CPR certification in Alaska

American Training Association for CPR provide online CPR & First Aidtraining that is accessible to residents across Alaska, including Anchorage and Skagway

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique used for saving lives when a victim’s heart unexpectedly stops beating, also known as cardiac arrest. When the heart stops, it fails to pump blood to the body's major organs, including the brain. The organs need the oxygen contained in blood to survive, and without it, severe brain damage will occur within four minutes, and death will occur within ten minutes. CPR manually pumps blood to deliver oxygen to the organs when the heart is unable to do so itself because of cardiovascular complications.

What is the correct way to perform CPR?

Each second counts in increasing a victim’s chance of survival so rescuers should not delay beginning CPR. The American Heart Association (AHA) describes the guidelines for performing CPR as:

1. Check the victim for a pulse and responsiveness by asking loudly, “Are you okay?” and shaking their shoulder. If they do not respond, and they do not have a pulse, call 911 and begin performing CPR immediately.
2. Rapidly pump the victim’s chest at a rate of 100 - 120 per minute, firmly pressing down a minimum of 2 inches and allowing the chest to recoil between compressions. Continue chest compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives.
3. If a victim is not breathing, rescuers should perform rescue breathing. Placing their mouth over the victim's, rescuers should deliver one breath and observe if the victim’s chest rises. If it does not inflate, give the second breath before resuming chest compressions.
4. If performing rescue breathing, use the ratio of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths and continue this pattern until emergency medical staff arrives.

What is the recommended way to check a victim's airway?

To determine if a victim needs rescue breathing, a rescuer should check for signs of normal breathing. Placing an ear above the mouth and nostrils allows rescuers to determine if a victim is breathing, as does watching the chest for a normal rise and fall pattern that occurs with natural breath.

If the victim requires rescue breathing because they are not breathing normally on their own, the rescuer must first clear their airway. To do this, they will lean the victim's head back and tilt the chin up. Any obstructing or foreign objects in the mouth should be removed to prevent choking. Once the airway is open, the rescuer can begin mouth to mouth resuscitation.

Where can I find BLS and CPR classes near me?

In Alaska, community health organizations offer basic life support (BLS), CPR, and first aid classes throughout the state including municipalities such as Juneau and McCarthy. Online CPR, BLS, and first aid certification courses allow individuals to complete their training from any location, on their own schedule. There are a variety of other courses an individual can take such as a first responder course, CPR for the professional rescuer, Red Cross CPR and first aid certification, pediatric CPR, and healthcare CPR to supplement standard training.

Which first aid techniques are the most important to learn?

First aid classes teach the basics needed to assess people who are injured and provide treatment until they can seek professional medical care. Courses will cover procedures for treating accidental injuries such as head injuries, wounds, burns, poisoning, choking, bone fractures, and more. Individuals can take first aid classes either in a group setting or independently online. It is important to note that free first aid classes are informative but don’t provide nationally-recognized certification or the in-depth training that many participants require.

What is the recommended way to treat a black eye?

A black eye occurs when there is a sudden trauma to the eye area. A black eye is the result of broken blood vessels or bleeding beneath the skin around the eye. Hyphema occurs when bleeding is present inside the eye. Most black eyes are treatable by applying an ice pack to reduce swelling. In cases where the is blood visible in the eye, when the victim has any sudden vision problems, or where blood is leaking from the eye, victims must seek immediate medical care at the nearest emergency room.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

How can I stay current with my CPR and first aid knowledge?

Individuals must renew their CPR and first aid certification according to AHA recommendations. CPR cards clearly indicate the expiration date, so people can renew their certification before it becomes invalid. To renew, individuals must complete a CPR and first aid course and exam. In addition to taking a refresher CPR course with each renewal, participants may also choose to expand their knowledge by taking a specialty class on topics such as child or infant CPR, wilderness first aid, or mental health first aid.

How do I locate CPR renewals near me?

It is an individual's responsibility to maintain their CPR credentials by renewing their certification. Certification can be renewed by attending a CPR class in locations across Alaska, or through an online course. Online classes are an appealing option for people who live in remote areas or whose busy schedules make attending group classes difficult. Online courses allow individuals to renew their certification at a self-guided pace.

Earn CPR and First Aid Certification Today

American Training Association for CPR online courses make it simple for participants to begin and complete their CPR and first aid certification quickly and easily. Learn critical life-saving skills by signing up for one of our courses. Visit us at www.uscpronline.com to start online training.