CPR certification in Maine

American Training Association for CPR provides onlineCPR & First Aidtraining and certification that is accessible to all Maine residents, including those in Bangor and Portland.

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 the heart stops, it fails to pump blood to the body's major organs, including the brain, liver, and kidneys. 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 is the correct way to perform CPR?

The American Heart Association (AHA) describes the proper CPR technique as follows:

1. Check the victim for responsiveness by asking loudly, “Are you okay?” and firmly shaking their shoulder and checking for a pulse. If they do not respond and they do not have a pulse, rescuers should call 911 and begin performing CPR immediately.
2. Rapidly deliver chest compressions at a rate of 120 per minute, firmly pressing down a minimum of 2 inches deep into the victim’s chest. Continue compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives.
3. If a victim is not breathing, rescuers should perform rescue breathing. Placing their mouth over the victim's, deliver one rescue breath and observe if the victim’s chest rises. If it does not inflate, give the second breath before resuming chest compressions.
4. CPR with rescue breathing should continue CPR using the ratio of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths until emergency medical staff arrives.

What is the procedure for clearing a victim's airway?

According to the AHA CPR guidelines, rescuers should take no more than ten seconds to pause chest compressions and check for signs of life. Placing an ear above the mouth and nostrils allows rescuers to determine if a victim is breathing, as does watching the chest for the normal rise and fall pattern that occurs with regular breath.

If the victim requires rescue breathing because they are not breathing normally on their own, the rescuer must first clear their airway. To do this, they will lean the victim’s head back and tilt the chin up. Remove any obstructing or foreign objects in the mouth to prevent choking. Once the airway is open, the rescuer can begin to deliver rescue breaths.

Where can I find CPR and BLS classes near me?

Basic life support (BLS), CPR, and first aid classes are offered across Maine, in locations throughout the main centers like Augusta and Bar Harbor. Group courses are available through community centers, hospitals, swimming pools, and public health organizations. Online classes are an ideal option for people who do not live in an area where courses are offered or for individuals who prefer independent learning. It is important to note that free CPR and first aid classes are informative but will not provide Red Cross or other official certification upon completion. Participants should look for reputable classes that will give them the credentials they require.

What basics will first aid classes cover?

A first aid course will teach first responders to assess injuries and provide emergency trauma treatment until the victim can seek professional care. First aid certification courses will cover specialized procedures like child or infant CPR along with core skills for treating injuries such as choking, poisoning, head injuries, wounds, bone fractures, burns, and other accidental injuries. Individuals can take first aid classes either in-person or online, but they must note that free first aid classes are informative but don't provide certification or the in-depth training that many situations require.

What’s the best way to treat bone fractures?

There are many degrees of bone fractures, ranging from mild to severe. A severe fracture may be accompanied by a concussion, heavy bleeding, or broken bones piercing the skin. If a victim displays any of these conditions, rescuers should call 911. Perform CPR if the victim does not have a pulse or if they are unresponsive.

Rescuers should focus on stopping any bleeding by applying steady pressure and wrapping the fracture. Steady the fractured area in a splint and apply ice to the injured area if available. In the case of severe fractures, rescuers should not attempt to move the victim unless they are in harm's way. If the victim appears faint, elevating the legs above the heart will raise the blood pressure. In the case of a mild fracture, rescuers may drive the victim to the nearest ER.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

How do I keep my certifications current?

CPR renewals ensure that an individual’s knowledge is up to date with the latest AHA guidelines. A refresher CPR and first aid course and exam are all that is required to renew certification. Experienced medical professionals or health providers have the option of bypassing the course and completing the testing portion only, allowing them to renew their certification while saving time.

Where can I find CPR renewals near me?

Participants can renew their CPR and first aid credentials through classes in the same locations where they obtained their original certification or in any of Maine’s municipalities. Alternatively, many people find renewing certification online to be a more convenient option to fit their busy schedules.

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 online courses to obtain certification and learn the skills needed to save lives in an emergency. Visit www.uscpronline.comto begin online CPR and first aid certification today.