CPR can save lives. Here’s where to receive free training in the Triangle.

When someone’s heart stops beating, correctly performing high-quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, can save that person’s life.

Do you know how to perform CPR? Is your training up-to-date? Would you be ready to step in if someone around you experienced a health emergency?

If you answered “no” to any of those questions, you aren’t alone. According to a Harvard Health article from August, just 18% of Americans are up-to-date on their CPR training.

Thankfully, there are classes and training opportunities available — locally and in-person, as well as online — to equip you with the necessary skills to perform CPR.

The News & Observer has compiled some of those locations and opportunities in the Triangle, as well as resources to find additional opportunities.

Wake County EMS CPR classes

Throughout 2023, Wake County EMS is offering free classes on hands-only CPR — CPR performed using chest compressions, without mouth-to-mouth breaths. Attendees will also learn how to use an automated external defibrillator, or AED, a portable medical device that can help restore a normal heartbeat in some situations.

The two-hour, non-credential classes will be held once a month at the Wake County Emergency Services Education Center (221 S. Rogers Lane Suite 160, Raleigh). Dates have been announced through May.

If you’re interested in taking a CPR class with Wake County EMS, register online or learn more at wakegov.com/departments-government/emergency-medical-services-ems/learn-cpr.

CPR classes in Orange County

The South Orange Rescue Squad (SORS), a volunteer rescue and emergency medical services organization, offers free CPR and AED classes to individuals and groups in Orange County.

The organization offers several course options on CPR, first aid and other life-saving skills. The courses are catered to various certification needs, ranging from a “CPR for Friends and Family” course for “for people who want to learn life-saving skills but don’t need a CPR certification card” to certification courses for health care professionals.

Courses are offered for free, but donations are accepted to cover the $26 cost the organization incurs to provide American Heart Association student workbooks and certification cards to participants.

Courses for individuals are offered monthly at the SORS station in Carrboro, with class dates, times and registration information posted online at sors.us/cpr.

Group courses can be organized by contacting SORS at cpr@sors.us.

CPR training in Durham County

Dawn Dudley, Durham County’s senior public information specialist, told The N&O by email that the county is not currently offering CPR classes for the general public. The county typically refers people to the American Heart Association or American Red Cross to find courses near them.

Durham County EMS “has been doing hands-only CPR classes along with Stop the Bleed training as part of our community risk reduction efforts in specific areas of the county but we do not have any currently scheduled,” Dudley said.

Johnston County EMS CPR classes

Josh Holloman, deputy director of Johnston County Emergency Services, told The N&O by email that individuals and groups can contact the county’s EMS Division directly to learn how to perform hands-only CPR.

The division can be reached by email at jces@jocoes.com or by phone at 919-989-5050.

Johnston Community College also offers regularly scheduled certification courses through the American Heart Association. The courses have fees of about $75. To learn more about the college’s CPR course offerings, visit johnstoncc.edu.

Find additional CPR classes through these organizations

If you’re looking for additional CPR training options other than those listed above, both the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross maintain interactive, searchable databases that allow you to find classes and training centers near you.

▪ Access the American Heart Association’s database by visiting ahainstructornetwork.americanheart.org and clicking the red “Find A Class” button at the top.

▪ Find a class near you through the Red Cross at redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr.

Classes may require a fee to attend.

Online CPR courses through the Red Cross

The American Red Cross also offers online, self-paced courses in CPR and first aid.

The online classes do not meet OSHA workplace certification requirements, but may be helpful in equipping you “with the knowledge necessary to recognize and care for a variety of first aid, breathing and cardiac emergencies.”

If you need a workplace certification, you can combine the online course with an instructor-led, in-person class after completing the online component.

You can learn more about the Red Cross’ online course options by searching for a class at redcross.org/take-a-class/cpr.