CPR- the basics of why you should learn this lifesaving skill

CPR is a skill that one should learn no matter what you do or where you are located. It is a skill that everyone can benefit from learning and you never ever know where this important skill could make a difference between life and death. You may even have an idea of how CPR is performed from watching television shows like Grey’s Anatomy. Also, if you are like most people, you’ve never received formal CPR training.

You may also be thinking right now that it is not really necessary or that you would never be in a situation where you would really truly need to know it. In reality, CPR training is something that every single one of us could greatly benefit from learning.

Why learn CPR Skills:

In three words: “It SAVES LIVES”. That should be enough of a reason to get out there and take a CPR class. Performing CPR can help buy precious time until EMT or other medical professionals arrive on the scene. Even though EMT or paramedics tend to arrive on the scene of an emergency pretty quickly, a patient may need assistance instantly- especially if they have stopped breathing. In other words, “Time is of the Essence”, in certain circumstances.

Many times cardiac arrest cases happen at home or in a recreational setting such as a soccer or baseball field and a nearby trained person that knows the basics of CPR can mean the difference between life and death. The first five minutes of cardiac arrest are the most critical. Having anyone around with the basics of CPR training can make all the difference in the world.

New parents know that should also learn CPR as well as first aid skills before their little bundle of joy are born and new parents naturally want to be able to do everything in their power to keep them safe. CPR and First Aid classes will ensure that you learn the basics and that you will feel confident in how you would react in case of an emergency.

Another great reason for learning CPR is that you’ll be a more valuable employee. Formal CPR and First Aid Training are impressive additions on a person’s resume when applying for a job. Teachers, personal trainers, coaches, lifeguards and childcare providers are a few professions that these lifesaving skills would be needed.

You’ll feel empowered knowing that you would know how to react in case of a first aid emergency. This is especially true when it comes to providing help to your loved ones. Take the step today towards learning the basic lifesaving techniques taught in a CPR and First Aid course.

When would the use of CPR be appropriate?

There are many, many situations where CPR skills can make a difference. The point of CPR is to keep oxygen flowing within the injured person’s body long enough for them to get help at a hospital. Here are a few times that your CPR skills would come in handy;

• Someone who has experienced a suspected heart attack
• Someone who has experienced a drug overdose
• Someone who has experienced a near drowning episode

There are certain factors and high risk categories that can greatly increase a person’s risk of cardiac arrest. Older men with conditions such as heart failure, hypertension, diabetes as well as chronic kidney disease are in a more vulnerable category. Also people with a history of irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) are also in a higher risk situation to suffer from cardiac arrest. Those individuals who have a history of drug or alcohol abuse also are in this category.

Knowing CPR can help someone survive cardiac arrest with your quick thinking and use of your CPR skills can provide the difference between life and death.

There are many different places that you can go and get CPR trained. The first place you may want to check is with your local red cross or your local fire department. They both often offer classes to the community. First Aid and Safety Online offers a nice selection of CPR Masks, CPR Manikins, Emergency Oxygen Units as well as First Aid Supplies that can help you get started.