Amy Larson and Brandon Quig are running CPR at this year’s OEC Refresher — our thanks to them both. Amy is also teaching the skills portion of the full CPR course for anyone who needs it.
CPR certification runs on a two-year cycle. Every other year you take the full course; in the in-between years you simply demonstrate your skills to an instructor. Which one applies to you comes down to a single date.
Step one: go find your CPR card and look at the expiration date.
Your card has to stay valid through the end of the season — April 30, 2027.
If your card expires ON OR BEFORE April 30, 2027
You need the full CPR course — online first, then skills at the refresher. Three things to do:
- Tell us you’re coming — by Saturday, September 26. Email Amy Larson at amylarson2016@gmail.com and copy Paul, saying you’ll refresh your skills on October 3 — or October 2 if you’re an instructor. Skipping this step can delay your card. Don’t use email? Just call or text Paul and he’ll add you to the list.
- Complete the online course — it costs $38, paid online to the American Heart Association — and bring your proof of completion to the refresher.
Start the online course (AHA HeartCode BLS) → - Bring $10 cash on the day for your CPR card. That is separate from the $38 course fee.
If your card expires AFTER April 30, 2027
You only need your annual skills demonstration. There is nothing to do in advance and nothing to pay.
Just bring your OEC card to the refresher so Amy or Brandon can watch you demonstrate your skills and sign you off.
When CPR happens
- Friday, October 2 — Instructors. CPR runs alongside the Instructor Refresher, so instructors aren’t doubling up on Saturday.
- Saturday, October 3 — Everyone else. CPR skills demonstrations at the OEC Skills Refresher.
Not sure when your card expires? The date is on the card itself. American Heart Association cards are issued as eCards by email — search your inbox for eCards@heart.org and your last one should turn up. If you still can’t find it, contact Amy before September 26 rather than guessing — it is far easier to sort out now than on the morning of the refresher.
This is separate from your OEC refresher. If you haven’t started the OEC online refresher yet, that one takes about five hours — see the 2026 OEC Online and Skills Refresher post for details.
See you on the hill,
Paul Eident
Patrol Director, Ski Brule Ski Patrol