CPR certification in South Dakota

American Training Association for CPR provide online CPR & First Aidtraining and certification that is accessible to all South Dakota residents, including those in Rapid City and Sioux Falls.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving procedure used on cardiac arrest victims. Cardiac arrest happens if the heart unexpectedly stops beating. Without a heartbeat, the heart cannot pump blood to the body's major organs like the brain and liver. Blood contains oxygen, which the organs require to survive. Without oxygen, severe brain damage occurs within four minutes and death will occur within ten minutes. CPR manually pumps oxygenated blood to the organs when the heart is not able to do so due to cardiovascular complications.

What is the correct way to perform CPR?

Using the latest American Heart Association (AHA) recommendations, rescuers should perform CPR with the following guidelines:

1. Check the victim for signs of life. If they are unresponsive and they do not have a pulse, have another bystander call 911 and begin CPR. Immediate action is critical to a victim's survival so rescuers should not delay beginning CPR or pause CPR for more than 10 seconds at a time once they have begun.
2. Deliver chest compressions, pressing down a minimum of 2 inches on the victim’s chest, at a rate of 120 compressions per minute and allow the chest to recoil between compressions.
3. If another rescuer is present, take turns performing chest compressions to prevent fatigue. Continue compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives and can take over.

What is the procedure for rescue breathing?

Rescuers who are CPR certified can perform rescue breathing in cases where the victim is not breathing on their own, using the following steps:

• Open the victim's airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin upwards.
• Rescuers will place their mouth on top of the victim's mouth to form a seal.
• Give one rescue breath, looking to see if the victim’s chest rises. If it does inflate, check to see if the victim’s normal breathing returns, in which case the rescuer may return to performing compressions only.
• If the chest does not expand, give the second breath then resume chest compressions.
• Continue the pattern of delivering 2 rescue breaths for every 30 chest compressions. Repeat this 30:2 ratio of compressions to breaths until the victim is breathing normally or until emergency medical support arrives. Do not stop chest compressions until emergency care staff can take over.

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

Basic life support (BLS) and CPR classes are available at hospitals, community health centers, fire halls, and other public locations across South Dakota, including Aberdeen and Watertown. Online classes are a convenient alternative to attending in-person courses for individuals who prefer independent learning. Participants should confirm that classes have a CPR or first aid certification component for the most reputable training. While many courses are available free of charge, individuals should be aware that these are intended for instruction only and do not offer formal AHA or Red Cross CPR or first aid certification.

What information will a basic first aid course teach?

All first aid classes, including those that are free, will cover basic first aid procedures for treating a range of injuries, such as burns, choking, poisoning, head injuries, wounds, and bone fractures. Both in-person and online courses will teach individuals these first aid procedures, and many will also offer Red Cross or AHA first aid certification with the completion of the class. Many courses will teach child CPR, CPR for infants, and instructions for first responders.

What is the recommended way to treat shock?

Any serious injury, such as blood loss or trauma, can cause victims to experience shock. Signs of shock include confusion, cold and clammy skin, dilated pupils, nausea, or unconsciousness. Shock can cause a decrease in the amount of oxygenated blood that reaches the organs, and as a result, untreated shock can be fatal. To treat shock, rescuers should perform CPR if the victim is unresponsive and doesn't have a pulse. Position the victim so they are laying down and elevate the feet twelve inches above the heart to increase blood pressure and prevent fainting. Check for other injuries while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive and treat them accordingly.

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. Individuals can easily renew their certification by completing a refresher CPR and first aid course and exam. Experienced medical professionals or health providers have the option of bypassing the course and completing the testing portion only, allowing them to save time when renewing their certification.

Where can I find CPR renewals near me?

In addition to public classes offered throughout the main cities in South Dakota, individuals can easily and quickly renew their CPR certification online. Online courses are an attractive option for professionals or people with busy schedules who prefer to complete CPR and first aid training at a self-guided pace.

Earn CPR and First Aid Certification Today

American Training Association for CPR offers online courses which make it easy for any individual to get their CPR and first aid certification. Through our online classes, participants will learn critical life-saving techniques. Visit us at www.uscpronline.com to start training.