CPR certification in Wisconsin

American Training Association for CPR offers online training in both CPR & First Aid, accessible to all Wisconsin residents, including those in Milwaukee and Madison.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used on cardiac arrest victims. Cardiac arrest happens if the heart unexpectedly stops beating. Without a heartbeat, the heart cannot pump oxygen-containing blood to the body's major organs like the brain and liver. Without an oxygen supply, severe brain damage occurs within four minutes and death occurs within ten minutes. CPR manually pumps oxygenated blood to the organs when cardiovascular complications prevent the heart from doing so on its own.

What is the correct way to perform CPR?

Rescuers must perform CPR as soon as possible after a cardiac arrest victim collapses to give them the best chance of survival. To begin, rescuers should check the victim for responsiveness and determine if they have a pulse. If there is no pulse, they should call 911 and immediately begin CPR. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that rescuers use the following guidelines when performing CPR:

• Rescuers should place their hands on top of one another, keep the arms straight, and position their body directly above the victim’s chest.
• Pump the victim’s chest to perform rapid compressions, at a rate of 2 compressions per second. Ensure that each compression presses a minimum depth of 2 inches into the chest.
• Continue to perform compressions until emergency support arrives. Do not stop compressions until emergency personnel can take over. Do not take breaks for more than a few seconds at a time, no longer than 10 seconds.
• Compressions-only CPR is the most basic technique and is recommended for rescuers who are not CPR certified because it is the simplest method to perform while receiving phone instructions from a 911 operator. If a rescuer is CPR certified, it is recommended that they perform rescue breathing in cases where the victim is not breathing on their own.
• To perform rescue breathing, rescuers must clear the airway by tilting the head back and lifting the chin. Placing their mouth on top of the victim's mouth, rescuers will deliver one rescue breath, looking to see if the victim's chest rises. If it does rise, the rescuer may return to performing chest compressions once they confirm that the victim's breath has returned. If the chest does not rise, give the second breath then resume chest compressions. Use a 30:2 ratio of compressions to breaths until emergency medical support arrives and can take over.

What are the guidelines for performing CPR at different ages?

The adult and adolescent CPR guidelines described above differ slightly from child CPR and CPR for infants. For smaller children, rescuers may only need to use one hand for chest compressions, which should press down only 1/3 of the total depth of the chest. In infants, only several fingers may be required to perform compressions. Rescuers should use the appropriate force when dealing with victims of varying ages and sizes, for both compressions and rescue breathing.

What skills will I learn in a first aid class?

Free online first aid classes are a good resource for learning the basics of treating injuries in emergencies. Some of the procedures that classes will cover include the treatment of bone fractures, wounds, eye injuries, burns, poisoning, choking, head injuries, and seizures. Participants should remember that free first aid or CPR classes tend to be informational only and will not provide formal certification upon completion. For individuals to obtain official first aid and CRP certification, they must complete a proper course and pass a CPR and first aid exam.

What is the procedure for treating an electroshock?

Electrocution can range from mild to severe. To treat an electroshock victim, rescuers should call 911 and check for signs that the victim requires CPR. When possible, rescuers should turn off the power source that caused the shock and should ensure that the victim is free from any electrical currents before they touch them, so they don’t receive an electroshock themselves. Raising the victim’s legs above their heart will increase the blood pressure to prevent fainting.

Where are BLS, CPR, and first aid courses available near me?

Basic life support (BLS), CPR, and first aid classes are offered across Wisconsin, and in numerous locations in municipalities like Kenosha and Eau Claire. Individuals can take in-person courses through community centers, hospitals, swimming pools, and community health organizations. Online classes are ideal for participants like busy professionals who find it difficult to attend in-person courses. Individuals should note that free CPR classes are informative but will not offer certification upon completion. First aid and CPR certification courses are available online for a small fee and will cover core skills, as well as more specialized procedures like pediatric CPR or CPR for the professional rescuer.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

Why are CPR and first aid certification important?

Being CPR and first aid certified shows that an individual can understand and adhere to standard procedures. Free training may teach techniques from a variety of disciplines, but a CPR or first aid certification from the AHA, Red Cross or any other reputable health organization ensures that procedures learned are consistent with all the most recent guidelines for emergency treatment and care. Recertification demonstrates that an individual’s knowledge is up to date and that they can provide emergency care with skill and confidence.

Where can I find CRP renewals near me?

Individuals can complete CPR and first aid recertification in-person through community health organizations across Wisconsin, or they can choose to take refresher courses and complete their renewals quickly online. Individuals should prioritize renewing their membership within the specified date on their CPR certification card.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

Earn CPR certification by registering for our online CPR and first aid courses that teach individuals to learn the skills they need to save lives and provide emergency care when needed. Visit www.uscpronline.com to begin an AHA-approved certification course today.