CPR certification in Montana

American Training Association for CPR offers online training in bothCPR & First Aidaccessible to residents in all Montana cities including Billings and Missoula.

What is CPR?

During a cardiac arrest, the heart is unable to do pump blood to the body’s major organs on its own. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique that manually pumps blood throughout the body. The organs need the oxygen contained in blood to survive, and without it, severe 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 are the current guidelines for performing CPR?

The latest American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations for performing CPR are:

1. Check the victim for signs of life including a pulse and normal breathing. If they are not responsive and do not have a pulse, begin CPR immediately while having another bystander call 911. Fast action is critical to a victim's survival so rescuers should not delay beginning CPR.
2. Rescuers should perform chest compressions, pushing down a minimum depth of 2 inches into the victim's chest, at the rate of 2 compressions per second. Continue compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives and can take over.
3. If a victim is not breathing, rescuers should perform CPR along with rescue breathing. Placing the mouth over the victim's, deliver one rescue breath and observe if their chest rises. If it does not, give a second breath before resuming chest compressions.
4. Follow a ratio of 30:2 chest compressions to rescue breaths where one rescuer is present, or 15:2 if two rescuers are present.

What is the correct way to perform pediatric CPR?

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

• Compress the chest no more than 1/3 of the depth of the child's chest.
• Use only the fingers of one hand to perform chest compressions on infants.
• Rescue breaths should not be forceful. Rescuers should cover the infant's nose and mouth with their mouth when performing rescue breathing.
• 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 device’s voice-activated instructions child and infant use.

What are the options for BLS and CPR classes near me?

Individuals can take courses in basic life support (BLS), CPR, and first aid in locations throughout Montana, including hospitals or community centers in cities including Great Falls and Miles City. CPR and first aid certification courses are also available online and are an excellent alternative for people who do not live in an area near courses, or for busy individuals who prefer to complete their certification at their own pace.

What skills will I learn in a first aid class?

First aid classes teach participants a variety of basic techniques, including instructions on treating accidental injuries like poisoning, choking, burns, bone fractures, head injuries, wounds, and seizures. Participants are taught to assess a victim’s injuries and provide treatment until they can seek emergency trauma care. Courses are available both in-person or online. Before registering for any course, individuals should note that free first aid classes are intended for information only and don't provide nationally-recognized certification or the specific training that many emergencies require.

What is the recommended way to treat severe allergic reactions to insect bites?

Most insect stings induce mild reactions, but for people with allergies, reactions can be fatal if untreated. If an anaphylactic reaction occurs, rescuers must use an auto-injector, typically an EPI pen, on the victim’s thigh to prevent death. Signs of anaphylaxis include trouble breathing, redness, abdominal pain, swelling of the face, lips and throat, hives, faintness, and vomiting. Rescuers should perform CPR when needed and place the victim lying on their side to prevent choking.

Mild allergic reactions can be treated with Benadryl, removing the stinger, and applying ice to the area. Mild allergic reaction signs include swelling, nausea, and vomiting. Because mild symptoms can mirror anaphylaxis when they begin, rescuers should watch for additional swelling of mouth and lips, which can indicate constriction of the throat and airway that will make a victim unable to breathe. When in doubt, rescuers should administer the auto-injector and call 911 for further treatment.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

How can I stay current with CPR guidelines?

Renewing first aid and CPR certification ensures that individuals stay informed of any new regulations from the AHA and the Red Cross. For people who wish to pursue further training, advanced CPR and first aid courses are available, as well as first responder courses. All certifications come with an expiration date, and it is up to everyone to ensure that they renew their certification as required so they can stay current on their CPR and first aid skills.

Where can I find CPR renewals near me?

In-person CPR renewal classes are offered throughout municipalities in Montana like Helena and Butte. Individuals can also renew their CPR certification through online courses. Online classes are a convenient option for people who live in remote areas or for individuals who prefer to learn independently.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

American Training Association for CPR online courses make it easy for any individual to get their CPR and first aid certification, beginning immediately. Learn critical life-saving techniques by signing up for one of our online courses today. Visit us at www.uscpronline.comto start training.