There are quite a few jobs where it’s advised — or in some cases, mandatory — for employees to have first aid training or CPR certification. Service-oriented places of work like dentist or medical clinics, assisted living homes, hotel chains, childcare professions, and so forth, often ask that employees be versed in CPR training or basic first aid training to assist in case of an emergency. Medical professionals always need to be certified and often must get re-certified every few years. However, it’s advised that everyone take a CPR class — doing so can enable you to potentially save lives if you find yourself in an unexpected situation. We’ll discuss some components of first aid training, where you can find CPR classes, and the benefits of being certified.
Why Should I Take a CPR Class?
Performing CPR can save a life. It helps to keep a vital flow of blood going to the brain and heart and can improve the duration of an electric shock from the defibrillator, making it more effective. Furthermore, if someone suffers cardiac arrest and no one performs CPR, that person’s survival chances go down 7% with every minute that assistance isn’t offered. You could be the difference between life and death.
As mentioned above, some workplaces might even require it. Teachers, medical professionals, babysitters, and lifeguards, for example, all likely need to be CPR certified in order to work. There might be specific classes for many of these professions that are offered as part of their training, as well.
CPR is also not done enough — many people don’t know how to perform CPR or don’t feel comfortable doing so. For those who feel squeamish about mouth-to-mouth, there’s also hands-only CPR that can still help save lives. Consider possibly making a difference and taking a class.
What Other First Aid Training Should I Consider?
CPR is always covered in first aid training, but it’s not the only thing you’ll learn in this type of class. First aid training is much more comprehensive and covers a variety of scenarios including cardiac arrest, bleeding, respiratory emergencies (like choking), poisoning, burns, and how to handle shock.
You’ll learn the hallmarks of cardiac arrest, how to perform CPR on adults and children, how to handle someone who isn’t responding, how to use an AED safely on a range of ages, and how to assist if someone is choking. You’ll also receive instruction on how to control bleeding, what to do in the case of burns, or a head, back, or neck injury, and how to figure out if someone is in an altered state of mind and what to do.
It will also provide excellent information on what to do in the cases of hypothermia or heat stroke and how to treat someone who has been poisoned or is suffering an allergic reaction.
And another important part of first aid training is teaching you what you can and can’t do — you essentially want to keep the person safe and stable until the experts can get on the scene.
Where Can I Find a CPR Class Near Me?
The Red Cross and American Heart Association offer a variety of CPR and first aid classes and likely conducts one close to your area. You can take them online or in-person — it’s suggested that you do them in-person to test your skills and do some hands-on training.
For teachers, lifeguards, babysitters, and other specialized jobs, the employer may even set up first aid training/CPR classes as part of your general job training. Fire departments and schools may even run classes regularly, so they’re another good resource in your community as well.
And, of course, if there’s no in-person class close to you or it’s at inconvenient times/places for you, you can always fall back on online courses!
CPR classes are a wonderful thing that everyone should take advantage of. It’s an important skill and one that has the possibility to save someone’s life. Why wouldn’t you want that kind of know-how?
