Knowing how to do CPR is a life skill that everyone should have. Though many people don’t feel confident in their CPR skills or have never learned, it’s luckily becoming more widespread, and is even taught in some high school gym classes. Some people may wind up getting CPR training early on because a babysitting or lifeguarding job requires it. Still others, like teachers and medical professionals, may be required to hold a CPR certification as part of their credentials. However, it’s also common that hotel chains and other customer service oriented businesses also require employees to have some kind of CPR experience or first aid training under their belts as well. We’ll discuss why this is so important to know and what kind of class you should be taking.
Why is CPR So Important?
CPR is vital in keeping blood flowing to the brain and heart. And if a defibrillator is employed to resuscitate the victim, CPR can help increase the duration of the shock administered, making it more effective. In short: it’s a lifesaving technique.
If someone requires CPR and a bystander doesn’t perform it, that person’s survival rate goes down 7% for every minute that CPR isn’t administered. Knowing how to perform it can literally change the course of a person’s life.
It doesn’t require any gadgets or intricate methodology — but knowing how to do it properly is important. You can help stabilize someone until medical professionals are able to arrive on the scene and take over.
Whether you’re interested in learning just for the sake of knowing how or it’s necessary to your job, taking part in a basic first aid training is a great way to cover CPR skills, but also gain a broader skill set in aiding those who are ill or injured.
What Does a First Aid Training Course Cover?
Apart from just learning how to administer a CPR and use an AED, you’ll learn a host of other important skills. (And many of these training courses can certify you for first aid, CPR, and AED usage, all in one easy go.)
You’ll learn the symptoms of a stroke or heart attack and what course of action you should take. You’ll learn how to react in an asthma emergency, diabetic emergency, or if someone has a severe allergic reaction.
If someone is suffering from hypothermia or heat stroke, you’ll be equipped to help them recover safely. You’ll also be trained in how to handle those with a neck, head, or spinal injury, and how to treat mild burns and external bleeding.
You’ll also understand how to treat someone who has been poisoned — this can happen more often than you think, and it’s usually an accident.
Essentially, the course will allow you to provide care in a variety of scenarios, broken down in steps that are easy to follow.
It’s also possible to take follow-up first aid recertification classes that are shorter, provide you with the latest techniques, and test your skills.
Where Can I Take a CPR Class?
Many businesses that require a CPR or first aid certification will regularly bring in professionals who can teach these classes onsite. Classes that are provided onsite are obviously more convenient and can be more affordable as well, especially if the employer pays. The Red Cross and American Heart Association regularly provide these services as well, and you can see where the nearest one to you is if one isn’t provided onsite.
There might also be classes held at local community centers or your place of employment may be able to point you towards locations that offer them if they don’t sponsor classes themselves.
Taking these classes online is also an option, which may be more convenient if it’s difficult to get to a physical location and you need the certification urgently.
Learning CPR is a critical skill for everyone — not just those who work regularly with children or the public. Sign up for a class today and level up in life skills!
