Last Updated on March 9, 2023 by
CPR training has been around since 1740, yet most people in the United States don’t know how to perform it safely. In fact, 70 percent of Americans feel as if they would be unable to help in the event that someone around them goes into cardiac arrest.
Are you a part of that 70 percent? Learning this basic life-saving technique is relatively simple, yet many people choose not to seize the opportunity. An emergency can strike at any time, and CPR is a widely applicable practice.
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What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that can be applied to many different types of emergency situations. For example, someone suffering from a heart attack would need CPR immediately. A person who is drowning will also need cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Essentially, any occurrence that causes a person’s breathing or heart rate to stop may be mitigated by CPR. This is because CPR helps keep oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and other organs.
If this is done until emergency medical treatment arrives, they may be able to restore a normal, natural heart rate. A lack of oxygen-rich blood can cause brain damage after just a few minutes, so time is of the essence in every situation. In June, the American Heart Association urges Americans to learn Hands-Only CPR through a straightforward, one-minute video.
Hands-Only CPR refers to the chest compression technique that is used in cardiopulmonary resuscitation efforts. After completing the educational video, they encourage people to share it with 5 people they love. Sharing the Hands-Only CPR video with your loved ones is especially helpful because it is where 88 percent of cardiac arrests occur.
How can I learn CPR?
The Hands-Only CPR video is an excellent start to learning the basics of CPR. However, the best way to prepare yourself to act in an emergency is by taking a CPR certification course. For a long time, the only way to obtain a CPR certification was to attend an in-person class. Typically, these are held in public, easily accessible places like your local recreation center or library.
These classes may still be a viable option for you, depending on your residential location’s COVID-19 restrictions. However, there is another much easier way to obtain your certification from your home. An online CPR certification equips you with the knowledge you need to save lives without ever having to step foot in a classroom. Nowadays, people can find it very convenient to learn how to do CPR and other first aid techniques. There is an abundance of online first aid/cpr courses and training available on the internet which can allow you to learn on the fly and at the comfort of your own home.
Why should I learn CPR?
In short, CPR saves lives. You could harness the ability to turn a fatal situation into a miracle. Unfortunately, only eight percent of people who go into cardiac arrest outside of the hospital survive. Failure to act quickly and efficiently in a cardiac emergency leads to unnecessary death. Bystander CPR can double or even triple a victim’s survival chances, but only about 32% of people will receive it.
Some people may feel concerned about mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, especially in the climate that the COVID-19 pandemic has created. Fortunately, the Hands-Only CPR method has been shown to be equally effective as the method involving breaths in adults (when executed correctly.) If you are untrained and happen to be a bystander in an emergency event that may require CPR, get to a phone as quickly as possible.
Even if you do not have the life-saving expertise that CPR training provides, a 911 dispatcher may be able to instruct you in proper CPR procedures until professional medical assistance arrives. It is important to note that CPR procedures for children and infants differ from those associated with adults. The best way to be prepared is to take a reputable CPR certification course.
Overview
CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving technique that is used to restore blood circulation and to breathe in an individual whose heart has stopped or who is not breathing. Anyone can find themselves in a situation where they need to perform CPR, which is why it is important to have the necessary knowledge and skills to do so.
Getting an online CPR certification is an excellent way to gain the knowledge and skills needed to perform CPR in an emergency situation. Here are some reasons why you should consider getting an online CPR certification:
- Convenience: Online CPR certification courses can be taken at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home. This makes it convenient for people with busy schedules or who live far from a training center.
- Affordable: Online CPR certification courses are typically more affordable than in-person courses. This makes it accessible to people who may not have the financial resources to attend an in-person course.
- Comprehensive: Online CPR certification courses are just as comprehensive as in-person courses. They cover everything from the basics of CPR to advanced techniques, ensuring that you are fully prepared to perform CPR in an emergency.
- Accredited: Most online CPR certification courses are accredited by nationally recognized organizations. This means that the certification you receive is recognized and accepted by employers and organizations.
- Lifelong learning: Once you receive your online CPR certification, you can use it for life. However, it’s important to keep your knowledge and skills up to date by taking refresher courses or by staying updated with the latest CPR techniques.
