cpr and first aid

Why It Is Important To Learn CPR And First Aid

The letters CPR stand for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and it describes the process of bringing oxygen back into the body’s circulatory system. The human brain can only survive for three or four minutes without oxygen before suffering damage. Millions of Americans are saved from brain damage or death each year because someone knew how to administer CPR at a time when a victim needed it. CPR and first aid are not difficult techniques to learn, but the most effective teaching comes from a course where students are allowed to practice the techniques on mannequins to safely ensure that you are learning correctly. The Red Cross and the American Heart Association both offer information on where to find CPR and first aid classes.

The ABC’s Of CPR And First Aid

By following the ABC’s when encountering a victim who is unconscious, you can determine what type of help is needed. “A” stands for airway, and it involves ensuring that the victim is in a position so that the airway is open. By tilting the victim’s head back and pulling the chin forward, you can open the airway. “B” stands for breathing. You can determine if the victim is breathing by watching for movement in the chest. If you do not detect any movement, immediately begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The “C” is for circulation. If you cannot find a heartbeat on your victim, you need to begin chest compressions immediately as well. These compressions can help send some blood to the vital organs which is essential for them to continue functioning.

Before beginning an “ABC” assessment, verify that your victim is indeed unconscious. Gently shake the person’s shoulder and shout at them to see if you get a response. If you do not, it is important to call 9-1-1, or have another person on the scene call before beginning any CPR or first aid on the victim. It is vital to get professional emergency help to the scene as quickly as possible. You can then begin to administer CPR and any other first aid techniques that appear necessary. If more than one person is at the scene, one can perform chest compressions while the other does mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. The quick thinking and action that you can provide to a victim by performing CPR and first aid may very well save someone’s life. If you are not currently certified in CPR and first aid training, contact the Red Cross or the American Heart Association today to find a class in your community. The knowledge you gain today may very well save a life tomorrow.

A First Aid Class and People

When taking a first aid class, people tend to think it’s soley for the purpose of learning tips and techniques to dealing with minor issues such as small bumps or bruises, or scrapes when a kid falls off their skateboard. In reality, a first aid class offers much more than meets the eye.

What to Expect From a First Aid Class

To being with, the basics will be taught. You’ll learn the right methods to use when treating a scrape or cut on an adult, and different methods to use when treating these ailments on a child that may be more timid or scared than an adult. The first aid class will also introduce the types of medication or sterilizing creams to be used on minor scrapes and cuts.

But first aid classes go above and beyond your typical first aid thoughts. These classes tend to teach CPR and the practices used that go into it, enabling the course taker to learn life saving techniques that are priceless to many who find themselves in need of the treatment.

Because there are different kinds of first aid classes that specialize in certain specifics of first aid, there are many different things to learn depending on the course taken. A particular course may teach you how to perform help for someone who has had a cardiac arrest, and yet another course might focus on teaching toddler first aid.

When to Take the Classes

It’s never too early or too late to take first aid classes. Many people think that because they are older and have never had first aid or CPR training, that it’s too late to do anything about it. The reality is that it’s never too late to learn these skills. Whether we are 15 years old, or seventy years old we all have something to contribute when someone else is in need of first aid. But in order to contribute, we need to have the skills to do it.

The same method can be said for being too young. Even a 5 year old child can offer some good out of their first aid knowledge at one time or another. It’s also a good way for a child to learn from first aid classes how to be careful themselves, and stay away from dangerous situations. A good way to ensure everyone in a family is properly trained in CPR and first aid is to take a course together!

When to Take a CPR and First Aid Class

Many people at one time or another in their life find themselves responsible for someone else in one way or another. Whether it be watching younger brothers and sisters as a teenager, or caring for older parents and grandparents as adults. Because of this, it’s important to know that certain things should be prepared for in case of an emergency.

Most times there isn’t much to worry about but when you have the life of someone else in your hands, even as adults caring for our own children, it’s a good idea to stay prepared. Potential dangers are always present, and unfortunate things happen to people on a daily basis. So making sure you are prepared by taking a CPR and first aid class is the first step.

Reasons to Take a CPR and First Aid Class

When a teenager decides to baby sit other people’s children in order to make a few extra dollars for the Summer, it’s important to make sure all precautions are taken in order to maintain in full control of any circumstance that may arise, and this is where a CPR and First Aid Class will come in handy.

These classes can keep teenagers prepared in the event that a child drowns in a swimming pool, falls from a high place on a playground jungle gym, or even gets into the medicine cabinet and manages to ingest something they shouldn’t.

Another reason to take a CPR and first aid class would be if you are the responsible person for an elderly relative. Many different things can happen to someone late in their years, and these kinds of classes are the first step in making sure you are prepared to deal with struggles that may arise.

Simply being a parent is a good reason to take a CPR and first aid class. Being responsible for the well being of a young child that doesn’t necessarily yet know right from wrong is a huge weight on a parent’s shoulder, and taking a CPR and first aid class can help to eliminate some of the pressure. It’s also a good way to ensure that you can offer the best possible care for your children.

In the end, a CPR and first aid class is never a bad idea for anyone, as you never know when it will come in handy. But if you or someone you know is responsible for the safety and well being of another human being, make sure you take the class yourself or suggest to others that it’s the first step to ensuring a long lasting and healthy life for whoever they are caring for.