Which CPR Class is Right for You? Adult, Child, Infant, or BLS Explained

When people first decide to take a CPR class, the choices can feel overwhelming. Should you sign up for Adult CPR? Pediatric? BLS? Do you need First Aid or AED training too? At Northern Nevada CPR, we help students find the right class for their needs, because one size doesn’t fit all.

Here’s a breakdown of the most common CPR courses and who each one is designed for:

Adult CPR/AED

Best for: Teachers, fitness instructors, coaches, community members, and anyone who primarily works with adults.

• Focuses on recognizing cardiac arrest in adults and performing high-quality compressions and rescue breaths.

• Includes training on how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

• Covers choking emergencies.

Child & Infant CPR

Best for: Parents, babysitters, daycare staff, grandparents, and caregivers.

• Teaches CPR and choking relief specifically for infants and children.

• Covers the differences in compression depth, breath technique, and AED pad placement for smaller bodies.

• Gives parents and caregivers the peace of mind to act in emergencies at home or on the go.

CPR + First Aid + AED

Best for: Schools, workplaces, and organizations that want complete preparedness.

• Includes adult, child, and infant CPR.

• Adds First Aid basics like bleeding control, burns, allergic reactions, and medical emergencies.

• Ideal for meeting workplace safety requirements.

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Best for: Healthcare professionals and students entering medical fields.

• Covers adult, child, and infant CPR at a professional level.

• Teaches two-rescuer CPR, bag-mask ventilation, and team dynamics.

• Required for nurses, EMTs, medical students, and many clinical settings.

How to Choose the Right Class

Ask yourself: Who am I most likely to be responsible for in an emergency? Parents and caregivers often need pediatric training, while healthcare professionals require BLS. If you’re getting certified for work, check with your employer about what’s required.

At Northern Nevada CPR, we’ll guide you toward the right course so you get exactly the training you need—nothing less, nothing more.