How to Plan an In-Home CPR Party in Indianapolis: Guest List, Host and Questions

Planning an In-Home CPR Party in Indianapolis

An in-home CPR party is a private class held in one home for up to 10 guests, and it runs about two hours. Pam Goldsberry, RN, teaches it. A little planning before the day makes those two hours count: the right people in the room, a host who has thought about the space, and questions written down in advance.

This guide walks through those three pieces.

1. Build the Guest List

The party has room for up to 10 guests, so the list is worth some thought.

• Start with the people who will actually be alone with the child. Parents first, then anyone else who will be in charge of the child on a regular basis.
• Count every adult. Partners, relatives and friends all count toward the 10, so confirm numbers before you send invitations.
• Keep a short waiting list. If someone drops out, you can offer the seat to the next person on the list.
• Ask about certification needs early. The party is not a certification class, and no certification card is issued. If anyone on your list needs a card for a job or a program, ask Pam about their requirements before the party so that person can plan the right class.

2. Choose the Host

The party takes place in the host's home. When you decide whose home to use, think about:

• Floor space. Guests practice hands on, so the host needs a room with open floor where everyone can kneel and work, not only a sofa to sit on.
• Seating for the talking parts. Enough chairs or seating for every guest.
• Quiet for about two hours. A time when the room can stay reasonably calm, with a plan for pets and for any children who are not taking part.
• Easy arrival. Clear directions and parking notes for guests who have not been to the home before.
• One point of contact. The host is the person who confirms the date, the address and the final guest count with Pam.

3. Prepare Your Questions

Every party includes time for questions, and the best questions are the ones guests have already been thinking about. A simple way to gather them:

• Ask each guest for one or two questions when they reply to the invitation.
• Write them on one list and bring it to the party so nothing is forgotten in the moment.
• Include the worries, not only the how-to. Questions about confidence, about what to do first, and about what if you get it wrong are all worth asking.
• Put certification questions to Pam directly, ahead of time, for anyone who needs a card for work.

Bring the list, and let Pam work through it with the group.

A Simple Planning Checklist

• Guest list confirmed, up to 10 guests
• Waiting list ready
• Certification needs raised with Pam in advance
• Host home chosen, with open floor space and seating
• Pets and other children planned for
• Directions and parking notes sent to guests
• Questions collected on one list

Next Step

The CPR party page describes the party itself, and if the party is for a baby on the way, planning a CPR party before the due date covers the timing. When your host and guest list are ready, send the details to Pam through the contact page.