CPR certification in Iowa

American Training Association for CPR provide online CPR & First Aidtraining that is accessible to all Iowa residents, including those in Iowa City, Fort Dodge, and Des Moines.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used to save the life of a person who goes into cardiac arrest, which occurs when their heart stops beating unexpectedly. When the heart stops, it does not supply the body's major organs, like the kidneys and the brain, with the oxygen they normally receive from the blood. Without the heart pumping oxygenated blood to the organs, they can suffer irreversible damage, which can be fatal. Without oxygen, brain damage can occur after four minutes, and the victim can die within ten minutes. When the heart is unable to do it on its own, CPR manually pumps blood to the organs.

What are the current CPR guidelines?

An individual can perform CPR in a few simple steps, beginning with checking the victim for responsiveness and a pulse. If there is no pulse, rescuers should have another bystander call 911 while they start CPR immediately. To perform CPR today, according to the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, rescuers should follow these guidelines:

• Kneel above the victim’s chest and stack the hands in the center of the victim’s breastbone.
• Perform rapid compressions at a rate of approximately 120 per minutes. Pump the chest at least 2 inches downward with each compression and allow the chest to recoil between compressions.
• If the victim is not breathing normally, the rescuer should open the airway by tilting the head back, then delivering one rescue breath and see if the victim's chest rises and the breath returns. If the chest does not inflate, rescuers should give a second rescue breath then return to performing chest compressions.
• Alternate compressions with rescue breathing using a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths, or 15:2 if there are two rescuers present.

What is the procedure for performing child CPR?

The process for performing child and infant CPR is similar to the steps for giving adult CPR, with several key changes:

• Chest compressions should only be as deep as 1/3 of the child’s chest depth, or no more than 2 inches.
• On very young children, only one hand may be required for compressions.
• Rescue breaths should be less forceful.
• Rescuers should use a 15:2 ratio for chest compressions to rescue breaths.

What information is covered in first aid classes?

Any first aid course will teach techniques for treating accidental injuries including burns, cuts, fractures, choking, poisoning, and sprains, head injuries, and seizures. Some courses may also cover relevant topics such as child and infant CPR and mental health first aid in addition to the basics. It is important to note that free courses are meant to teach CPR and first aid procedures only, and are not suitable for individuals who wish to earn formal certification. Red Cross CPR and first aid classes or equivalent courses are required for official certification.

What is the proper way to treat puncture wounds?

Some puncture wounds are superficial while others can be more dangerous if they are large or become infected. If the victim is bleeding heavily, rescuers should call 911 or immediately drive them to the nearest hospital emergency department. To treat the wound, the rescuer should first focus on stopping the bleeding by applying pressure. Once bleeding has stopped, rescuers should clean the wound with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment like Polysporin if available. Provide fresh bandages to keep the wound free from infection. The victim can take a pain reliever like Tylenol or Advil and should get a Tetanus or Tetanus booster if needed. Rescuers should attempt to keep the victim calm and can assist the victim in raising their legs above their heart to increase blood pressure and prevent fainting.

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

Basic life support (BLS), CPR, and first aid classes are offered across Iowa in locations throughout municipalities like Mason City, Cedar Rapids, and Waterloo. Individuals can take group courses through community centers, hospitals, swimming pools, and public health organizations. Online classes are ideal for participants like busy professionals who find it difficult to attend group courses.

Individuals should note that free CPR classes are informative but will not offer certification upon completion. First aid and CPR certification courses are available online for a small fee and will cover core skills, as well as more specialized procedures like pediatric CPR or CPR for the professional rescuer, and will provide certification after completing an exam.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

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

The best way to enhance CPR and first aid skills is to stay current with renewing certifications. A CPR certification card will always list the expiration date so individuals can easily ensure that they renew their training within that timeframe.

People who are interested in further education should consider a first responder course, or a Red Cross program in addition to their CPR and first aid certification. Other specialized courses include topics such baby first aid or mental health first aid.

Where can I find CPR and first aid renewals near me?

Individuals can complete CPR and first aid certification renewals at class locations across Iowa, or they may opt to enjoy the convenience and flexibility of an online course. Participants must take note of whether a course provides free first aid and CPR information only or whether it offers official certification upon completion.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

CPR and first aid certification have never been more accessible than with American Training Association for CPR. Take one of our convenient and reputable courses to become certified and learn the skills needed to save lives. Visit www.uscpronline.com to begin CPR and first aid certification today.