Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and first aid are skills that can help you save a life. CPR and first aid classes are offered within most communities by organizations such as the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association. The skills you learn in these courses enable you to open an airway, circulate oxygenated blood and control bleeding.
Types
There are several CPR and first aid courses to take, depending on your home or work environment. Adult CPR, child CPR, infant CPR, first aid and defibrillator may be taken individually, in various combinations or as one course. If you are a health-care provider, there are more advanced versions of this course.
Purpose
In many emergencies, you may be the first person to provide care. If you are the first responder, you are the link between a victim and advanced medical care providers such as paramedics. Using CPR and first aid skills will help you assess a victim and determine the care you need to provide. In CPR, you will learn specific skills to open an airway, check for breathing, give rescue breaths, clear an obstructed airway and circulate oxygenated blood. The first aid course shows you how to help a victim who has fallen, been poisoned, is suffering from heat/cold, has been burned or has an open/closed wound. Both courses teach you how to prevent the transmission of blood-borne diseases when responding to an emergency.
Significance
CPR and first aid information and skills are updated often to ensure the most effective care is given to victims. These courses provide a standard of care when you respond to an emergency. You must be certified in CPR and first aid to provide help with little risk of litigation. When you are certified, as long as you do what you are trained to do, the Good Samaritan Law protects you. The Good Samaritan Law is active in all 50 states and protects you as long as you respond to an emergency the same way a prudent and reasonable person would.
Locations
CPR and first aid courses are widely available in most communities. They are offered at the primary location of the certifying agency, schools and community centers. Additionally, many work sites offer certifications within their building or campus.
Considerations
Most CPR certifications expire within a year, while first aid certifications must be renewed within two years. You may take a renewal or challenge course before your certification expires. Such courses are shorter in duration and do not require you to sit through an entire class. Review your skills throughout the year to ensure you are best prepared to respond to an emergency. Certifying organizations may offer skills cards you can post on your wall or use to quickly review your skills.
References
- "First Aid/CPR/AED for Schools and the Community"; American Red Cross; 2006
- American Heart Association
- American Red Cross
