CPR is a crucial life-saving skill. It can significantly improve survival rates during cardiac arrest, a condition where the heart stops or fails to pump blood effectively to the brain and other vital organs. Training more employees in this essential technique can greatly enhance the chances of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest, both in the workplace and in everyday situations.

When you think about CPR, you probably think only healthcare workers need training, but that’s far from the truth. So many other professions require CPR training.

1. Lifeguards and Swim Instructors
   • Anyone working around water needs to be prepared for emergencies. Lifeguards and swim instructors are often the first line of defense when someone is struggling in the water, whether it’s a child at a swim lesson or an adult experiencing a medical event in the pool. Most lifeguards are required to have CPR for the Professional Rescuer certification, which is tailored to aquatic emergencies.
2. Teachers and School Staff
   • In many schools, teachers, coaches, and even administrators are required to be CPR-certified. Kids are constantly on the move—playing sports, running around at recess, or just being kids—which means accidents and medical emergencies can happen at any time. Since school nurses aren’t always available in an instant, having staff trained in CPR can be lifesaving.
3. Firefighters and Police Officers
   • First responders are often the first ones on the scene of an emergency, sometimes even before paramedics arrive. Firefighters and police officers frequently deal with accidents, medical emergencies, and dangerous situations where CPR could be needed. Many departments require CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) training as part of their standard certification.
4. Coaches and Personal Trainers
   • Athletic trainers, gym staff, and sports coaches work with people pushing their physical limits. While rare, sudden cardiac arrest can happen to even the healthiest individuals, making CPR training critical. Many high schools, colleges, and sports organizations require their coaches to be certified in CPR in case an athlete collapses on the field.
5. Childcare Providers and Nannies
   • Caring for young children comes with a lot of responsibility, and emergencies can happen in an instant. Whether it’s choking, drowning, or a sudden allergic reaction, CPR training is often required for daycare workers, preschool teachers, and even private nannies. Knowing how to respond quickly in a life-threatening situation is essential when working with kids.
6. Flight Attendants and Airline Crew
   • If someone has a medical emergency mid-flight, help isn’t exactly around the corner. That’s why flight attendants and airline staff are trained in CPR and basic first aid. They need to be able to assist passengers who experience heart attacks, choking incidents, or other medical emergencies while in the air.
7. Electricians and Construction Workers
   • Construction sites and electrical work come with plenty of risks, including falls, electrocution, and heavy machinery accidents. Since these can lead to serious injuries or even cardiac arrest, many companies require workers to be CPR-certified so they can step in before emergency responders arrive.
8. Security Guards and Event Staff
   • Security personnel are responsible for maintaining safety at concerts, stadiums, festivals, and other large events. With thousands of people in one place, medical emergencies—like dehydration, heat exhaustion, or cardiac arrest—can happen at any time. Many venues require security staff to be trained in CPR so they can provide immediate assistance if needed.
9. Correctional Officers
   • Working in prisons and detention centers comes with unpredictable challenges. Inmates or staff members may experience medical emergencies, fights, or other situations where CPR is needed. Many correctional facilities require officers to be trained in basic life support to handle these situations effectively.
10. Social Workers and Home Care Aides
    • Social workers who visit homes and assist vulnerable populations—like the elderly or individuals with disabilities—sometimes find themselves in emergency situations. If a client has a medical crisis, knowing CPR can help stabilize them until professional medical help arrives.

So many professions need CPR training. Many industries recognize the value of having employees who can respond to emergencies, which is why they require certification. Whether it’s a teacher helping a student, a coach assisting an athlete, or a security guard stepping in at a concert, CPR skills can save lives. The more people trained, the safer our communities become.

If your profession is on this list and you aren’t certified, reach out and we can discuss options that work for you!

Did I leave any professions out? Did any of these surprise you? Let me know in the comments below!