CPR certification in Utah

American Training Association for CPR provide online CPR & First Aidtraining and certification that is accessible to all Utah residents, including individuals in Salt Lake City or Provo.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) manually pumps blood to deliver oxygen to the organs during a cardiac arrest when the heart is unable to do it on its own. When it is not beating, the heart fails to pump blood to the body's major organs, including the brain and kidneys. 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 CPR immediately following a cardiac arrest improves a victim’s chances of survival dramatically.

What are the latest CPR guidelines?

To begin, rescuers should check the victim, and if there is no pulse, call 911 and immediately begin CPR. It is the American Heart Association's (AHA) recommendation that rescuers perform CPR with the following guidelines:

• Kneel above the victim’s chest, placing the hands in the center of the chest, on the breastbone.
• Perform rapid, firm compressions of the victim’s chest, at a rate of 120 compressions per minute. Each compression should press at least 2 inches down into the chest and that the chest should recoil between in each compression.
• Continue to perform CPR until emergency medical technicians arrive and can take over.
• The AHA recommends that uncertified rescuers perform compressions only, as this technique also allows them to speak on the phone to a 911 operator and receive instructions as they assist the victim. If the rescuer is CPR certified, they may perform rescue breathing when the victim is not breathing on their own.
• To begin rescue breathing, rescuers should open the victim’s airway by tilting the head back. Next, they will place their mouth on top of the victim's mouth and deliver one rescue breath then look to see if the victim’s chest inflates. If the chest does not rise, give the second breath and then resume chest compressions. Continue to give 2 rescue breaths for every 30 chest compressions. Rescuers may stop delivering breaths when the victim is breathing normally, but they should not stop performing chest compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives.

What is an AED and when is it required?

An automated external defibrillator (AED) restarts a heart that has stopped due to a cardiac arrest. CPR pumps blood to the organs during a cardiac arrest and will maintain a manual heart beat until it is restarted by an AED, either by a bystander or emergency workers. AEDs are available for public use in areas like airports, schools, parks, shopping malls, subway stations, libraries, and sports arenas. An AED is needed when a victim does not have a pulse.

Another bystander should go to retrieve the nearest AED, or if there is only one rescuer present, they should deliver five cycles of chest compressions before leaving the victim to quickly retrieve an AED. The voice-automated device 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 the victim is not breathing on their own.

Where can I find BLS and CPR classes near me?

Group basic life support (BLS) and CPR courses are available in any municipality in Utah, including Logan, Ogden, and Salt Lake City. Hospitals, community centers, and local health organizations will offer Red Cross CPR and first aid certification classes, typically on evenings and weekends. If individuals live in areas where a BLS and CPR course are not offered, or they prefer to complete their certification at their own pace, they may enjoy the convenience of taking an online course.

Many free online courses teach basic CPR guidelines but do not provide formal certification. For a small course fee, individuals can become fully certified online. Certification classes will also teach more detailed techniques such as child CPR and CPR for infants.

What basic techniques are covered in a first aid class?

First aid is used to treat accidental injuries and preserve life until further medical care is available. Some of the most common injuries that a first aid course will cover are bone fractures, poisoning, choking, head injuries, wounds, and burns. Free first aid classes will include some basic knowledge, but they will not provide a curriculum as complete as a paid course will, nor will they give official first aid certification to participants who complete the class.

What is the treatment plan for bone fractures?

Bone fractures can range from mild to severe. Signs of a severe fracture including an accompanying concussion, heavy bleeding, or broken bones piercing the skin. If a rescuer observes any of these conditions, call 911. They may also perform CPR if the victim does not have a pulse.

Rescuers should focus on stopping any bleeding by applying steady pressure and wrapping the fracture if needed. Use a splint to restrain the fractured area and apply ice if available. Rescuers should not attempt to move the victim unless they are in harm's way. If the victim appears faint, elevating the legs above the heart will raise the blood pressure and reduce the likelihood of fainting. In the case of a mild fracture, rescuers may drive the victim to the nearest ER. Otherwise, they should wait until first responders arrive to treat a severe fracture.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

How can I increase my CPR and first aid knowledge?

Individuals should make it a priority to revisit their CPR and first aid knowledge before their certification expiration date. Keeping certification valid gives 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.

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

In-person CPR renewal classes are offered throughout the main cities in Utah. Individuals can also renew their CPR certification through online courses. Online classes are an appealing option for people in remote locations or for professionals with busy schedules who prefer self-guided learning.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

American Training Association for CPR’s online courses make it easy and convenient for participants to begin immediately and complete their CPR and first aid certification. Learn critical life-saving skills by signing up for one of our certification courses. Visit us at www.uscpronline.com to start training today.