There is always a bit of a “wait-and-see” period when the American Heart Association (AHA) releases new guidelines. We know the 2025 science is officially out, yet the physical textbooks won’t arrive until March 2026. For the last two months, we’ve been informing everyone of the updated 2025 changes because, frankly, the science is too important to keep a secret. This creates a unique advantage: If you have just received your BLS certification, or your CPR certification with us you’ll know things your coworkers don’t yet.
The “Two-Year” Overlap
CPR certifications last for two years. This means that for the foreseeable future, your colleagues at the hospital, the gym, or the office will be operating on different “versions” of the truth:
- The 2020 Group: Those who certified last year and won’t renew until 2027.
- The 2025 Group (You): The early adopters who are already practicing the most current life-saving techniques.
Why Certify Now?
You might wonder, “Should I just wait until the new books come out in March?” Actually, certifying now puts you in a position of leadership.
- Science Over Stationery: A textbook is just paper; the science is what saves lives. By learning the 2025 updates now, you are providing the highest standard of care available today.
- Be the Resource: When the official materials finally drop in March and everyone else starts scrambling to learn what’s changed, you’ll already be a pro. You’ll be the one helping your team bridge the gap.
- The Goal is the Same: Whether someone is following the 2020 or 2025 guidelines, the core mission remains high-quality compressions and early defibrillation. We teach you how to integrate the new updates without causing “standard of care” confusion within your team.
What to Expect in training
Until March 2026 when The AHA officially updates all materials we are using a “Science-First” approach. We use the current curriculum as our foundation while explicitly training you on the 2025 pivots.
Pro-Tip: When you go back to work, be patient with your team! They aren’t “wrong”—they’re just waiting for their renewal window. You’re simply ahead.
What’s Changing? (The 2025 “Cheat Sheet”)
If you’ve been certified for years, some of these changes might surprise you. Here is the new gold standard we are already teaching at Revive CPR:
- Adult Choking: We no longer jump straight to the Heimlich. The 2025 science moves to a “5 and 5” approach—starting with five firm back blows before moving to five abdominal thrusts.
- Infant CPR: The AHA has moved away from the two-finger compressions. The heel of one hand at an angle can safley enable rescuers to compress 1/3 the depth of the chest ( about 1.5 inches). The “two thumbs encircling hands” technique is also effective, but the heel of one hand gives more even distribution of compressions on the sternum and is more effective.
- Early Defibrillation: An even stronger emphasis on getting the AED on the chest within the first minute of collapse.
[Optional: Click here to download The AHA “2025 Science Update” PDF]
https://cpr.heart.org/en/resuscitation-science/cpr-and-ecc-guidelines
Expert CPR Training in the Heart of San Francisco
At Revive CPR, we believe that high-quality, Instructor-led training shouldn’t be hard to find.
Located at 148 Townsend St. in San Francisco’s SOMA district, we are proud to serve the SF medical community, local businesses, and families.
Whether you’re a healthcare provider near UCSF needing a BLS renewal or a parent in the Bay Area looking for infant CPR, our 2025 AHA-compliant courses ensure you leave feeling confident and prepared.
