CPR certification in New Mexico

American Training Association for CPR provide online CPR & First Aidtraining and certification that is available to all New Mexico residents, including individuals in Carlsbad and Albuquerque.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, which is a condition also known as cardiac arrest. When the heart stops, it no longer pumps blood to the body's major organs, including the brain. These organs need the oxygenated blood to survive, and without it, severe brain damage will occur within four minutes, and the victim will die within ten minutes. CPR manually pumps blood to deliver oxygen to the organs when cardiovascular complications prevent the heart from doing it on its own.

What are the most current CPR guidelines?

Rescuers must perform CPR as soon as possible to give cardiac arrest victims the best chance of survival. Rescuers should begin by checking the victim for responsiveness and determining if they have a pulse. If there is no pulse, call 911 and begin CPR right away. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that rescuers use the following steps when performing CPR:

• Rescuers should position their body directly above the victim’s chest and place their hands in the center of the breastbone.
• Pump the victim’s chest to perform rapid compressions, at a rate of 120 per minute. Ensure that each compression presses a minimum depth of 2 inches down into the chest and allow the chest to recoil between compressions.
• Continue compressions until emergency medical support arrives. Do not stop compressions until someone else can take over. Do not take breaks for more than a few seconds at a time, no longer than 10 seconds.
• Compressions-only CPR is the simplest and most efficient technique. The AHA recommends compressions-only CPR for rescuers who are not certified because it is the easiest method to perform while also receiving phone instructions from a 911 operator. If a rescuer is CPR certified, they should perform rescue breathing when the victim is not breathing on their own.
• To perform rescue breathing, rescuers must open the victim’s airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Placing their mouth on top of the victim's mouth, rescuers will deliver one rescue breath, looking to see if the victim's chest inflates. If it does, the rescuer may return to performing chest compressions once they confirm that the victim's breath has returned. If the chest does not rise, give the second breath then resume chest compressions. Continue CPR using a 30:2 ratio of compressions to breaths until emergency medical support can take over.

Why is it beneficial to have two rescuer’s present during a cardiac arrest?

Having two or more bystanders present during a cardiac arrest is ideal. Multiple rescuers can team up and can perform CPR together. One rescuer can immediately begin chest compressions while the other rescuer calls 911 and retrieves the nearest AED. If the victim is not breathing, one person can perform chest compressions, and the other can administer rescue breaths, alternating at a rate of 15 compressions to every 2 breaths. Rescuers can prevent burnout by alternating positions every few minutes.

Where can I find BLS and CPR classes near me?

Basic life support (BLS) and CPR certification courses are offered at many locations throughout the state of New Mexico, with many options in the main centers like Santa Fe and Las Cruces. Fire halls, community centers, and local health organizations are some of the locations that offer CPR certification classes, first responder courses, and other BLS training. Online courses are an excellent option for busy participants or those who live in remote locations. It is important to note that free CPR and first aid classes may provide participants with useful information but may lack the certification component that comes from completing an authorized course.

What first aid topics will a certification class cover?

First aid is used to treat accidental injuries, provide emergency care, and prevent further harm. First aid certification courses will cover techniques for treating accidental injuries including cuts, fractures, and sprains, head injuries, choking, poisoning, burns, and seizures. Participants should realize that free classes are meant to teach CPR and first aid procedures only, and are not suitable for individuals who wish to earn certification. Individuals who want to earn recognized certification require Red Cross CPR and first aid classes or equivalent authorized courses.

What is the protocol for caring for a stroke victim?

A stroke occurs when the brain has a broken or blocked blood vessel. Without adequate blood flow, the brain loses oxygen and it deteriorates rapidly. If rescuers find the victim unconscious, call 911 and begin CPR immediately. Individuals who are certified in first aid will learn which behaviors are normal and which are indicative of a stroke. Certified first aid responders will use 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 examine facial droop, speech, and arm drift when the victim raises their arms to shoulder height.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

What specialized areas can I become certified in?

In addition to a basic CPR and first aid education, individuals who are interested in advanced learning or those who have specific certification requirements for their jobs should consider specialized courses on baby first aid, child CPR, CPR for infants, mental health first aid, or CPR for the professional rescuer. Some of these topics are covered in basic certification classes while others require an advanced program for more information.

What are my options for CPR renewals near me?

Participants can renew their CPR and first aid credentials through the same way they earned their initial certification, or through classes offered by public health organizations throughout New Mexico. Alternatively, individuals may opt to renew their certification by completing an online course for stress-free self-guided learning.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

Don’t postpone earning CPR certification off any longer. Register for an American Training Association for CPR online course that will allow participants to learn the skills they need to save lives and provide emergency care when needed. Visit www.uscpronline.com to begin an online course today.