There is renewed interest within the global first-responder community in compression-only CPR, sometimes also called “hands-only CPR.” Notably, during the pandemic the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) acknowledged the benefits and efficacy of these techniques for certain applications. 

Compressions-only CPR training has been an option for EFR® Instructors to offer for many years. You teach participants to administer continuous chest compressions without stopping to provide ventilations. You may recall the “push hard, push fast” campaigns from the American Heart Association, The British Heart Foundation and the Australian Resuscitation Council, which promoted this technique by using regional celebrities.  

Compression-only CPR can effectively circulate unused oxygen left in the patient’s lungs and blood stream to the vital organs, and it’s certainly better than doing nothing for a victim in cardiac arrest. The benefits of compression-only CPR include:  

The steps to perform CPR are fewer, making it easier for the rescuer to remember and for emergency dispatch personnel to instruct over the phone 
Those with fears of disease transmission feel more comfortable providing chest compressions without rescue breaths 

However, it’s important to remember that while this technique is better than doing nothing, having the skills to offer both compressions and rescue breathing is better and more effective in an emergency situation. 

Note that compression-only CPR training is not designed to meet workplace requirements for CPR. Consequently, it does not result in the participant receiving a course completion card. However, you may choose to issue an optional EFR Participant Certificate (40021). 

This program is ideal to offer as a community service because material costs are low and the time to complete the program is minimal. Participants can retain materials as a reference and have incentive to enroll in the other EFR programs you offer. 

How to Offer EFR Compression-Only

CPR Training

EFR Instructors can offer compression-only CPR training using their current CPR & AED Participant eLearning/Manual and instructor guide.  

Organize your class as you would for teaching the EFR CPR & AED program. After issuing the EFR CPR & AED Participant eLearning/Manual, use the following course sequence and adapt it to meet participant needs. You can also use and display the EFR CPR & AED eLearning as a “lesson guide” to review the content required below. 

Have participants study independently or go over the following knowledge development topics during the class: 

The Chain of Survival and You 
Helping Others in Need 
Activating The Emergency Medical Service – Call First and Care First 

During skill practice, have participants complete the following skill development sections: 

CPR & AED Skill 1: Scene Assessment 
CPR & AED Skill 2: Primary Assessment 
CPR & AED Skill 3: Adult CPR-Chest Compressions 

The training can be completed in as little as one hour and there is no requirement to register your participants. 

For more information about using this training to further develop your EFR business contact your local Emergency First Response Instructor Trainer or your EFR Regional Headquarters. 

EFR Instructor and Instructor Trainer Business Opportunities  

The Emergency First Response Instructor Trainer rating is open to EFR Instructors, while the EFR Instructor rating is open to anyone with an interest in teaching the EFR suite of courses. The EFR Instructor candidate market is large and diverse, and an additional business opportunity for EFR Instructor Trainers. 

Prerequisites to enroll in the Emergency First Response Instructor Course include:

Have completed an EFR Primary and Secondary Care course (or qualifying training) within the past 24 months 
Be 18 years old 

Prerequisites to enroll in the Emergency First Response Instructor Trainer Course include: 

Be an active Emergency First Response Primary Care and Secondary Care Instructor 
Have issued 25 completion cards or taught at least five courses 
Have no verified quality assurance issues in the past 12 months 

The EFR Instructor Trainer course prepares candidates to teach the EFR Instructor course. It includes independent online learning followed by interactive knowledge development and a practical session. The program authorizes successful candidates to market and conduct EFR Instructor courses, making it particularly appealing to those with a focus on EFR business development.  

EFR Instructors and Instructor Trainers make a positive impact on individuals and communities, contribute to public safety, and achieve personal and professional satisfaction. For more information on becoming an EFR Instructor or EFR Instructor Trainer, contact the Instructor Development team.   

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