CPR certification in Missouri

American Training Association for CPR offers online training in both CPR & First Aid, accessible to all Missouri residents, including those in St. Louis and Jefferson City.

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 so on its own. When not beating, the heart fails to pump blood to the body's major organs, including the brain. 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 standard CPR procedure today?

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), the basic guidelines for performing CPR are:

• Check the victim for responsiveness and determine if they have a pulse. If there is no pulse, rescuers should have another bystander call 911 while they begin CPR immediately.
• Kneel above the victim’s chest and stack the hands on top of one another in the center of the victim’s chest.
• Perform rapid compressions at a rate of 2 per second, or approximately 120 per minutes. Pump the chest at least 2 inches downward with each compression.
• If the victim is not breathing naturally, the rescuer should open the airway by tilting the head back, then deliver one rescue breath and observe if the victim's chest rises to indicate that the breath has returned. If the chest does not inflate, give a second rescue breath then return to performing compressions.
• Alternate compressions with rescue breathing at a rate of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths, or 15:2 if there are two rescuers present.

When is compressions-only CPR the preferable method?

Compressions-only, or hands-only, CPR is the recommended way for individuals who have not received formal CPR training or certification. Compressions-only CPR is the most straightforward technique, making it the easiest for anyone to perform effectively, even those who have not been certified. Compressions-only CPR is also used when a victim is breathing normally, but they do not have a pulse due to cardiovascular complications.

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

Basic life support (BLS) and CPR certification courses are offered at many locations throughout the state of Missouri, with many options in the main centers like St. Louis. Fire halls, community centers, and local health organizations are some of the locations that offer CPR certification classes and Red Cross first aid techniques. Some of these first aid courses are free, while others provide more in-depth training and certification upon completion of the class. Online courses are an attractive option to participants who may be too busy or too remotely located to take an in-person class. Individuals should note that while free CPR classes may provide participants with accurate information, they may lack the actual certification component that they require.

What information will a First Aid course cover?

Free first aid classes will teach first aid basics and procedures for treating a range of injuries, such as burns, wounds, bone fractures, choking, poisoning, head injuries, and more. Both in-person and online courses can also teach individuals first aid procedures, and many will also offer Red Cross first aid certification with the completion of the class.

What is the recommended method for treating a stroke victim?

A stroke happens when the brain has a broken or blocked blood vessel. Without sufficient blood flow, the brain loses oxygen and begins to deteriorate rapidly. If the victim is unconscious, rescuers should call 911 and begin CPR on the victim. Certified first aid responders will learn a stroke assessment system like the Cincinnati Prehospital Stroke Scale (CPSS) which helps rescuers to assess a stroke victim quickly. To evaluate a potential stroke victim, rescuers will assess facial droop, arm drift when the victim raises their arms to shoulder height, and speech. First aid class participants will learn which behaviors are normal and which are indicative of a stroke.

Certification and Renewals

How do I stay current with my BLS knowledge?

It is important for rescuers to revisit their CPR and first aid knowledge before their certification expiration date. Regular renewals give participants the opportunity to stay current on new guidelines. Many students become even more passionate about life-saving procedures after completing first aid and CPR courses and may wish to upgrade their training to include a first responder course or learn more about child CPR or CPR for infants.

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

Individuals should check their certification details, so they are aware of expiration dates. Any organization or online course that offers certification in the state of Missouri will be able to provide information on how and when to renew CPR and First Aid credentials. Individuals should ensure that they stay on top of renewals so that they are prepared to act in any emergency.

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 earn certification and learn the skills needed to save lives. Visit www.uscpronline.com to begin CPR and first aid certification today.