Many occupations and job sites recommend and/or require their employees to take first aid training. This includes learning how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In general, however, it is important for as many people as possible to obtain CPR certification so that they are able to assist someone in an emergency situation before first responders can arrive. Cardiac arrests do occur outside hospitals every year. This amounts to over 350,000 people that would have a greater chance of survival due to receiving CPR.
A Brief Overview of CPR
When a person needs CPR and bystanders aren’t willing or able to perform this potentially life-saving measure, the chances of their survival decrease by seven percent a minute. Basically, CPR assists with maintaining blood flow to the brain and heart. This procedure is often performed in conjunction with other measures.
A Brief Overview of Automatic External Defibrillators
An Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) is used to provide an electric shock to stimulate the heart. When CPR is also performed, this can increase the effectiveness of this procedure. Due to receiving CPR, data indicates that the first shock’s time was reduced from 7.3 to 3.3 minutes, which is significant.
When a certified individual has access to an onsite AED, it can make a major impact on an individual’s neurological survival. Recent data shows that 93% of the individuals that were treated with an onsite AED survived, while just nine percent did so when an onsite AED wasn’t present.
Register for a CPR Class
Whether you are required to take a CPR class or want to do so to be prepared to assist someone in need, there are courses available in your area. You may also want or need to take a basic life support class along with first aid training. As you are likely aware, the purpose of these courses is to provide you with the necessary skills to address a variety of medical issues. It’s important to note that following your course work, you also need to complete the certification process. After you complete this process, remember that you will also need to take refresher courses to maintain your certification.