CPR Requirements for Restaurant / Food Service Worker
While not legally required in most states, CPR and first aid training is strongly recommended for restaurant workers due to high choking and cardiac event risk in dining environments.
Required Certifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Do restaurant workers need CPR certification?
There is no universal federal or state law requiring restaurant workers to hold CPR certification. However, many large chains and employers require it, and knowing CPR is highly valuable given that restaurants are common settings for choking and cardiac emergencies.
Should restaurant employees know the Heimlich maneuver?
Yes. Choking is a leading cause of accidental death, and restaurants are high-risk environments. While not always legally required, learning abdominal thrust (Heimlich) technique and CPR is strongly recommended for all food service workers.
CPR Requirements for Restaurant / Food Service Worker by State
Select your state to see specific requirements, state overrides, and classes near you.
At a Glance
- Requirement Level
- Recommended
- Certifications Needed
- CPR/AED
- First Aid
- Choking Response
- Renewal Period
- Every 2 years
- Required By
- National Restaurant Association / Employer expectations