CPR for Teachers and School Staff
Many U.S. states require CPR training for teachers, coaches, and school staff. A Heartsaver CPR/AED or First Aid + CPR combo course typically meets district policy.
Quick facts
- Required for educators in many states
- Covers adult, child, and infant CPR + AED
- Combo with First Aid satisfies most school policies
- On-site group classes work well for staff in-service days
What schools usually require
A Heartsaver-level CPR/AED card from AHA or Red Cross. Coaches and athletic trainers often need a higher-tier course that emphasizes sudden cardiac arrest in athletes.
Group training tips
Schedule training before the school year starts and stagger expirations so half your staff renews each year.
Pairing with EpiPen and stock albuterol training
Most districts now layer epinephrine and asthma-rescue training onto CPR/First Aid to address food allergies and asthma emergencies.
Frequently asked questions
- Is CPR required for teachers in every state?
- No — but the list is growing. Check your state's department of education policy.
- Do administrators need CPR too?
- Best practice is yes — anyone with student-facing time should be certified.
- How long does the class take?
- About 4 hours for CPR/AED, 6–8 hours for First Aid + CPR + AED combos.
Related guides
CPR for Healthcare Providers
Healthcare providers need BLS-level CPR with team dynamics, bag-mask ventilation, and 2-year renewal. Here's how to choose and maintain the right course.
Adult CPR
Learn adult CPR step by step: check responsiveness, call 911, push hard and fast at 100–120 BPM, 2 inches deep, and attach an AED as soon as one arrives.
Child CPR (Ages 1 to Puberty)
Child CPR uses about 2 inches of compression depth and 30:2 (single rescuer) or 15:2 (two rescuers). Give 2 minutes of CPR before leaving to call 911 if alone.
Infant CPR (Under 1 Year)
Infant CPR uses two fingers (single rescuer) or two-thumb encircling hands (two rescuers), about 1.5 inches deep, with a 30:2 or 15:2 ratio.