Knowing how to properly administer CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation can be vital not only to rescue personnel such as nurses, firemen, policemen, lifeguards and others, but also to a regular citizen. This is due to the inability to detect when a cardiac arrest incident can happen.

What is CPR?

CPR is one of the first aid practices that is widely promoted to be learned by a common citizen. This practice includes giving out compressions and breathing to a person suffering from a cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association (AHA) have recently updated the ABC approach to CAB or Compressions-Airway-Breathing. Recent studies have shown that the ABC approach lessens the rescue time by almost 20 seconds when airway is prioritized. With the new approach, the rescuer should give out compressions right away.

Also, the hands-only approach that consists only of compressions when giving out CPR can also be practiced. In fact, this method is targeted towards encouraging bystanders to administer first aid as soon as the need for it is recognized. Just like the usual approach, CPR must be continued until professional help arrives.

When is CPR administered?

An unconscious person does not necessarily need a CPR unless he or she has difficulty in breathing or not breathing at all and/or when his or her heart is not beating. A cardiac arrest can happen when a person suffers from a heart attack, stroke, allergic reaction, trauma to the neck and head part, near-drowning incident, severe electrocution, and bleeding. In these situations, it is important that both the rescuer and the victim’s safety is secured before administering CPR.

In cases of trauma, administering CPR can be more complicated. There are moments when a victim must not be moved depending on the trauma that the victim he or she has undergone. In these kind of situation, it is of utmost importance to keep all the variables in check and call professional help right away.

How is CPR Administered?

Hands-only CPR

This is one of the ways of carrying out CPR for an unconscious victim. To do this, the rescuer must place the heel of his hand over the chest of the victim, more specifically on the breastbone. Then the other hand must be put on top of the other with all of the fingers interlocked. After this, the rescuer must give out 100 to 120 compressions in a minute until professional help arrives.

30:2 Ratio

The hands-only approach was modified in order to focus on compressions when a cardiac arrest happens and a properly-trained rescuer is not around. The 30:2 ratio, on the other hand, can also be performed to help revive a cardiac arrest victim. This ratio refers to 30 compressions and 2 full breaths. The rescuer must give out 30 compressions and then breathe in two full breaths and then back to compressions. This cycle must be repeated until professional help arrives.

The combination of an AED and CPR during a sudden cardiac arrest significantly increases the chances of survival of the victim. In fact, with each passing minute the survival rate decreases from 7 to 10 percent. If no first aid is done within 12 minutes after the person suffered from cardiac arrest, the damaging effects can be irreversible.

These numbers only show how important it is to take action immediately as soon as the need for first aid is recognized. Unfortunately, even with the latest developments on the CPR methods and AED accessibility, the number of deaths attributed to cardiac arrest remains high.

The Significance of CPR and AED

Based on the analysis of collected 2010 and 2014 North Carolina Cardiac Arrest Registry to Enhance Survival, the training conducted on different family members and bystanders produced significant increase on the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims. Those that have received CPR in public places that was admitted to a hospital had 16.8 chances of survival that was once a 10.8 percent. Those that have received the first aid on their home had 8.1 percent of survival that was once a 5.7. The results may be minimal but they are significant.

Based on the results of the study, there were three important points pointed out. The first is that the characteristics of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests resemble that of cardiology patients. The role of the family members in recognizing the symptoms of a cardiac arrest as well as their knowledge on the steps to perform contributes largely to the survival rate of the victim. Second, a well-planned system on how to address sudden cardiac arrest from recognizing it down to the hospital admission is also crucial. Third, the widespread training on how to use CPR and AED can significantly reduce the number of deaths caused by cardiac arrest.

Improvements for CPR and AED

The American Heart Association (AHA) have been continuously making new methods and approaches to encourage more bystanders to assist during a cardiac arrest incident. This is why the hands-only CPR is promoted alongside with the CAB approach. Communities must be well-aware of the importance of the knowledge of administering CPR and AED. There are also efforts done on implementing the Good Samaritan laws on some states and hopefully, more states will have this on their regulations.

The US Food and Drug Administration, on the other hand, have focused on imposing stricter rules when it comes to approving AED equipment. AEDs should be present on areas where people gather such as casinos, malls and more; however, one of the rising concerns regarding AED is its function. There have been issues of AED malfunction whenever it is used that hinders its efficiency. This is why the FDA that would require manufacturers to submit premarket approval applications (PMA). This will have the AED undergo a more tedious inspection and review to avoid these malfunction issues.

Both CPR and AED work together to help a cardiac arrest patient survive or suffer minimal damages. Even if just one of the two variables are present, as long as it is administered right away, the significance can be staggeringly huge. Simply put, they are important and one must know how to administer them.

An automatic external defibrillator, shortened to AED, is a device that simulates the role of a defibrillator for sudden cardiac arrest patients. The characteristics of an AED is in its name. An AED is automatic. This means that once a problem in the heart beat is detected, such as irregular heartbeats (Arrhythmia) or when the beating stops such as in a sudden cardiac arrest patient, then its features activate. It is external, meaning that it can be carried around, and is more portable compared to its larger counterparts. Additionally, its characteristic of being external means that those in need can use it. It is in contrast to internal defibrillators, which has the same actions, but it requires surgery to be implanted in the heart, which may not be a viable option for some.

A defibrillator acts by sending a shock to the heart to restart its beating. It may be due to irregular heartbeats, strong or weak beats, or complete stop of the heartbeat. The electric shock from an AED is delivered straight to the heart even from the outside. Those who benefit from AEDs are people diagnosed with certain heart diseases. It acts as the very first immediate response to any and all heart problems without needing another human’s intervention. This greatly increases the time frame in which revival is still at its peak.

Establishments should have AEDs available to accommodate and attempt revival of sudden cardiac arrest patients or help those experiencing other irregularities in their hearts if within their vicinity. If most establishments adapt an AED or even a full-scale defibrillator, more and more sudden cardiac arrest victims can be revived. Establishments that adapt AEDs in their clinics can help in creating a safer environment for those with heart problems.

An AED is better to have than an actual defibrillator in a financial perspective. This is because as an automatic external defibrillator, an expert is not needed to operate it, although it is still an advantage. For a defibrillator, an expert must be hired to operate it as well and maintain. As a sensitive equipment, maintenance costs can be quite high as well. Smaller establishments can choose an AED for saving costs on maintenance, operation, and purchasing for a smaller, yet still a very effective defibrillator.

Acquiring an AED is easy in this day and age. Going online to find the best AED can net you with a lot of results. Additionally, there are a lot of good online shops that are certified to sell and distribute good AEDs for the interested parties. As a customer, make sure that you are dealing with a trustworthy seller of AEDs. You would not want to purchase an inefficient AED and not have a way of giving back. With trustworthy AED sellers, you can have a warranty and a very helpful support system to aid you in operating and knowing how to maintain your purchased AED for maximum efficiency. Finding one would require some research and comparison, but you can always find all these characteristics of a good seller here.

CPR is a well-known procedure that is prominent in most media and news. It is a procedure stimulating the heart of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. This creates an artificial beating of the heart that can create an artificial beating of the heart so that the blood keeps pumping throughout the body. This helps in keeping the body ‘alive’ for more advanced revival techniques once medical professionals arrive at the scene.

CPR has saved many lives, even in the most inopportune moments. One would think that if there is a victim of cardiac arrest in public, it would be easier for people to react, but that is not always the case. There is the so-called bystander effect, where if there are a lot of bystanders in a scene, they would all be hesitating to move and help. This has nothing to do with morality or ethics, only that there is a psychological phenomenon preventing the people from helping those in need at sudden moments. Fortunately, it only takes one person to save a life.

In the event of a sudden cardiac arrest, if there is just one person to jump into action, then the rate of survival will be higher. This person can also mobilize other people by directly pointing at specific people and creating a need for that person to act. A quick call for emergency shall then mobilize advanced life support teams to the scene. Meanwhile, a trained individual should administer CPR to keep the chances of revival higher.

Even children can learn CPR. In recent news, a girl of 12 from Texas has successfully administered CPR to her father who was experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. This was due to her learning CPR months before, which turned out to be a big help in their time of need. There are many instances where children have learned CPR, perhaps during their time as a scout, or they could have attended a CPR training program. Either way, learning CPR at such a young age can still turn out to be a big help.

It is important to learn CPR from training centers. There are a lot of training centers that offer CPR programs that even kids can handle. Of course, it is important to note that most training programs may require an adult level of understanding, but kids can pick up the important parts to use during an emergency. With the help of a level-headed adult to guide the child, then attending a training program for CPR can be helpful in the future, in case of sudden cardiac arrest victims within your vicinity.

If an adult is looking for CPR training programs for their children, keep in mind that it is best if the adult, too, gets to apply for the training. This way, not only the child, but the guardian as well can jump into action once the need arises. With more people gaining knowledge of CPR, it can help in creating better chances for survival in the world for sudden cardiac arrest patients.

Sudden cardiac arrest, more commonly known as heart attack, is the leading cause of death in men and women in the United States. Cardiovascular problems lead as the cause of death, followed by cancer. In fact, combining all fatalities of all the forms of cancer does not even reach the number of lives claimed by cardiovascular diseases. The statistics of heart attack fatalities show that there is a statistically similar number of male and female deaths, across all categories such as social status, education, and age. The only significant category which can affect heart attack risks is the body mass index, BMI.

There are certain aspects which can increase the risk of heart attack. These aspects are all lifestyle choices which can potentially bring down the harmful elements in your blood, causing sudden cardiac arrest and other cardiovascular diseases. Fixing your diet is the first thing to do when it comes to dealing with lowering risks of heart diseases. One of the main causes of heart diseases is fat blocking the arteries, veins and blood vessels of the circulatory system. The solution then is to minimize the intake of food rich in fat. Moderate exercise can also help in lowering risks for heart diseases and increase heart muscle strength. There is a reason why the exercise is called as cardio. Smoking can increase the risks of heart attack so for smokers, practice quitting, and for non-smokers, don’t even think about it. Finally, always consult your physicians to find out if you have a higher risk of heart attack

There are many recorded instances of in-hospital and out-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. With these events, there are statistics that reflect the importance of CPR knowledge for helping a victim, if you are a bystander in the proximity of sudden cardiac arrest. Statistics have shown that out of the 19,300 instances of cardiac arrest where bystanders were witnesses, 31.4 percent survived, thanks to the efforts of the bystanders and their CPR training. This just shows that there is a great number of people that are willing to undergo CPR training to fulfill a civic duty in the time of need of someone. With more and more citizens learning CPR, this makes the country a safer place for those who might need the help of someone well-versed with revival techniques.

If you want to learn how to perform CPR, then it is best to find a training program for you. Not only is it easy to learn CPR, but the information that you would gather will be useful for a long time to come. You would discover that there are different ways of performing CPR for different people, such as kids, adults, and babies. You will learn about rescue breaths, and clearing the airway. You may also discover that you have a penchant for this procedure and may want to volunteer for other organizations dealing with rescue operations. Who knows, there might come a time when you would be a bystander in such a situation, and that is when you know what to do.

An automatic external defibrillator, commonly called an AED, is an important piece of technology that can help victims of heart diseases such as sudden cardiac arrest and arrhythmia. The technology deals an electric shock to a victim and in the process, returning the regular rhythm of a person’s heartbeat. There are different procedures of using an AED depending on the stage of a heart attack, and it should not be used trigger happily to not cause problems.

AEDs are small and light, and most establishments should be carrying one in the event of its need. It is more convenient to have than a standard defibrillating machine due to its price, maintenance costs, and ease of use. There are different ways of utilizing an AED, especially for the untrained person. Most AEDs have a quick instruction that can be understood by first time users quickly, especially helpful during events with a heightened sense of urgency and a need for quick response. The usual AED instructions depend on stage of a heart attack.

At the beginning of a heart attack, when a person is first observed as a victim, there are steps taken to check if the heart has actually stopped in the victim. This way, concerned individuals can decide whether CPR is needed or not. If CPR is needed, one of the first things to do is to use an AED to shock the person. This quick shock can help put energy in the heart of the victim, and when partnered with effective chest compressions, can help save the life of a sudden cardiac arrest victim. Only one shock is necessary before the start of administering CPR.

After the initial AED shock, a CPR administrator must then follow the C-A-B pattern. After 5 cycles of compression, airway, and breathing, and there has still been no sign of revival, then one shock from an AED should be given. Immediately resume CPR after the shock has been given. These steps shall be repeated until emergency medical operators arrive at the scene for advanced life support systems.

There are certain conditions to check before giving an AED shock to children and infants. Generally, an AED shock may be too strong for younger people, so there is an essential need for training before being good enough to use an AED on children. For better chances, always contact 911 first to guide you through using an AED on children.

For more information regarding AED and if you yourself would want to purchase one for your home or establishment, do not hesitate to contact your local supplier of AED. This way, you can also ask for information regarding trainings and consultation on the right type of AED for you and your establishment. With this purchase, and with proper training, you can become a person that can help others in the time of their need. An AED in your establishment or home can show that you care for the people around you and are willing to help anytime.

Getting cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automatic external defibrillator certification can be a great help in emergencies. There are different types of certification depending on the type of procedure you would want to know. There are also different types of learning methods, from online courses, video-based courses, and instructor-led courses.

Types of CPR and AED Certification Courses

Online Courses

Online courses are vastly different from merely reading something online. Online courses offer in-depth analyses and data from the experts in CPR, as compared to just reading about CPR. After finishing the online course, you will receive a certificate that signifies your success. This signifies that you are now ready to serve in case of emergencies in CPR and AED. The biggest difference lies in the certification, as if you only read about CPR and not undergo proper course learning, then there is a big gap in knowledge and reliability.

Video-Based Courses

Video-based courses can be done online or in a facility as well. Online video courses are very convenient for those that would still want knowledge on CPR and AED utilization without needing to go to a facility. Going to a facility, however, would be more beneficial if you would want hands-on training.

Instructor-Led Courses

Another benefit of going to a facility for training in the utilization of CPR and AED techniques is the instructor-led course. This course has an instructor which would guide you through the motions, and allows for questions and in-depth explanations. Additionally, the instructors that lead trainings are those that are experts in the field of using CPR or AED in times of necessity.

Benefits of CPR and AED Certification

Getting a CPR and AED certification will prove your usefulness in times of trouble. Additionally, the acquisition of this certification can open up new opportunities and training such as first aid courses, wilderness survival, and more. Knowledge of CPR and AED is necessary to increase survival in the wild, so for those who would want to pursue outdoor activities and be able to handle the wild.

CPR and AED Certification for Outdoors and Sports Training

These certifications can also be used by aspiring scouts and coaches. So if an individual is interested in these industries and would like certification to back up their skills, then getting CPR and AED certification is important first. Not only will it look good in your resume, it is also a great skill that can help during important operations. In coaching, CPR can be applied for checking for consciousness and recognizing if another individual is experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Finally, there is the military, and although they would still be training you if you enter, having prior knowledge in different revival techniques would be a big help.

If you are thinking of pursuing a career in one of these industries, then consider getting CPR and AED certification. With this, you can have the skills necessary to be a good coach, scout, or part of the military, as well as get the opportunity to attend other trainings and enhance other skills.

Cardiovascular life support is the intervention done in urgency for the sufferers of cardiac arrest, as well as other illnesses involving the cardiovascular system. This involves stroke, hypertension, and other diseases related to breathing, bleeding, and the brain.

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support is a clinical intervention, which can only be done by trained medical professionals. This is an action that has a high rate of revival, as long as one vital action is done on the victim. This action is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. This is a first aid technique that helps continue the blood flow of a stopped heart, so that the body and the brain does not cease functioning.

CPR Before ACLS

The main purpose of CPR is to keep oxygen flowing to the brain and other parts of the body. As commonly taught in school, all the cells in a human body would require a constant supply of oxygen. This means then, that if oxygen delivery via blood circulation is cut off, then cells start to cease functioning and start deterioration. This is why CPR is administered while waiting for advanced cardiovascular life support. This way, the beating of the heart and the intake of oxygen to the lungs is simulated.

The beating of the heart is simulated by compressions. This is the repeated pumping of the chest area to a steady 100 pumps per minute. The compressions do not aim to restart a heart, only to have it compress and decompress, its common function. This allows the blood to carry on like nothing has happened within the body. The blood then successfully delivers the supply of oxygen to different cells in different parts of the body. This is then followed by breathing air into the lungs of the victim to get a fresh supply of oxygen. This process is repeated again and again, until life support services come around for more procedures.

There is then, an inherent importance in the people that are trained in CPR during situations that require their skills. The knowledge of CPR can help others increase their chances for survival, so for those interested in developing their skills, attending a training session for cardiopulmonary resuscitation skill development is a must.  In the event of such an emergency where CPR is needed, the presence of a trained rescuer is good, but for first aid, a trained bystander can also be just as useful. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, working with advanced cardiovascular life support, are two types of medical interventions that work hand in hand to keep the body alive, and to help a victim of sudden cardiac arrest revive.

With the help of these systems that even bystanders can learn, it creates a helpful environment especially in these times where cardiovascular diseases are widespread. The chances of survival increases, giving the victims of sudden cardiac arrest another lease in life and another chance in changing their lifestyles to be healthier and free from another attack. The knowledge that people acquire in CPR training can and will be helpful in the future, no matter the emergency.

Cardiovascular diseases are some of the most dangerous diseases in the country. In general, cardiovascular diseases have killed more people than all types of cancer combined. This statistic shows that heart problems do not get the treatment that needs to be done, and there is very little that individuals do to avoid developing heart diseases.

Preventing Heart Diseases

There are some heart diseases that can be easily avoided. These heart diseases only develop due to bad life choices and unhealthy life styles. One of the most common causes of heart diseases is fatty food, such as those filled with cholesterol. There are two types of cholesterol, HDL and LDL. LDL is short for low-density lipoprotein, and the accumulation of this type of cholesterol in the bloodstream can spell heart disease if partnered with a very slow lifestyle. LDL is the type of cholesterol that contributes to the plaque in the blood vessels. The accumulation of plaque in the bloodstream creates a narrower space for blood to flow, increasing blood pressure. If left unchecked, the plaque could eventually close a blood stream immediately, causing a heart attack. This is comparable to HDL, which is short for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. This is a different kind of cholesterol, as this does not affect in the development of heart diseases. These HDL cholesterols travel the bloodstream and they bring with them LDL cholesterols that they pass along. This action helps in minimizing plaque buildup in the bloodstream. This is why a healthy balance of both types of cholesterol can help in minimizing risks of heart attack.

Another way of preventing heart diseases is by going to the gym and being active. The presence of physical activity in your daily life can greatly lower blood pressure and help in controlling body weight, two important factors that help show that there is a lowering presence of LDL in your system.

The common risk factors that cause an increase in the chance for heart diseases include age, gender, and family history. These three are non-modifiable, so it important that you focus on the factors that can easily be prevented. Reducing smoking, avoiding food and drinks that can cause high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol as well as diabetes, can all help in minimizing the risk factors.

Preparing for CPR for Others

Additionally, you can undergo a training for performing CPR on victims of heart diseases and heart attack. This way, you learn a physical activity while being prepared in the event that there are people within your proximity that would need the help of someone trained in CPR. Your knowledge of CPR can be of use, and can help you be more aware of how to avoid development of heart diseases as well.

With your determination in preventing the development of heart disease within your body, as well as learning the basic life support skills to help those who might experience sudden cardiac arrest, survival rates for heart diseases might decrease. Raising awareness and responsibility for heart disease avoidance within an individual can help in raising awareness for all citizens.

Enjoying the outdoors is something that most people see as a fun hobby. Others see it as a hobby that tests the limit of the body’s stamina and endurance. No matter how you enjoy the great outdoors, there are certain skills that you must have the knowledge, to truly know what living with nature is like.

Having the skills to survive the outdoors and the life within the wilderness can be very helpful during your trips and treks, as well as in getting a healthier body. The skills that you need are mostly physical and technical, and these techniques can be a lifesaver. You can also enjoy a more immersive nature experience with this information with you.

Shelter

Shelter is a catch-all term for everything you must know that involves the creation of a comfortable space for survival. Although making an actual habitat is not a necessary skill due to the existence of modern items such as tents and sleeping bags, there are still aspects that you must know. One of the most important things to know is how to create fire. Fire is warmth and life in the wilderness. It can offer respite during the cold nights and can scare beasts away. Creating fire requires friction and wood. Always make sure to put out your fire completely to not create forest fires.

Sustenance

Sustenance would mean anything necessary for keeping hydrated and fed. Water must be acquired from natural and clean sources, so as not to risk poisoning. Food is a critical necessity, and there are many sources within the wild, although knowledge of the local flora and fauna is necessary for a safe harvest and hunt. There are plants that you must avoid, and there are places which may cause injury to you and your party, so knowledge of the lay of the land is important when hunting gathering.

First Aid

First aid involves anything from making splints, stopping bleeding, treating wounds, and curing illnesses. Some of the most important things that you could attend a training for include CPR training – which can be helpful for extreme cases such as cardiac arrest or drowning – especially if you are in a group. Also, it never hurts to pick up CPR skills for the times when you are in close proximity of heart attack victims, to help in revival efforts.

These things are what makes outdoor survival a fun experience. Although there are modern conveniences available to all of us, it is best to have the knowledge in the even that these conveniences are taken away from you. These skills, when applied to daily life, can be helpful to others too, and it can make for a great party trick if you can make fire from twigs and rocks and flint.

If you would like to know more about these skills, you can attend a scouts training, or you can attend specific training programs, such as first aid training, CPR training, survival skills development, and identifying flora and fauna.