CPR certification in Washington

American Training Association for CPR offers online training in both CPR & First Aid, accessible to all Washington residents, including those in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used to save the life of a person who goes into cardiac arrest, which occurs when their heart stops beating unexpectedly. 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 death can occur within ten minutes. When the heart is unable to do it on its own, CPR manually pumps blood to the organs.

What are the latest guidelines for CPR?

According to the latest American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, the official CPR procedure uses the following steps:

1. Check the victim for responsiveness by asking, “Are you okay?” and shaking them firmly. If they are unresponsive and they do not have a pulse, call 911 and begin performing CPR immediately.
2. Perform rapid chest compressions at a rate of 120 per minute, pushing down a minimum of 2 inches on the victim’s chest. Continue compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives.
3. If a victim is not breathing, rescuers should perform rescue breathing where they place their mouth over the victim's, deliver one rescue breath and observing if their chest rises. If it does not, give the second breath before resuming chest compressions.
4. Continue, using the ratio of 30:2 compressions to rescue breaths.

Remember that immediate action is critical to a victim's survival rate, so rescuers should not delay when performing CPR.

How does the CPR procedure change if there are multiple rescuers?

Ideally, two or more bystanders will be present and can perform CPR together. One rescuer can immediately begin chest compressions while the other rescuer calls 911 and retrieves the nearest AED. When rescue breathing is required, 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 should trade positions every few minutes to avoid fatigue.

What are the advantages of taking free first aid classes?

First aid classes teach procedures and basics required to preserve life and treat accidental injuries until a victim can seek further medical care. Some of the most common injuries that a first aid course will cover are choking, head injuries, wounds, seizures, poisoning, fractures, and burns. Free first aid classes provide information only, so individuals who want a formal education should look for AHA or Red Cross CPR and first aid courses that provide certification to participants who successfully complete an exam.

What is the treatment for chest wounds?

To treat a chest wound, begin by calling 911. While waiting for emergency personnel to arrive, place a clean dressing, such as a sterile pad or wrap, over the wound and apply firm, direct pressure to stop the bleeding. Change open chest wound dressings before they become saturated. Leave chest wounds open to prevent risks associated with trapping air inside the pleural space in the chest cavity. Do not remove objects from the wound as this can cause further damage. Wait with the victim until emergency medical personnel arrives.

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

Basic Life Support (BLS), CPR, and first aid courses are available in any major city in Washington, including Seattle, Everett, and Yakima. Hospitals, community centers, and local health organizations will offer certification classes, typically on evenings and weekends. Many individuals prefer to the convenience of completing online classes where they can complete their certification from the comfort of their home or office. Free online courses teach basic CPR and first aid but do not provide formal certification. For a small fee, individuals can complete classes that allow them to become fully certified.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

What specialized CPR and first aid training is available?

In addition to BLS, standard CPR, and basic first aid, there are many specialty classes available for interested individuals or healthcare professionals. Some specialty areas include child CPR, CPR for infants, mental health first aid, first responder courses, and more.

How do I find CPR renewals near me?

CPR cards have an expiration date clearly indicated on them, and it is up to individuals to keep their CPR and first aid certification valid so they can stay up to date with the latest Red Cross and AHA guidelines. Individuals may renew their certification in person by attending a CPR class, or they may choose to complete their renewal through an online course.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

American Training Association for CPR courses allow individuals to earn CPR and first aid certification in a way that’s more convenient than ever before. Online classes teach participants the tools they need to obtain certification and save lives with CPR and first aid. Visit www.uscpronline.com to begin your CPR and first aid certification today.