Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique. Boston EMS offers CPR certification classes for groups of 20 or more. We also provide free non-certificate CPR instruction for community groups.
Learn about hands-only CPR
With hands-only CPR, there are no rescue breaths. You just call 9-1-1 and then push hard and fast on the center of the victim’s chest. Hands-only is recommended on adults who have suddenly collapsed. Learn more about hands-only CPR.
Organize a group
Any formal or informal community group of 15 or more people may request a free (non-certificate) hands-only CPR instructional presentation. The group must be in the City of Boston and have access to a venue capable of hosting the training.
The course can be offered in multiple languages as well as English, including:
- Spanish
- Vietnamese
- Cantonese
- Portuguese Creole
- Haitian Creole
Schedule a training
Contact Boston EMS Community Initiatives to schedule a training:
Remind Attendees
As the course date nears, please send reminder notices to all confirmed attendees to ensure a full class.
Keep in mind:Have a lot of people dropped out from your group? If you expect attendance to be low, please contact Boston EMS Community Initiatives at 617-343-1027. We can reschedule the class.
Before you watch a video, learn about hands-only CPR
With hands-only CPR, there are no rescue breaths. You just call 9-1-1 and then push hard and fast on the center of the victim’s chest. Hands-only is recommended on adults who have suddenly collapsed. Learn more about hands-only CPR.
Watch a video
Boston EMS has developed Adult Hands-Only CPR Anytime instructional videos in the following languages:
Before you schedule a training
Although a certification is not required to know CPR, it may be a necessary for certain careers. Businesses may choose to certify employees as an investment in their professional development and safety.
Boston EMS has a number of seasoned EMTs and Paramedics who can serve as CPR instructors. A minimum of 20 participants are required for any CPR certification course.
Schedule a course
Contact Boston EMS Community Initiatives to schedule a CPR certification training:
Remind attendees
As the course date nears, please send reminder notices to all confirmed attendees to ensure a full class.
Contact Boston EMS if anything changes
The American Heart Association requires a defined ratio of participants to instructors. If more attendees show up than planned, Boston EMS may not be able to include them in the training. If fewer people attend, additional instructors may have unnecessarily been hired. We need enough time to request or cancel staffing for a training.
You need to let us know at least two business days before a training if the number of people going has changed. If you don't and more people go, we reserve the right to restrict attendance to the original number you gave us. If fewer people attend the training than planned, we reserve the right to charge you based on the original number you gave us.
Why is CPR important?
When a heart attack or cardiac arrest happens, the heart stops pumping blood through the body. You can support a victim’s heart through rescue breathing and chest compressions.
CPR pumps a small amount of blood to the brain. It “buys time” until the heart can function on its own again.
According to the American Heart Association, about 80 percent of heart attacks occur at home. Ninety-two percent of victims die before getting to the hospital. CPR can more than double a victim's chance of survival.
We encourage everyone to learn this technique, including parents, babysitters, caregivers, and teachers.
The American Heart Association has more information about CPR and heart-health.
Individual CPR certification
Boston EMS does not currently offer CPR certification courses on an individual basis. Here are some organizations currently offering courses:
- American Heart Association
1-877-242-4277 - American Red Cross of Eastern Massachusetts
139 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142
617-274-5200 - YMCA of Greater Boston
Multiple locations 617-536-7800
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Need to Know:Contact EMS Community Initiatives at 617-343-1027, or communityinitiatives@bostonems.org.
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Contact:
Emergency Medical Services
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785 Albany Street
Boston, MA 02118
