CPR certification in Arizona

American Training Association for CPR offers online training in both CPR & First Aid, accessible to residents in all Arizona residents, including those in Phoenix and Tucson.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique that manually pumps blood to deliver oxygen to the organs during a cardiac arrest when the heart is unable to do it on its own. When not beating, the heart fails to pump blood to the body's major organs, including the brain. These organs need the oxygen contained in blood to survive, and without it, serious brain damage will occur within four minutes, and the victim will die within ten minutes. Performing immediate CPR dramatically improves a victim’s chances of survival.

What are the latest CPR guidelines?

Per the American Heart Association’s (AHA) guidelines, there are two main types of CPR: compressions-only CPR, and CPR with rescue breathing. For either type, if a bystander finds a person who has collapsed, they should check for responsiveness and a pulse. If neither are present, call 911 to report a cardiac arrest and begin CPR. The procedure for CPR is:

• Compressions-only CPR

Kneeling above the victim, rescuers should deliver rapid compressions to the center of the victim’s chest, using both hands to pump at least 2 inches down into the chest at a rate of 120 beats per minute. Continue compressions until emergency medical personnel arrive on the scene and can take over.

• CPR with Rescue Breathing

If the victim is not breathing normally, begin by performing 30 chest compressions, then tilt their head back and lift the chin upwards to clear the airway. Rescuers should seal their mouth over the victim’s and deliver one rescue breath, watching for the victim’s chest to rise. If it does not rise, deliver a second rescue breath. After two rescue breaths, resume chest compressions and continue at a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Continue delivering rescue breaths until the victim begins breathing normally or until emergency medical assistance can take over.

When is compressions-only CPR recommended?

It is the AHA’s recommendation that people who do not have CPR certification use the compressions-only method because it is the simplest form of CPR while also being effective at keeping a cardiac arrest victim alive until emergency personnel arrives. CPR with rescue breathing is a more complicated procedure, and the AHA recommends this technique for those who have completed CPR certification.

What are the basics of first aid training?

First aid courses will cover techniques for treating accidental injuries including seizures, choking, poisoning, burns, cuts, fractures and sprains, and head injuries. It is important to note that free classes are meant to teach CPR and first aid procedures only, and are not suitable for individuals who wish to earn certification. Red Cross CPR and first aid classes or AHA-approved courses are required for formal certification.

How are amputations treated?

When an appendage is accidentally amputated, rescuers should call 911 immediately and check the victim for signs of breathing, performing CPR if needed. To treat the amputated area, apply direct pressure and elevate the affected area. If the injured area is below the heart, position the victim so their legs are raised twelve inches above their heart. Tightly wrap the area with a bandage. Where possible, clean the amputated body part, wrap it in a clean bandage, and place it on ice to accompany the victim to the hospital. Stay with the victim while waiting for emergency medical service providers to arrive.

Where can I find BLS, CPR, and First Aid classes near me?

Basic life support (BLS), CPR, and first aid classes are offered across Arizona, in locations throughout the main cities like Mesa and Flagstaff. Courses are available at community centers, hospitals, and through community health organizations. Online classes are an appealing option for busy professionals and for people who do not live in an area near courses. Individuals should be aware that free CPR classes are informative but will not offer formal certification.

CPR and First Aid Certifications and Renewals

What are the different types of CPR and first aid classes available?

In addition to basic CPR and first aid courses, individuals, health care professionals, and first responders may wish to expand their training with certification courses that cover topics such as child CPR, CPR for infants, mental health first aid, or wilderness first aid. The more specialized types of CPR an individual can learn, the more prepared they will be to provide emergency assistance in any situation.

Where can I find CPR renewals near me?

In addition to in-person classes offered throughout the main cities in Arizona, individuals can renew their CPR certification through online courses. Online classes are an appealing option for professionals, people in remote locations where classes are not regularly held, or professionals with busy schedules who prefer to complete CPR and first aid training at their own pace.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

American Training Association for CPR offers online courses which make it easy for any individual to get their CPR and first aid certification. Individuals will learn critical life-saving techniques by signing up for one of our courses and beginning today. Visit us at www.uscpronline.com to start training.