Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) involves applying chest compressions to any person who has trouble breathing due to extreme conditions such as drowning or an accident. The situations that need CPR are very delicate, and as such, to effectively administer CPR, proper training and certification are required. CPR training is relatively straightforward and mandatory for health professionals, swimming instructors, lifeguards, and prehospital professionals such as EMTs, paramedics, and firefighters.
What does CPR training entail?
CPR training equips you with vital life-saving tips by applying techniques that aid resuscitation and revival of drowning, and accident victims, or any persons found in need of emergency medical attention.
Who needs CPR Certification?
CPR certification is a prerequisite for all health professionals, first responders such as firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and swimming instructors. Anyone can apply for CPR certification, but it’s a basic necessity for these groups, as mentioned earlier.
How to get CPR Certification
To get CPR certification, you have to participate in classes from a certified organization like the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, or any other professional medical body that offers CPR training.
Benefits of CPR
CPR saves lives and aids oxygenated blood to keep flowing to vital organs in the body like the brain and lungs till the regular heart rate returns to normal. Without the flow of oxygenated blood to these essential organs, death can occur. Additionally, when oxygenated blood doesn’t flow to the brain, brain death may occur. However, with CPR, the victim has a much better chance of making a full recovery. There’s a higher chance of the victim making it to the hospital if they receive CPR within the first two minutes of a cardiac arrest. The faster CPR is administered, the minor damage the body will suffer.
How long does CPR Certification take?
CPR certification takes not more than three hours to complete, and you can immediately print out your certificate once you pass rather than wait for it in the mail if you choose the online option of certification. CPR certifications are valid for two years before they need recertification. Passing a knowledge and practical test is essential before you earn a certificate. This test evaluates your comprehension and application of the CPR techniques you learned during the class.
CPR training options
As mentioned earlier, there are two training options you can choose from, which are in-person and online. Your decision should be based on the best alternative for you, depending on your schedule. If you’re a first-time trainee, you should consider the in-person training option as it offers a more personal approach to the training and encourages immediate feedback.
With the online training option, you can be in the comfort of your home and still apply. This training style is an excellent option for people who want recertification or those with tight schedules. However, when settling on the online choice, you should note the time you’ll have to go for your hands-on training. The online option offers some other benefits, such as the following:
- Working at your own pace
- Staying in the comfort of your home
- Same day certification and printouts
- If you need help, your CPR instructor can assist you promptly and directly
Importance of hands-on training
The hands-on training offers you the opportunity to practice what you’ve learned so far, and dummies will be made available for you to practice on. With such an experience, you’ll be able to know how well you’ll respond under pressure. Remaining calm and making the right decisions will save lives, making that aspect of the hands-on training one of the most crucial.
Additionally, during the hands-on training, your instructor will criticize and evaluate your techniques to determine your progress. Hands-on training is essential as it creates and improves muscle memory, enabling you to respond faster and make the right decisions. Until you do the hands-on training, you may not know how much energy you have to exert during CPR. With hands-on training, your confidence in your ability will increase.
You’ll also be offered further advice on how to respond in different scenarios. Some of these scenarios may include;
- Hands-only CPR
- One-person CPR
- CPR as a two-member rescue team
- CPR plus rescue breaths
According to the American Heart Association, an estimated 350,000 cardiac arrests happen outside the premises of a medical facility every year. This statistic means that the same number of people are at risk of dying if no one can administer emergency CPR.