CPR certification in Virginia

American Training Association for CPR offers online training in both CPR & First Aid, accessible to residents in all Virginia residents, including individuals living in Richmond, Harrisonburg, and Norfolk.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique performed to save lives in the event of a cardiac arrest, which occurs when the heart unexpectedly stops beating. When the heart stops, it does not pump oxygen, which is contained in blood, to the body’s major organs. Without oxygen, brain damage occurs within four minutes and death can occur within ten minutes. CPR manually pumps oxygenated blood to the organs and as a result, significantly increases a cardiac arrest victim's chance of survival when performed within the first few minutes after they collapse.

What are the most recent CPR guidelines?

Rescuers should perform CPR according to the latest American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, which are as follows:

1. Check the victim for responsiveness. If they are not responsive and do not have a pulse, have another bystander call 911 and begin CPR immediately. Immediate 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 120 compressions per minute. Continue compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives and can take over.
3. If a victim is not breathing, rescuing individuals should perform CPR with rescue breathing. Placing the mouth over the victim's, rescuers will deliver one rescue breath and observe if their chest rises. If it does not, give the 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 when two rescuers are performing CPR.

What is an AED and when is one needed?

CPR pumps blood to the organs when the heart stops during a cardiac arrest, but restarting the heart requires an automated external defibrillator (AED). These devices are available in public areas like airports, subway stations, libraries, schools, parks, shopping malls, and sports arenas. An AED is needed when a victim does not have a pulse.

After delivering five cycles of chest compressions, another bystander should go to 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.

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

Basic life support (BLS) and CPR courses are offered in many locations throughout Virginia, with many choices in the main centers like Richmond. Community centers, local health organizations, hospitals, and local fire halls may offer CPR and first aid certification classes. There are many options for free online classes, which offers participants the convenience of taking the course on their own schedule. Free CPR classes may provide individuals with instructional information but typically don’t include a formal certification component.

What topics do free first aid classes cover?

A first aid course will cover basics for treating injuries such as poisoning, head injuries, wounds, burns, burns, choking, bone fractures, other accidental injuries. First aid classes teach individuals how to assess injuries and provide emergency treatment until they can seek professional care. Individuals can take first aid classes either in-person or online. Free online classes are informative but don’t provide nationally-recognized certification or the in-depth training that is required in many emergencies.

What is a hemorrhage and how is it treated?

A hemorrhage is the loss of blood, and there are four main types:

1. Losing 15% blood volume. There will be no change the body's vital signs.
2. Losing 15 – 30% blood volume. Victims heart will beat rapidly, and they may require a saline solution treatment by emergency personnel.
3. Losing 30 – 40% blood volume. Victim's heart rate will increase, and they will experience a decrease in blood pressure. This type of hemorrhage requires a blood transfusion.
4. Losing of 40% blood volume. Victims require CPR and emergency medical care to prevent death.

Rescuers should wrap the hemorrhaging area where possible and perform CPR if needed. Call 911 or take the victim for immediate care at the closest emergency department.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

How can I stay current with my CPR and first aid knowledge?

Individuals must renew their CPR and first aid certification according to the Red Cross and AHA guidelines. CPR cards have the expiration date clearly indicated, so individuals can be sure to renew their certification before it becomes invalid. To renew, individuals must complete a CPR and first aid course and exam. In addition to taking a refresher CPR course with each renewal, participants may also choose to expand their knowledge by including a first responder course, or by taking a class on child or infant CPR.

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

Individuals can complete CPR and first aid certification renewals either in-person in cities across Virginia or they may opt for the convenience of an online course. Individuals must take note of whether a course provides free first aid and CPR information only or whether it offers official certification.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

CPR and first aid certification have never been more accessible than with American Training Association for CPR. Take one of our convenient and reputable online courses to obtain certification and learn the skills needed to save lives in an emergency. Visit www.uscpronline.com to begin your CPR and first aid certification today.