A 2017 data from the CDC shows heart disease as the leading cause of death with 46,440 fatalities that year. These numbers only point to the importance of CPR knowledge in both trained medical professionals and bystanders.
As a result, getting a CPR certification could be highly beneficial for laypeople in Florida since it will increase the number of people who could save a life in emergencies. But is everyone required to know how to perform CPR? The cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines and requirements can differ in US states.
The government of Florida, in collaboration with institutions like the American Heart Association and the National Safety Council, has defined the guidelines. In this article, we will cover the state CPR and AED guidelines for Florida that you may find very helpful.
CPR Guidelines for Educational Facilities
What are the state CPR guidelines for Florida? Governor Ron DeSantis signed legislation requiring students in public high schools to complete CPR training in order to graduate. The new law requires that school districts provide CPR and basic first aid training to ninth and eleventh graders. This new policy came into effect on the first of July 2021.
All educational facility personnel must have CPR training, including supervisors, principals, teachers, counselors, and librarians. CPR certification is also required for coaches in Florida per Statute 1012.55. They must have a valid certificate or a completion card for a CPR course. In addition, they must be certified in adult, child, and infant Pediatric CPR, automated external defibrillator (AED), and first aid.
Individual school districts determine certification requirements at the time of hire. The coaches in Florida can take an online course, but the local district has the right to ask them for a practical skills component to keep their job.
In addition, from the first of June 2021, a school employee with valid CPR and AED training must be present at all athletic events, both during and outside the school year. Completing a CPR or basic first aid course that includes CPR training and using an AED is required. This training must be completed by any employee who is expected to use an AED.
Professions Required to Have CPR Certification in Florida
CPR training is the pillar for establishing workplace safety, allowing people to save lives. BLS/CPR certification at the Healthcare Provider level is required for Emergency medical services (EMS) providers in Florida, which includes a hands-on skills evaluation via a classroom or blended training course. Online CPR training is an option at the employer’s or institution’s discretion and will not be accepted by the state licensing department or for continuing education for EMS.
Defibrillation, rescue breathing, infant, child, and adult CPR, and the use of a bag-valve mask are all required skills for EMS workers by the Florida Department of Health. In addition, some EMS professionals may be required to take a first aid course.
Although medical professionals, healthcare providers, emergency personnel, school staff, and coaches are required to obtain CPR and first aid certification, they are not the only ones who should do so. CPR and First Aid certification is required for many jobs in Florida. These jobs include, but are not limited to:
- Lifeguards
- Childcare providers (daycare employees, babysitters, and nannies)
- Aquatic instructors
- Pilots and flight attendants
- Construction workers
- Security staff
- Hotel and restaurant staff
- Electricians
- All personnel working in a dentist’s or doctor’s office
- First responders (firefighters, police officers, security personnel)
- Home healthcare aids
- People working with the elderly and disabled.
Can Anyone Obtain CPR Certification in Florida?
People with out-of-hospital obstructed airways and cardiac arrest can die if they do not receive prompt and proper care. BLS and CPR courses equip people with the life-saving skills to save lives in emergencies like victims experiencing respiratory and cardiac arrest. So, all citizens can and are encouraged to take a CPR course in Florida.
Certification classes in BLS and CPR in Florida will help you become a more dutiful citizen by teaching you how to perform chest compressions, rescue breathing, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and save someone’s life. However, when deciding which course to take, you should choose one approved by a nationally accredited health organization.Â
Information About CPR Courses in Florida
Many BLS and CPR certification courses in Florida follow the AHA guidelines. They will provide comprehensive classes to help trainees quickly learn how to perform high-quality CPR and understand the features and functions of AEDs. Many CPR courses in Florida also cover the basics of providing first aid, which can be helpful in many emergencies.
Both the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross offer online, in-person, and hybrid CPR courses in Florida. Even if you choose an online CPR course, you will get in-depth learning covering all the needed topics:
- New changes according to the AHA guidelines
- Symptoms of sudden respiratory or cardiac arrest
- Adult, children, and infant CPR
- Hands-only CPR
- Treatment for a conscious or unconscious choking victim
- Use of AED
- Universal precautions
- Chain of Survival and Good Samaritan Laws.
The instructors are experts in the field, so you will be learning how CPR works from the best. After going over all the needed topics, the final step will be an exam, no matter the lesson format. You will take a multiple-choice exam to assess your knowledge of CPR and first aid techniques. If you pass the exam, you will be able to download your digital certificate right away, while your physical card will be mailed.
However, if you take a strictly online CPR course, you won’t be able to show skill proficiency to a certified instructor, meaning you won’t meet OSHA certification requirements. However, you can receive a two-year OSHA-compliant certification after completing the in-person skills session.
Besides the Red Cross and the AHA, other accredited institutions offer CPR training in Florida. Of course, before you sign up with one, make sure it is OSHA compliant, especially if you are looking to fulfill a CPR job requirement.
Florida State AED Law
According to House Bill No. 7011, every public school member of the Florida High School Athletic Association must have an AED on school grounds. In addition, every athletic practice and contest must have an AED available in a marked and publicized location. Public-private partnerships are encouraged to cover purchasing and installing the AED.
All potential users of an AED are encouraged to get proper training, including completing a CPR or basic first aid course that includes CPR training. They also must be able to demonstrate proficiency in using an AED. In addition, anyone who possesses an AED should register its location with the local EMS medical director. Finally, the AED must be adequately maintained and tested.
Wrapping Up
With so many deaths resulting from cardiac arrest episodes, Florida constantly tries to ensure citizens’ well-being and offers CPR certification training to people of all ages. CPR classes in Florida are designed for everyone who wants to learn how to effectively diagnose a respiratory or cardiac arrest and care for the victim. In addition, Florida offers many training centers licensed and certified by prestigious organizations such as the Red Cross and the AHA.
But what are the state CPR guidelines for Florida? The state imposes stringent requirements on various professions, such as coaches, lifeguards, school staff, construction workers, etc., besides medical and emergency personnel. People working in certain occupations must obtain a valid CPR certificate. In addition, CPR training is mandatory for high schoolers’ graduation. Florida’s CPR guidelines and certification requirements are updated regularly.
We hope that Florida will continue providing excellent certification services while encouraging everyone to comply with the requirements.