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.

For fans of Hollywood films, there are certain films which would show a victim of sudden cardiac arrest, and the dramatization of the CPR procedure done to them. According to studies, there is a large percentage of revival with the use of CPR in a Hollywood film. Granted that these films are merely snippets of a character’s life and does not necessarily show other instances of CPR, the dramatization still affects the audience.

Due to the dramatization and the life-like recreation of the resuscitation process, more people think that they have the skill to perform CPR on a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. Unfortunately, merely watching the procedure in a Hollywood film may not be enough training to be able to properly administer CPR. Adding to that, there are many misconceptions that Hollywood films address regarding CPR.

Common Misconceptions

Thanks to Hollywood, people have been disillusioned regarding some of the aspects of CPR. This misinformation can be undone by attending training programs for actual CPR practice.

Success Rate

Success rate is one of the most dramatized aspect in Hollywood, with the main character usually successful in reviving a person that has required CPR. This is countered by the reality of it all, where there are varying success rates, depending on the presence of trained bystanders and professionals. Even with all the trained individuals, success rate of revival is still less than 50 percent, no matter the situation.

Return of Spontaneous Circulation

This is an addition to the success rate. More often than not, CPR is insufficient in bringing the circulation of a heart back to normal. Normally, it requires the use of an electric shock form a defibrillator or an automatic external defibrillator.

Necessity of Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation has become a trope in a film or show, where this brings the victim and the person administering CPR together, as they categorize it as a kiss. Unfortunately, this has been implanted in the mind of some audiences that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is a gentle thing. In truth, there is a certain position in which mouth-to-to mouth resuscitation is effective, and there is a required amount of force to make it effective. Additionally, mouth-to-mouth is not a necessity, especially on certain moral and ethical grounds. Hospitals and other medical institutions have presented that hands-only CPR is also a very effective procedure, without needing for mouth contact.

The Good Samaritan Act

The Good Samaritan Act protects bystanders that perform CPR and cause injury from being sued by the victim. This is because the act was done in the state of necessity and any and all forms of revival, especially from an untrained person, may have some disagreeable results. Bystanders do not have to fear as you will not be sued, so go help those in need.

Let the Trained Do It

This is the worst misconception, as this actually decreases the chances of survival. You can see in Hollywood films that people won’t do anything because they are untrained, and as an extension, afraid of getting sued and being of no help. This mentality in reality would be very detrimental to rescue efforts, as every second is critical for the success rate of revival.

Get informed about the reality of CPR by attending a CPR training course.

Automatic External Defibrillators, shortened to AED, are some of the most useful devices for heart disease sufferers in the modern age. It is the advancement of the defibrillator mechanism, made more portable and easy to use. There are different types of AEDs based on their specifications. For business owners, it is important to find out which type of AED you should get for your establishment. The same can be said for private individuals who acknowledges the need for an AED within their house. There are certain specifications to check as well as usability to consider before purchasing an automatic external defibrillator.

Technical Specs of AEDs

Some factors to check before getting an AED include the following: energy management, design, and usability.

Energy Management

Energy management means everything that involves what powers the device. You should be aware of the charging time, the output, and the duration of a single charge for an automated external defibrillator. This is important to note, as there is a need to find out the cost of keeping a defibrillator active. For establishments, there is a necessity to have an AED available on stand-by for a long time, as compared to a house, where charging can be done easily. Additionally, for AEDs that are purchased to be used during travels, a very long stand-by time is highly recommended, unless a power source is available.

As a consumer, you should also find out the capability of output of an AED as well as the time it needs to load up the charge for output. Getting an AED with a weak output may be necessary for establishments catering to children and infants, but a stronger output is necessary for different clientele. Also, there are AEDs which allow you to change voltage, to make it easier for use.

Design and Usability

Design plays a vital role in AED use. Design can mean the visibility of the device, the convenience of use, and the portability. Visibility of the device means that it is easily located in the time when it is needed. This can be done by being brightly colored and located in a well-lit place. The convenience of use, including the portability, should also be considered. The design should be made accessible for the users even without training. Additionally, it is important that the AED be portable. Most common AEDs are very portable nowadays, so it will be easy to choose based on portability.

Usability

Usability means how trained or untrained users can operate the device with the help of the device itself. There are devices that has a prompt, which makes it easier for the people to know what to do, even if it is their first time. If you are operating an establishment where the target audience is most likely to be untrained, then get the AED with the easiest use.

It is important to find the balance between design and usability as well as the energy of the device. This way you can find the most effective AED to service your establishment or your home, making it a safe space for those who are in danger of heart diseases.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, most commonly called CPR, is a basic first aid that comes in handy in various situation. Although it is a basic practice, numerous efforts have been made to further develop how CPR is done due to its undeniable significance in extending a life.

The latest developments made by the American Heart Association in coming up with more effective ways in administering CPR is very helpful. Before, the ABC approach is widely upheld until recently when the AHA changed it to CAB approach. This new way will give more emphasis on the quality of sets of compression done on the victim instead on delaying it for airway. Also, this new approach will encourage more bystanders to administer CPR.

There are given situations when CPR should be given. These include cardiac arrest, near-drowning incidents, suffocation or any situation where a person is not breathing. CPR is given to ensure that the circulation of oxygenated blood that is needed by the vital organs are continued. The longer a bystander hesitates to do CPR, the higher the chances of a victim dying. This is why you everyone should be aware of CPR and when and how to administer them on certain situations.

CPR for Near-Drowning Victims

Drowning is a possibility in the water and there is no way of assuring that this will either happen or not. A victim may have been submerged in the water for too long that causes the body system to shut down due to lack of oxygen. It is important to know that water intake goes to the stomach instead of the lungs, unlike what most people commonly assume. This is due to laryngospasm, or the sealing of the larynx to prevent the water from heading to the lungs; however, some victims maintain this seal that can lead to cardiac arrest.

This causes a slight alteration on the AHA guidelines on CAB approach. Rescuers should deliver two rescue breaths first and then proceed to cycles of compression and breath. Thus, airway and breathing is given emphasis on this kind of scenario.

CPR for Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest remains as one of the deadliest killers in the world. There is no way of telling if this will occur or not. Cardiac arrest happens when the heart suddenly stops beating that can lead to cutting off of the oxygenated blood that need to be delivered to the brain. In this given scenario, one must give emphasis on the quality of compression.

The CAB approach will delay the breathing of the victim for approximately 18 seconds. This is why the quality of cycles of compression should be ensured to make up for these delay. The depth of the compression should be at least two inches and with the rate of 100 sets per minute. The ratio of 30:2 sets of compression and breathing should also be observed.

CPR is an important life support that needs to be learned by everyone. If there is a life that needs to be saved, you can do it. By being aware of the importance and basics of CPR, you can extend a life.

One of the most common first aid that everyone should know of is cardiopulmonary resuscitation or most commonly called as CPR. When the word CPR is mentioned the first thing that comes to mind is the pumping on the chest and breathing through the mouth of a victim that is lying in a supine position. This is the ideal setup on administering CPR; however, things are not always as easy as this.

Aside from the usual cardiac arrest and near-drowning experience, trauma victims are also in need of CPR. Traumatic injuries can lead to cardiac arrest due to several reasons such as hypoxia, injury to vital organs, severe head injury, extreme blood loss, pulseless arrest etc.

There has been series of debate over administering CPR on victims of trauma and that is why it is important to know that CPR is just one of the first aids that can be done in these events until professional help arrives. The practices of primary survey and secondary survey is vital in these situations. Primary survey refers to a rapid evaluation and stabilization of the airway and circulation. Secondary survey, on the other hand, aims to detect subtle and underlying injuries that can be lethal to the victim.

With continued debate over how a trauma victim should be stabilized before help arrives, it is vital to know the basic life support for cardiac arrest that has experienced trauma. For airway, instead of doing the classic head tilt-chin lift, a jaw thrust is to be used. This is to avoid worsening of multi-trauma or traumas that affected the head and the neck area. Clear the airway of foreign matters that can obstruct the breathing including vomit, blood and other secretions. If there are bleeding on some areas, put pressure on them to reduce blood loss.

The rescuer should try to detect a pulse for as long as 10 seconds and if there is none the victim should be given CPR. Cycles of compression must be done immediately and with adequate depth and rate. Once the airway is secured, there is no need to pause for ventilation, instead, proceed with doing 100 sets of compression. It is the best scenario if there are two people available to provide the CPR needed. While the other gives cycles of compression, the other holds the jaw thrust position and breathes 8 to 10 breaths per minute. To administer a better quality of CPR, it is highly recommended that the two providers switch roles every two minutes.

While administering the CPR, watch closely for the response of the victim and keep an eye out for signs of deterioration. This can be beneficial especially if the victim has been unconscious and you have no way of further inspecting him of other underlying injuries. Your best bet relies on your primary and secondary survey.

The most important thing is to never hesitate. There is a reason why there is a psychological behavior that is attributed to being a bystander. You can choose to go the other way around and actually do something when there is something that needs to be done. Learn CPR because you never know when you will be needing to do so and it is always better to ready than sorry.

You have seen it on TV before. A certain someone drops unconscious and then a person volunteers to administer cycles of compression on his chest and after a while, the ambulance arrives to take the victim away. It is good that this scene is shown on big screen where people can view CPR as a life-saving technique that can be done by anyone. How hard could it be when it is just pressing on the chest, right?

There is a chain of survival that indicates the key factors in helping a cardiac arrest victim survive. Immediate recognition of cardiac arrest and activation of the emergency response system is the first step. After that CPR should follow along with defibrillation. Soon after comes the advanced life support and integrated post-cardiac arrest. All of these factors come into play when a person suffers from cardiac arrest.

Unfortunately, numerous bystanders choose not to act when a victim experiences a sudden cardiac arrest. The longer an unconscious, pulseless victim is left unattended, the lower his chances of survival are. While waiting for professional help, CPR must be administered on the patient to prevent the delay of blood circulation on the brain.

Efforts have been made to encourage people to immediately react to situations like this. Partly, one reason why the American Heart Association changed the ABC to CAB approach is to encourage bystanders to give CPR if excretions in the mouth put them off. Unfortunately, the failure to recognize and act on a cardiac arrest victim remains a challenge even to this day. It is needless to say that there are numerous points on the chain of survival that should be given emphasis on. Bystanders should understand the role they play in saving someone’s life and that role is a bit on the major side.

There is also an emphasis given on the quality of CPR being administered on a cardiac arrest victim. Remember the TV scenario? Yes, most of the time they provide a good example of poor CPR. It is important to understand that chest compressions are the foundation of a good kind of CPR. There is a significant statistic that show a high number of people who either provide shallow depth or inadequate amount of CPR. Administering CPR can be physically draining, this is why it is better if there can be two providers who will do CPR.

Another challenge that needs to be addressed is the lengthy interruptions during administering of CPR. From a moment of doubt to the pausing during CPR, have significant impact on the survival rate of the victim. Even the minimal interruption to breathe into the victim after 30 cycles of compression affect the quality of CPR done. It is noteworthy to mention that manual CPR, provided in highest quality possible, provides 30-40% blood flow to the brain and 10-20% to the heart, meeting the minimal blood flow needed in those organs. Further developments on the issue of interruptions need to be addressed to maximize the potential of CPR.

Different studies are still underway to develop even better and effective way of giving high quality of CPR. These efforts are aimed to surpass the challenges mentioned above. Better yet, it is highly encouraged that everyone be well-aware of on how to administer CPR.