CPR certification in Alabama

American Training Association for CPR provide online CPR & First Aidtraining and certification that is accessible for all Alabama residents, including those in Birmingham and Montgomery.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used during a cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest happens if the heart unexpectedly stops beating due to cardiovascular complications. Without a heartbeat, the heart cannot pump oxygen-containing blood to the body's major organs like the brain and kidneys. Without an oxygen supply, severe brain damage occurs within four minutes and victims will die within ten minutes. CPR manually pumps oxygenated blood to the organs when cardiac arrest prevents the heart from doing so on its own.

What are the latest guidelines for performing CPR?

A victim’s chance of survival declines with each second that passes. Rescuers must perform CPR as soon as possible during a cardiac arrest to give victims the best chance of survival. To start, rescuers should check the victim for responsiveness and determine if they have a pulse. If there is no pulse, they should call 911 and immediately begin CPR. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that rescuers perform CPR using these steps:

• Placing the hands in the center of the victim’s breastbone and keeping the arms straight, rescuers should position their body directly above the victim’s chest.
• Pump the victim’s chest to perform rapid compressions, at a rate of 2 compressions per second, or 120 compressions per minute. Ensure that each compression presses a minimum depth of 2 inches into the chest and that the chest recoils after each compression.
• Continue performing compressions until emergency support arrives and can take over.
• Compressions-only CPR is the most basic technique, and it is recommended for rescuers who are not CPR certified. This method allows rescuers to perform compressions while following phone instructions from a 911 operator at the same time.

What is the correct way to perform rescue breathing?

If a rescuer is CPR certified, it is recommended that they perform rescue breathing in cases where the victim is not breathing on their own. Rescue breathing uses the following steps:

• Clear the victim's airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin upwards.
• Rescuers will place their mouth on top of the victim's mouth to form a seal.
• Deliver one rescue breath, looking to see if the victim’s chest rises. If it does rise, check to see if the victim’s normal breathing returns, then the rescuer may return to performing chest compressions.
• If the chest does not rise, give the second breath then resume chest compressions.
• Continue the patterns of delivering 2 rescue breaths for every 30 chest compressions. Repeat this 30:2 ratio of compressions to breaths until the victim is breathing normally or until emergency medical support arrives. Do not stop chest compressions until emergency care staff can take over.

What topics do first aid classes cover?

First aid teaches individuals the skills needed to prevent further harm in emergencies and assist in treatment of accidental injuries until further medical assistance is available. Any first aid course should include basic techniques for treating accidental injuries like poisoning, burns, seizures, choking, wounds, and more. Individuals can learn first aid procedures in either online and in-person classes. Participants should note that free CPR and first aid classes are for instruction only and do not provide AHA or Red Cross certification.

What is the protocol for treating a severe food allergy?

Some food allergy and intolerances can be mild while others are life-threatening. Foods like peanuts or shellfish can create an anaphylactic reaction in some people, causing their throat and airway to swell so they cannot breathe. This type of response can be fatal when not treated.

Anaphylaxis occurs quickly after ingesting the food, and the signs include swelling of the lips and face, difficulty breathing, hives, nausea, vomiting, visible distress, dizziness, faintness, and a rapid heartbeat. Symptoms may seem mild at first but can quickly escalate. Treatment for severe food allergy is calling 911 and administering an auto-injector, like an Epi-Pen, to the victim's thigh. Victims should be transported to the emergency room by ambulance instead of by car because symptoms can quickly worsen and emergency medical staff can provide treatment on the way.

Where are BLS, first aid, and CPR classes available near me?

Basic life support (BLS), first aid, and CPR certification courses are offered at many locations throughout the state of Colorado, with many options in the main centers like Fort Collins, Aurora, and Pueblo. Fire halls, community centers, and local health organizations are some of the locations that offer CPR certification classes and Red Cross first aid techniques. Some of these first aid courses are free, and others provide more in-depth training and formal certification. Online courses are an excellent option for busy participants or those who live in remote locations. Individuals should note that free CPR and first aid classes may provide participants with accurate information but may lack the actual certification that will come from completing a reputable Red Cross or other authorized course.

Where can I find BLS, CPR, and first aid classes near me?

Basic life support (BLS), CPR, and Red Cross first aid certification classes are offered across Alabama, in locations throughout municipalities like Huntsville and Tuscaloosa. Instruction is available at community centers, hospitals, and through community health organizations. Online classes are an excellent alternative for busy professionals, for people who do not live in an area near courses, or for those who wish to complete their training at their own pace.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

Which areas should I become certified in?

In addition to learning standard CPR and first aid, individuals who are interested in further education or have specific certification requirements for their jobs should consider a first responder course or specialized courses on baby first aid, child CPR, CPR for infants, mental health first aid, or CPR for the professional rescuer.

Where can I find CPR renewals near me?

Individuals should prioritize renewing their membership within the date specified on their CPR certification card. Participants can complete CPR and first aid recertification through community health organizations across Alabama, or they can choose to take refresher courses and complete their certification renewals online.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

American Training Association for CPR makes earning CPR and first aid certification easier than ever before. Online classes will teach participants how to get CPR certified and give them the skills they need to save lives when needed. Visit www.uscpronline.com to complete CPR and first aid certification today.