American CPR courses have become very popular in the recent years. With heart disease remaining a big problem not only in the US but all over the world, it is very important that a person knows how to give at least basic CPR. For health-care providers and professionals, we have advanced CPR courses available as well.
CPR statistics
Out of the thousands of heart disease-related cardiac arrests that happen each year, only thirty percent of the total number of cases receive CPR. Most of the time, bystanders who do not how to give basic chest compressions are not confident enough in their skills and prefer to simply call for help. What these people fail to realize is that chest compressions alone will be enough to double or even triple a person’s chances of survival.
Learning to recognize a heart attack
One of the most important lessons we teach our trainees is how to recognize that a heart attack is occurring. A heart attack is a condition where the flow of blood to the heart is suddenly cut off, either due to an obstruction or a sudden spasm of the coronary arteries. An unmanaged pre-existing heart condition is a common precursor to a heart attack, with the victim experiencing signs and symptoms weeks to month before the attack. Trained CPR rescuers should not only know how to manage cardiac arrest, but also how to recognize it.
Here are a few signs and symptoms of a cardiac condition:
- Easy fatigueability, even after normal daily activities
- Chest pain, particularly after strenuous activity
- Chest pain that is not relieved by medication or rest
- Swelling of the lower extremities (edema)
- Difficulty breathing, especially when lying down or sleeping
CPR courses
We have six training providers all over the country that offer the same set of courses. These courses are categorized under basic CPR (Basic Life Support) and advanced CPR (Advanced Life Support).
Basic Life Support
- Basic CPR training (general public) – 4 hours, topics: one-rescuer CPR and AED, first aid
- Basic CPR training C (health care providers) – 4.5 hours, topics: one-rescuer CPR and AED, first aid
- Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers – 4.5 hours, topics: one and two-rescuer CPR and AED, first aid, 2010 Basic Life Support guidelines
Advanced Life Support
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support – 14 hours; topics: pediatric medical management
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support 0 16 hours; topics: adult medical management
Out of the programs listed above, only one is available to the general public. The rest of our programs are tailored for health care providers and professionals. If you need certification for CPR training, you will receive one as long as you complete the program with full attendance and a passing grade on the certification exam.
Certification
Certificates are only valid for two years and must be renewed before they expire. We do not allow CPR rescuers with expired certificates to sign up for re-certification classes; they have to take the training program again.