Best ways to prep CPR knowledge before the in-person class?

by LifeguardTraining 595 views2 replies
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LifeguardTrainingOP
January 16, 2026

I have a CPR class coming up in two weeks through the local fire department — a combined CPR/AED course for lifeguard applicants. Most of my coworkers have never taken first aid training before and I want them to arrive with at least a basic conceptual foundation so we don't spend the whole session reviewing fundamentals.

The physical skills — compressions, rescue breaths, AED pads — can only be drilled in person on a mannequin. But the knowledge side — compression rates, depth guidelines, infant versus adult differences, when to use an AED — can all be studied ahead of time. I want to understand how to perform CPR correctly before trying to absorb it all in real time.

I found the Child and Infant CPR practice questions on PracticeTestGeeks which cover pediatric differences well. Are there other approaches you'd recommend for a group that's completely new to CPR training? I'm especially looking for resources covering choking response and AED use alongside compressions.

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NursingStudent_Jess
January 18, 2026

Make sure your group knows the compression-to-breath ratio before they arrive: 30:2 for adults, 30:2 for children with one rescuer, 15:2 for children with two healthcare providers. That distinction trips people up in class. Also walk them through AED voice prompts — once they know the machine talks them through it, a lot of the anxiety around AED use disappears. The Airway Obstruction practice questions are great for choking scenarios.

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TeacherFirstAid
January 18, 2026

The AHA's free YouTube videos are excellent for building mental models before hands-on training. Have your group watch the "CPR Chain of Survival" video and the AED step-by-step walkthrough the night before. Practice tests on PracticeTestGeeks are great for knowledge reinforcement — I used the airway obstruction section with school staff. Coming in with the terminology already familiar cuts class confusion in half.

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