The River Forest Fire Department offers CPR classes to the public. After the successful completion of the course, students will receive an American Heart Association CPR card that is good for 2 years from the date on the card. The Fire Department offers two versions of the course: "BLS for Healthcare Provider" and "Heartsaver/AED".
BLS CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers
The AHA’s BLS Course is designed for healthcare professionals and other personnel who need to know how to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in-facility and pre-hospital settings. Upon completion, you will receive a Healthcare Provider Certification Card that is valid for two years.
HEARTSAVER CPR
This American Heart Association one-day class is presented for the general public (non-healthcare). This course is designed for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in CPR and AED use to meet job, regulatory, or other requirements.
Upon completion of the course, students will receive a Heart Saver CPR/AED Certification Card valid for two years.
OPTIONAL COURSES
Hands-Only CPR
The Fire Department also offers a "hands only" CPR class. This class is a less in-depth, non-American Heart Association certified class. Although the class still instructs to the AHA standards, participants will not receive a CPR card. This class is for people who do not require a CPR card for work or school, but still want to learn how to do CPR. Students will also learn about AED usage and how to relieve choking in a victim.
First Aid and STOP THE BLEED
Each participant can opt to include First Aid and STOP THE BLEED at no additional cost. This optional course includes both hands-on and classroom instruction. If you elect to include this class, please be prepared to stay an additional hour after the CPR certification class.
Cost
All participants must sign up individually, including those who wish to attend as a work or school group. CPR instructors cannot guarantee a private session for any group of people wishing to attend a CPR class.
* All fees are subject to change without notice.
Location
Classes are held in the 1st Floor, Village Hall Community Room at 400 Park Avenue, River Forest, IL 60305.
Classes start promptly at 8:00 am, and last until noon. Payment can be cash (exact amount, instructors cannot make change) or a check made out to the Village of River Forest
Upcoming Class Schedule for Heartsaver CPR
Classes are scheduled on the 2nd Saturday of every month; scheduled from 8:00am-12:00pm, unless otherwise stated.
All dates must have a minimum of 5 participants to hold a class. participants admittance will be a maximum of 10 per date. If the class fails to achieve a 5 person minimum, participants who signed up for that class will be notified of the cancellation and they will be able to sign up for a different date per the village website.
2025 Dates for Heartsaver CPR
5/10 - 3 seats available out of 10
6/14 - 10 seats available out of 10
7/12 - 10 seats available out of 10
8/9 - 10 seats available out of 10
9/13 - 10 seats available out of 10
10/11 - 10 seats available out of 10
11/15 - 10 seats available out of 10
12/13 - 10 seats available out of 10
HOW TO REGISTER?
CLICK HERE to register for Heartsaver CPR
CLICK HERE to request a class date for BLS CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Question # 1 : Is there an age requirement for students?
Answer: All applicants must be 15 years old or older to obtain certification. However, attendees under the age of 15 may come observe (with a paying student).
Question # 2: "Can you come to my business and teach a class?"
Answer: In special circumstances, a class can be held at your business; pending distance and availability of the instructor(s). An additional travel fee will be applied, to be determined by the Fire Chief or Deputy Fire Chief.
Question # 3: "We have a group of more than 10 participants, can we all take one class?"
Answer: Classes are on a first come, first served basis. If there is a second instructor available to assist the lead instructor, then classes of more than 10 can be approved. However, this is at the discretion of the instructor(s).
Question # 4: " My work or school states that I need a CPR card. I am unsure which class I need to take; how can I find this information?"
Answer: Please click on the AHA hyperlinks below to find out which course is the right one for you.
Healthcare provider link:
https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/healthcare-professional/basic-life-support-bls-training
Heartsaver/AED link:
https://cpr.heart.org/en/cpr-courses-and-kits/heartsaver/heartsaver-cpr-aed-training