1. CPR and First Aid, Willows Pediatric, Westport, CT Willows Pediatrics in Westport, CT offers this joint CPR and First Aid class every three to four weeks. The class lasts 2 and a half hours, costs $50.00, and DOES NOT provide the participant with a formal CPR certification. You must call to register, and you will be given a text book at the class to take home with you.

1563 Post Road East Westport, CT 203.319.3939, x 1231

2. Infant CPR, Bridgeport Hospital Bridgeport Hospital’s Birthplace Department offers an Infant CPR class two times per month, always in the evening.  You must call to reserve a place in the 1 hour class, and participants will leave with a practice dummy and and instructional video with which to practice at home.

267 Grant Street Bridgeport, CT 888.357-2396

3. Adult and Pediatric CPR, Red Cross The Red Cross offers a variety of CPR, First Aid, and other classes in many locations throughout CT.  If you visit the Red Cross website, you can search for classes in your area.

4. Online CPR and First Aid Classes Online courses are a great option if you can’t find a convenient class nearby.  You can study the information at your own pace (typically you will need 2-4 hours in total to complete the coursework) and take a test upon completion.  Courses cost just under $18.  Check out cprclass.org for more information.

5. Car Seat Safety Inspections Several police stations in the state offer car seat safety inspections.  Refer to the list at the website to find one near you.  Many safety inspection programs require an appointment, and some inspection sites only serve residents of their town.

Of course, Murphy’s Law dictates that once you learn these skills, you won’t ever need them. And what could be better than that? Nonetheless, it never hurts to be prepared - and these readily available classes and services make getting prepared a snap.

Originally published 11/14/2011 by Katie Owsley. Photo credit Wikimedia