CPR is a critical first aid procedure. Alongside the AED, the procedure is performed on cardiac arrest victims to sustain life and restore a normal heartbeat. Unfortunately, research suggests that only 3% of the United States population holds CPR certification.
What is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?
CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is a medical emergency procedure critical in saving the lives of heart attack and cardiac arrest victims. The procedure involves chest compressions. For an individual to perform CPR effectively, they need to be trained. CPR certification and First Aid training is available in person and in online classes. The online program offers excellent flexibility if you do not have time to attend classroom training CPR class. You can enroll for online training in CPR from anywhere with a computer and internet connection.
The procedure involved in CPR is easy to follow, and it involves chest compressions. When cardiac emergencies occur, breathing stops, and the individual collapses due to a lack of oxygen. Chest compressions help maintain oxygen circulation around the body. In addition, chest compressions provide an artificial heartbeat that keeps blood and oxygen circulating throughout the body.
CPR is performed alongside mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and AED. Therefore, knowledge of the use of the Automated External Defibrillator is equally critical. The AED is designed to revive the heart of cardiac arrest victims by delivering electric shocks. Although easy to use, the device requires training. Therefore, the earlier the AED is availed and used, the better the victim's chances of survival.
Why Should Everyone Get CPR Certification?
According to the American Heart Association, cases of cardiac arrest are rising, with more than 356,000 people experiencing cardiac arrest out of the hospital in 2016. Out of these statistics, only 12% survive. The survival of cardiac arrest victims is dependent on how fast they receive CPR.
If a cardiac arrest victim does not receive CPR within three to four minutes, their brain cells start to die, which leads to permanent brain damage and death. Therefore, CPR is the only procedure through which cardiac arrest victims can be saved.
Only 32% of victims of cardiac arrest receive CPR from bystanders. As only a few people are CPR-certified. Uncertified persons are more reluctant to offer CPR as they don't know how to respond to help the victims. It is impossible to identify a cardiac arrest case without these basic skills.
Cardiac arrest can occur to our loved ones at home
Statistics show that 5% of cardiac arrest cases occur at home. If no one can provide CPR, the victim could die as you cannot count on emergency medical response to arrive in time. CPR increases the chances of survival by 50%.
Knowledge of CPR offers skills to prevent heart disease and the possibility of sudden cardiac arrest. In addition, cardiac arrest is preventable by healthy living habits. Our lifestyle choices, including what we eat, directly impact our heart conditions. In addition, these practices directly impact the health of our close family and friends.
So many lives are saved through first aid and CPR
More lives could be saved if more people enrolled for CPR and first aid certification. One reason not as many people receive CPR in good time is that those around them are unaware of how to perform CPR. In other cases, bystanders are unaware if the victim has a sudden cardiac arrest. Due to fear of doing the wrong thing and causing more harm to the victim, most people who want to help stand back and await the emergency medical response.
CPR certification boosts self-worth in individuals
Saving someone's life or knowing that you could save someone's life creates a sense of usefulness to society. If you want to grow your self-worth, there is no better way than enrolling in CPR classes. It brings a lot of satisfaction knowing that you helped someone stay alive. In addition, the victim's family feels indebted to you whenever you save a life.
Only good-natured persons take up first-aid-related courses
When offering CPR and first aid, the rescuer does it for goodwill rather than pay. These trainings are unlike any other educational programs people take to secure a job or grow their paycheck. First aid and CPR/AED certification speak volumes of an individual's personality, and if you want to help those around you, you should enroll in CPR classes.
Who Holds CPR Certification in Our Society?
CPR and First Aid training is a very critical life-saving skills for everyone. However, some professionals need CPR certification as they are more likely to handle cardiac arrest emergencies. These include healthcare professionals, medical professionals, teachers, lifeguards, police officers, and security guards.
CPR for Healthcare Providers
Healthcare practitioners are on the front line when it comes to saving lives. These include nurses, doctors, and their assistants. CPR skills are critical in their everyday lives as their jobs revolve around saving lives. They need to watch out for the possibility of patients going into cardiac arrest and offer the necessary help. They also need to understand life-saving procedures, including using the AED. Whenever a patient experiences cardiac arrest, their families rely on healthcare workers available to offer the necessary assistance.
Although they are always in contact with patients, they need to refresh their skills and knowledge in offering first aid to cardiac arrest victims. Studies show that failure to put the skills into practice for a period of six months can compromise the ability of a rescuer to provide high-quality CPR. In addition, research is always ongoing on how to save lives. These findings consistently offer new and improved processes for CPR procedures.
CPR for Teachers
Teachers are in constant contact with children with different medical conditions. When an emergency situation occurs, students look up to the teacher to provide solutions. Therefore, it is more resourceful to have teachers who can handle student emergencies.
Performing CPR for children differs from adults. For example, the number of chest compressions and the depth to which the pressure is applied varies. It is, therefore, important for teachers to know how to administer CPR for children of different ages.
The use of AED is also part of CPR training. The administration of AED is also different for infants, children, and adults. Learning institutions should also have a working AED device readily available with pediatric pads. Schools should also ensure their staff members have CPR and first aid certifications.
CPR for Lifeguards
The daily job of lifeguards entails keeping people safe inside and around water. They must prevent water-related accidents in swimming pools, beaches, water parks, and other open waters. Aside from that, they also rescue persons in emergencies and offer the appropriate first aid.
CPR certification is among the requirements of lifeguards. CPR and first aid certification offer skills in the prevention of health emergencies and the procedures for handling such emergencies.
CPR for Security Officers
Security officers are the first persons who witness and report emergencies. Therefore, it is essential that they can offer assistance to victims when life threatening emergencies occur.
Some employers require their security guards to be CPR and first aid certified. Being among the first responders during emergencies, security guards should be in a position to identify the type of emergency within the shortest time possible and provide the necessary assistance. In addition, as they call for help, CPR and first aid-certified security guards can offer helpful information that could be critical in saving the victim's life.
CPR for Police Officers
Police officers are the first to be called when accidents and other emergencies occur. Upon arrival at the scene of an accident, the need to identify the type of emergency and offer any help necessary. Proper identification of the kind of emergency ensures that the victim receives the most appropriate care preventing further damage and improving the chances of survival.
CPR and first aid-trained police officers are more valuable to society. They not only offer security but also offer emergency assistance to victims of different occurrences. It is embarrassing for a police officer on duty to watch while everyone else is looking at them to provide solutions. It draws respect and credibility in the police force when they can step up in emergencies and provide the necessary help.
Conclusion
CPR training class is a rare and valuable course for everyone. However, it is a requirement for some professions. In addition, some employers also require their staff to be CPR certified, providing the training program at their own cost. The course material must comply with the American Heart Association guidelines.
The charges involved in the course are minimum. It also takes minimum time to cover the course. Online CPR/AED certification programs offer flexible training schedules. Trainees in online courses choose the most convenient time to study the training materials, with no time limit. After successful completion, the certification exams are also done online with an instant certification card or digital certificate. CPR card or wallet card will be delivered by mail.
With online learning style, there is no reason for anyone not to learn lifesaving skills and hold a CPR certification. The benefits of the course are as critical as life itself. Since the course has no restrictions, people of different ages and educational backgrounds are eligible to apply.
