CPR certification in Indiana

American Training Association for CPR offers online training in both CPR & First Aid, accessible to all Indiana residents, including those in Indianapolis and Bloomington.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used on cardiac arrest victims. 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 liver. Without oxygen, severe brain damage occurs within four minutes and a victim will die within ten minutes. CPR manually pumps oxygenated blood to the organs when the heart is not able to do so.

What are the latest CPR guidelines?

Following the latest American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, rescuers should perform CPR using the following procedure:

1. Check the victim for responsiveness. If they are unresponsive and they do not have a pulse, have another bystander call 911 and begin CPR. Immediate action is critical to a victim's survival so rescuers should not delay beginning CPR or pause CPR for more than 10 seconds at a time once they have begun.
2. Deliver chest compressions, pressing down a minimum of 2 inches on the victim’s chest, at a rate of 120 compressions per minute.
3. Continue compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives and can take over. If another rescuer is present, take turns performing chest compressions to prevent fatigue.

When is rescue breathing required?

Rescue breathing is used when a victim is not breathing normally on their own. After delivering 30 chest compressions, rescuers should place their mouth over the victim's mouth, give one rescue breath and observe if their chest rises. If it does not, rescuers should give the second breath before resuming chest compressions. Continue using the ratio of 30:2 compressions to rescue breaths until the victim has returned to normal breathing, then continue compressions until emergency personnel arrives. If two rescuers are present, use a ratio of 15:2 compressions to rescue breaths.

What basics will I learn in a first aid class?

First aid courses cover basic procedures for treating injuries such as choking, poisoning, head injuries, wounds, bone fractures, burns, and other accidental injuries. First aid classes teach participants to assess injuries and provide emergency trauma treatment until the victim can seek professional care. Individuals can take first aid classes either in-person or online, but they should be aware that free first aid classes are informative, and they don’t provide nationally-recognized certification or the in-depth training that is required in many emergencies.

What is the recommended treatment for spinal injuries?

If a rescuer suspects a potential spinal injury, it is critical that they call 911 and do not attempt to move the victim. Symptoms of a spinal injury include head injury, lack of control or numbness in the arms and legs, back pain, and loss of bowel or bladder control.

Rescuers should perform CPR if the victim is unconscious and unresponsive. If there are two rescuers present, they can attempt to turn the victim onto their side, only if they are vomiting or bleeding from the nose or mouth. It is important for rescuers to reassure the victim to have them remain as still as possible while waiting for emergency medical care to arrive.

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 Indiana, in locations throughout municipalities like Muncie and Gary. 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, or for those who wish to complete their training at their own pace.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

Why is it important to renew CPR and first aid certification?

CPR cards have the expiration date clearly printed on them so that it is easy for individuals to know when they should plan to renew their certification. Renewals ensure that rescuers stay informed on any new guidelines or recommendations by the AHA or other authorities on CPR and first aid. Many individuals, first responders, and healthcare providers take their renewal as an opportunity to upgrade their training to include a specialty area like CPR for infants, child CPR, or mental health first aid.

Where can I find CPR renewals near me?

In-person CPR renewal classes are offered throughout the main cities in Indiana such as Lafayette and Fort Wayne. Individuals can also renew their CPR certification through online courses. Online classes are an appealing option for people in remote locations or for professionals with busy schedules who prefer to complete training courses at their own pace.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

Don’t put CPR and first aid training off any longer – sign up to complete an American Training Association for CPR class today to become equipped to take action and save lives in an emergency. Visit www.uscpronline.com to begin one of our comprehensive online certification classes.