CPR certification in Kentucky

American Training Association for CPR provide online CPR & First Aidtraining that is accessible to residents across Kentucky, including Louisville and Bowling Green.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique for saving lives when the 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 on its own, due to cardiovascular complications.

What is the proper way to perform CPR?

Every moment matters to increase a victim’s chance of survival. Rescuers should not hesitate to begin CPR. The American Heart Association describes the proper CPR guidelines as follows:

1. Check the victim for responsiveness by asking loudly, “Are you okay?” and shaking their shoulder firmly. If they are unresponsive and do not have a pulse, rescuers should call 911 and begin CPR immediately.
2. Rescuers should perform rapid chest compressions at a rate of 120 beats per minute, firmly pressing down a minimum of 2 inches deep into the victim’s chest. Continue compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives and can take over.
3. If a victim is not breathing normally, rescuers should perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, also known as rescue breathing. Placing their mouth over the victim's, rescuers should deliver one rescue breath and observe if the victim's chest rises. If the chest does not inflate, give the second breath before resuming chest compressions.
4. Perform CPR at a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths and continue this pattern until emergency medical staff arrives. If a victim’s normal breath returns, rescuers can continue to perform compressions only.

What is the procedure for performing infant CPR?

Use extreme caution when performing CPR on infants. Child and infant CPR follows the same basic steps as adult CPR, with a few notable differences:

• Only compress the chest 1/3 of the depth of the child's chest or no more than 2 inches.
• Use only the fingers of one hand to perform compressions on newborns.
• Rescue breaths should not be hard or forceful. The rescuer's mouth should cover both the infant's nose and mouth.
• Use a ratio of 15: 2 compressions to rescue breaths.
• When an AED is required, use the pediatric pads that accompany the device and follow the machine’s voice-activated instructions for proper use.

What will I learn in a first aid class?

First aid courses cover basics for preserving life and treating accidental injuries until further medical care is available. Some of the most common injuries that a first aid course will cover are wounds, bone fractures, poisoning, head injuries, choking, and burns. Individuals should note that free first aid classes will provide useful information and instruction but only paid courses will give nationally recognized AHA or Red Cross CPR and first aid certification to participants upon successful completion of an exam.

What is the right way to treat hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia occurs when an individual’s blood sugar levels are too low. Mild symptoms include anxiety, rapid heartbeat, irritability, pale skin, shakiness, faintness, hunger, sweating, and tingling of the mouth. More severe symptoms include confusion, seizures, abnormal behavior, vision disturbances, and unconsciousness in extreme cases.

Hypoglycemia is most effectively treated by taking glucose tablets or by consuming food or beverages that are high in sucrose and fructose like fruit juice, soda, or candy. IN extreme cases, victims should seek further medical care at their nearest hospital emergency department to ensure that levels return to normal without any further complications.

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

Basic life support (BLS), CPR, and first aid courses are available across Kentucky, at fire halls, hospitals, community health centers, and in other locations across the state. Free CPR classes are offered in any of the major city centers including Elizabethtown, and Lexington. Online classes are a convenient alternative to attending in-person courses. Participants should confirm that a class has an official CPR or first aid certification component for the most comprehensive training.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

What are the advantages of becoming certified in CPR and first aid?

CPR and first aid certification classes offer most the most complete education and will teach participants procedures that are consistent with current guidelines from the national authorities on these subjects. Staying current with certification status ensures that individuals are up to date with their training and are ready to perform emergency care when needed. Formal certification can cover many topics including pediatric CPR, first responder courses, CPR for the professional rescuer, mental health first aid, and other focused areas.

Where can I find CPR renewals near me?

It is the responsibility of each individual to keep their CPR and first aid certification up to date. Individuals may renew their certification in person by attending a CPR class, or they may choose to complete their renewal through the convenience of an online course that is available at any time, from the comfort of the home or office.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

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