Remember the last time you visited a packed event or strolled across Square One on a busy Saturday. Should someone close fall and stop breathing, what should you do? That’s when knowledge of CPR certification becomes really important. Although those first seconds could seem like eternity, knowledge of what to do makes all the difference.

Not only are CPR techniques for first responders or individuals with “lifeguard” embroidered on their swim trunks obsolete. Parents, teachers, coaches, office staff—Mississauga residents from all walks of life—are deciding to pick up these fundamental skills. From school gyms to recreation centers and even, believe it or not, hidden in some businesses, courses abound across the city. If your calendar resembles a game of Tetris, you can sign up for a quick weekend lesson or divide your training across a few evenings.

This site offers little dry lectures. Mississauga instructors often include a little joke here and there, tales from earlier crises, and lots of encouragement to liven things up. Afraid about fracturing ribs or blanking the fire of the moment? You are not on your alone. Each class has someone with the same questions. Less frightening is practicing chest compressions on the training manikin; you will hear the disco beat of “Stayin’ Alive” more than once to aid with rhythm.

Selecting the appropriate CPR certification is not as difficult as you would imagine. While certain positions call for CPR-A, others CPR-C. Just double check if your job or voluntary work requests something particular. Unlike clicking through a computer module any day, training in-person results in instantaneous feedback on your skills. For those with some online flexibility, there are even combined classes.

Rarely does an emergency offer a heads-up. They could occur in the middle of the night at home, in the playground during lunch, or when Wednesday food shopping. One thing is certain. Learning CPR offers confidence you never realized you needed. Knowing you have the ability to aid should things ever get hazardous, you will start to see your city a little differently.

To determine the greatest fit for your calendar, ask acquaintances where they attended for training or research a few web sites. Perhaps you will depart with a certificate and some fresh friends—or at least a decent tale. Learning CPR in Mississauga is about being ready when every second really counts, not only about adding a line to your resume. To be honest, that Bee Gees song will never come back on top in your thoughts.