintain your CPR skills and confidence.

Yes. Practicing on a CPR manikin and reviewing training videos can help reinforce the skills you learned during class. Regular practice builds confidence and improves your ability to respond during a real emergency. Keeping your skills fresh ensures you’re better prepared when every second counts.

Making mistakes is a normal part of the learning process, especially if this is your first CPR course. Your instructor will provide guidance and constructive feedback to help you improve your technique before the final skills assessment. The goal of the course is to build your confidence and prepare you to perform CPR safely and effectively.

No. The course focuses on understanding the correct sequence through hands-on practice rather than memorizing every detail. As you practice with instructor guidance and real-time feedback, the CPR process becomes more natural and easier to remember. This practical approach helps you respond confidently during an actual emergency.

Learn Heartsaver CPR with Confidence Through CPR VAM

At CPR VAM, our AHA Heartsaver CPR courses combine expert instruction with advanced Voice-Assisted Manikin (VAM) technology to provide hands-on training in CPR, AED use, rescue breathing, and choking relief. Register today to earn your certification, including the BLS, ACLS & PALS certifications, and gain the confidence to respond effectively in a real-life emergency.

 

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