Hands-Only CPR
Host a Hands-Only CPR Course! Hands-only CPR is a free course that includes information on how to provide compression only CPR skills. Hands-Only CPR does not include certification, or meet certification training requirements, but it can help save lives for those who want to learn basic skills, without the full training.
STS will provide Hands-Only CPR training at your location, either open to a group, business patrons, employees, or open to the community.
Added bonus, you can play your part in helping Rochester, NY reach the goal of becoming a "Heartsafe Community."
Cost per student: Free
Free or paid CPR courses:
Which are better?
This article discusses in-person CPR training programs that follow American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines led by certified instructors.
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a critical emergency procedure used when an individual’s heart stops beating, and immediate intervention can significantly improve survival rates following cardiac arrest. Sudden cardiac arrest is often fatal without prompt, high-quality CPR and rapid defibrillation. Statistics show that most out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in private residences. Timely CPR can double or triple the likelihood of survival in these situations.
According to the AHA, out of approximately 350,000 annual community-based cardiac arrests, only about 35,000 individuals survive, primarily due to delays in receiving effective CPR and defibrillation. In response, many communities have launched initiatives, like the “Heartsafe Community” initiative by the Citizen CPR Foundation, to expand access to CPR training and Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs), aiming to equip more people with lifesaving skills.
If you search your community, you will likely notice there are both free and paid CPR courses available. So, which course should you take?
Free courses typically teach “hands-only” CPR, focusing on proper chest compression techniques. This method can help to sustain a victim until professional medical help arrives. Some free programs may also cover additional skills, such as providing rescue breaths or using an AED, which further enhances survival chances. These courses are often offered by local fire departments, government agencies, schools, or healthcare organizations.
Paid CPR courses generally provide more comprehensive instruction, including the integration of compressions with rescue breaths, child and infant CPR, the use of barrier devices, AED operation, choking response, and naloxone administration for opioid overdoses. These courses typically include certification, which may be required by employers, educational institutions, or other organizations. Certification also ensures that participants are trained in the latest techniques, as AHA guidelines are regularly updated based on international research. Certifications are valid for two years, serving as a reminder to refresh skills and stay current with best practices.
In summary, both free and paid CPR courses teach essential, lifesaving skills. Paid courses offer additional training that can further improve survival outcomes, but any form of CPR education is valuable and increases the likelihood of saving a life.
References
American Heart Association. (2025). CPR facts and stats. Retrieved from: https://cpr.heart.org/en/resources/cpr-facts-and-stats
Citizen CPR Foundation. (2024). What is a heartsafe community? Retrieved from: https://citizencpr.org/heartsafe-community/
Have questions or are interested in our services? We’re here to help!
We want to know your needs so we can provide a tailored training experience. Let us know what you are looking for and we will do our best to accommodate your requests.