The emergency medical procedure known as CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is performed in an effort to manually preserve the normal brain function of a person suffering from cardiac arrest, until such time proper medical procedures are given in order to restore spontaneous blood circulation and breathing. It is usually administered to those who are unresponsive and are not breathing or breathing abnormally. It is an important medical procedure that has successfully preserved the lives of countless individuals, which is why a working knowledge of how to properly give CPR is important. A person who has had CPR training certification can provide assistance in many emergency situations.
When taking CPR training certification, it helps to have an understanding of how likely an individual might ever need to perform CPR on a family member, a loved one, a friend, or even on a complete stranger. Studies have shown that heart attacks in the US have accounted for more than two thousand deaths a day, a staggering figure by any standards. At any moment during a heart attack, the individual’s heart stops beating. If properly administered, the combination of CPR and artificial respiration techniques can help restart a heart that has stopped beating. It is risky for a person who has yet to take proper CPR training certification to administer CPR because there are various health risks associated with improper administration, such as chest trauma, as well as bruising or fracture to the sternum and rib cage. In most cases, CPR is used to keep the heart alive, thus allowing it to oxygenate blood and maintain regular cardiovascular activity until paramedics arrive to defibrillate the victim.
Because of the many risks involved in irresponsibly and incorrectly administering CPR, many hospitals and medical organizations have developed information dissemination campaigns that encourage people to take CPR training certification courses in order for them to have a better understanding of the proper way to execute the techniques involved in CPR. By educating people on the benefit of knowing how to properly administer CPR, they become more capable of providing immediate assistance in the event of a medical emergency.
In the US, people who wish to receive CPR training certification can check with the American Heart Association, or AHA, in order to find a schedule for the classes and examinations that they provide. Many of the classes offered by the AHA today can be taken online, while others can be taken at any of AHA’s local chapters. Another way to earn certification is by contacting the American Red Cross. This organization also offers CPR classes through its numerous local chapters located nationwide. Additionally, many schools, churches and community centers also offer CPR classes with the assistance of the AHA, the American Red Cross, or from the local fire department. Individuals working in the medical field may also check with their employers, particularly their human resources department, to find out if there are any CPR training and certification program that they can enroll in so that they can earn their CPR card.
