The early initiation of quality CPR has proven to increase the survival rate of patients who suffer a cardiac arrest. Combining community CPR with early defibrillation and advanced life support has proven to save lives.

Public CPR Courses

In order to better serve our community, the Evanston Fire Department is offering four courses to the general public that are authorized by the American Heart Association. Three are certification courses, and the last is informative.

Certifying Courses: If you want to be certified upon completion. 

• BLS CPR AED Course/Basic Life Support (BLS) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course
  This course is for healthcare professionals and is approximately four hours long. The course is designed for healthcare providers caring for patients both in pre-hospital and in-facility environments. Students receive a course completion card that is valid for 2 years. (age 16 yo+)
  
  Books Required and included in class cost:  BLS Student Manual
  Class Cost: Resident $55/ Non-Resident $65
  
  
• Heartsaver CPR AED course/Heartsaver Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Automated External Defibrillator (AED) course
  This course is for the general public and is approximately three hours long. Heartsaver courses are designed for anyone with little or no medical training who needs a course completion card for a job, regulatory (for example, OSHA), or other requirements. These courses can also be taken by anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency in any setting. Students receive a course completion card that is valid for 2 years. (age 12 yo+)
  
  Books Required and included in class cost: Heartsaver CPR AED Student Manual
  Class Cost: Resident $50/ Non-Resident $60
  
  
• Heartsaver First Aid & CPR Combo course
  This course is for the general public and is approximately seven hours long. This Heartsaver course teaches students critical skills needed to respond to and manage an emergency until emergency medical services arrives. Skills covered in this course include first aid; choking relief in adults, children, and infants; and what to do for sudden cardiac arrest in adults, children, and infants, including CPR & AED. (age 12 yo+)
  
  Books Required and included in class cost: Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Student Manual
  Class Cost: Resident $80/ Non-Resident $100

Informative Course: Learn basic hands only CPR skills. Not certification seeking.

**This class is offered at community engagement events throughout the year**

• Friends and Family CPR Course 
  This course is for the general public, is non-certifying, and is approximately 1-1.5 hours long. Family & Friends CPR is for people who want to learn CPR but do not need a CPR course completion card to meet a job requirement. This course is ideal for community groups, new parents, grandparents, babysitters, and others interested in learning how to save a life. (age 10 yo+)
  
  
  

2026 Certification Classes:

• February 4th, 6 p.m. to 9/10 p.m. (CPR - Both Heartsaver & BLS certification classes are offered)

• March 11th, 6 p.m. to 9/10 p.m. (CPR - Both Heartsaver & BLS certification classes are offered)

• April 18th, 9 a.m. to 3/4 p.m. (First Aid/CPR Combo class) 

• May 20th, 6 p.m. to 9/10 p.m. (CPR - Both Heartsaver & BLS certification classes are offered)

• September 9th, 6 p.m. to 9/10 p.m. (CPR - Both Heartsaver & BLS certification classes are offered)

• October 10th, 9 a.m. to 3/4 p.m. (First Aid/CPR Combo class) 

• November 4th, 6 p.m. to 9/10 p.m. (CPR - Both Heartsaver & BLS certification classes are offered)

Location:

All classes are located at

Fire Department Headquarters at 909 Lake St., Evanston IL 60201

(Unless otherwise noted)

Questions should be directed to Jennifer via email at evanstonfirecpr@cityofevanston.org or call the CPR Hotline at 847-866-5923. Online registration and payment must be received 48 hours prior to the class.