CPR certification in Oregon

American Training Association for CPR provide online CPR & First Aidtraining that is available to all Oregon residents, including those in Portland, Medford, and Beaverton.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used to save the life of a person whose heart unexpectedly stops beating, which is a condition also known as a cardiac arrest. When the heart stops, it does not supply the body's major organs, like the kidneys and the brain, with the oxygen they normally receive from the blood. Without the heart pumping oxygenated blood to the organs, they can suffer irreversible damage, which can be fatal. Without oxygen, brain damage can occur after four minutes, and the victim can die within ten minutes. CPR manually pumps blood to the organs when the heart is unable to do it on its own,

What are the official guidelines for performing CPR?

A victim’s chance of survival declines with each passing second after a cardiac arrest. Rescuers must perform CPR as soon as possible to give victims the best chance of survival. To begin, rescuers should check the victim for responsiveness and determine if they have a pulse. If they do not have a pulse, rescuers should call 911 and immediately begin CPR. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that rescuers perform CPR using these steps:

• Rescuers should center the hands on the victim’s breastbone and position their body directly above the victim’s chest.
• Perform rapid compressions by pumping the victim’s chest at a rate of 120 compressions per minute. Ensure that each compression presses a minimum depth of 2 inches into the chest and that the chest recoils after each compression.
• Continue performing compressions until emergency medical staff arrives
• Compressions-only CPR is the most basic technique and is the recommended method for rescuers who are not CPR certified as it allows them to perform compressions while following phone instructions from a 911 operator at the same time.

When is an AED required?

CPR manually pumps blood, but it does not restart the heart. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is needed to start a heart that has stopped beating. These devices are available for public use in areas like airports, libraries, schools, parks, subway stations, shopping malls, and sports arenas.

After a rescuer has performed five cycles of chest compressions, they should send another bystander to retrieve an AED. The device’s voice automation will guide the rescuer through each step of use. After using the AED, rescuers should confirm that the victim's pulse returns before they stop delivering chest compressions and they may continue rescue breathing if needed.

Which first aid procedures are covered in a certification course?

First aid classes will teach participants the basics of treating accidental injuries. Some of the main topics that will be covered include how to treat bone fractures, seizures, eye injuries, wounds, burns, poisoning, choking, and head injuries. It is important to note that free first aid or CPR classes are for instruction only and will not provide certification. For individuals who wish to obtain official first aid and CRP certification, a proper course with a CPR and first aid exam is required.

What is the appropriate treatment for adults who are choking?

When a person is choking, rescuers should use the universal sign for choking, which is to mimic choking yourself, to ask the victim if they are choking. If a victim is, in fact, choking, the rescuer must perform the Heimlich maneuver. Rescuers will stand behind the victim, lean them forward and wrap their arms around the victim's waist. Next, they will deliver five quick thrusts, pressing a closed fist into the victim's abdomen and holding the fist with the other hand. If the object does not clear the victim's throat, repeat the Heimlich maneuver as needed while waiting for an emergency crew to arrive.

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

Basic life support (BLS), CPR, and first aid classes are offered across Oregon, in locations throughout municipalities like Eugene, Salem, and Hillsboro. Community centers, hospitals, swimming pools, and community health organizations offer group courses. Online classes are a convenient alternative for individuals who do not live in an area where courses are offered, or for busy professionals who prefer to complete their training according to their own schedule. It is worth noting that free CPR classes are informative but will not offer certification upon completion. Red Cross or AHA certification courses will cover standard lifesaving techniques as well as more specialized procedures like child or infant CPR.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

How do I stay current with my knowledge?

It is important to refresh CPR and first aid knowledge regularly so that individuals can remain confident in their abilities and can stay current on new guidelines. Any certification class will provide students with information on how and when they should re-visit their training and when they should renew their certification. Many individuals are required to maintain their certification for their jobs and must complete a first responder course or CPR for the professional rescuer class in addition to basic training.

How can I find CPR and first aid certification renewals near me?

Individuals may renew their certification in person by attending a CPR class or through an online course. Regardless of which type of class a person selects, it is important to renew certification before their current credentials expire so they can keep their knowledge up to date and have the confidence to act in an emergency that comes with recent training.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

Earn proper CPR certification by registering in one of our online courses that allow participants to learn the lifesaving skills they need to provide emergency care when needed. Visit www.uscpronline.com to begin an AHA-approved certification course today.