Certification in basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a required skill for many different professionals, including health care professionals and many people who work with children. Knowing what to do in a health emergency can minimize the damage of an injury or even save a life. The American Red Cross and a number of other organizations offer both first aid and CPR training.
Identification
First aid training includes information and hands-on practice with a number of different basic techniques for treating injury, according to the American Red Cross. These include how to treat shock and how to stabilize various types of wounds until the victim can be seen by medical professionals. CPR is a technique used to keep a victim's brain supplied with oxygen if his heart stops beating. Although both are temporary measures only, they can save a victim's life by buying her the time needed until professional medical help arrives.
Significance
A number of professions require both first aid and CPR training These include health care professions, as well as many jobs that require working with children. Parents or caregivers of small children should especially consider learning first aid and CPR, as even healthy small children may accidentally injure themselves as they explore their worlds. According to Emergency Preparedness Tips, choking is the fourth leading cause of death among young children. A parent or adult who is prepared with CPR training can help save a choking child.
Types
According to the University of Washington, first aid and CPR techniques may differ whether the victim is an infant, a child or an adult. To be adequately prepared for any type of emergency situation, it is wise to become trained in the different methods required for different age groups. The American Red Cross provides training in first aid and CPR for infants, children and adults. It also provides training in the use of an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) and training in Pro Responder CPR, which is a two-person method often used by emergency medical personnel.
Time Frame
Once a person's heart stops, he has approximately ten minutes before he can no longer be revived under any circumstances, according to the University of Washington. Each minute that the body goes without a heartbeat, the chances of recovery decrease by approximately 10 percent. When performed correctly, CPR can increase the chances of recovery for a person whose heart has stopped by helping send oxygen to the brain, which is required for life.
Considerations
According to Washington University, once a person's heart stops, she is considered clinically dead. Because of this, CPR will rarely if ever make the situation worse, even if it is not performed perfectly. Although CPR may cause a cracked rib or sternum, especially in older patients, a person who performs CPR on an unconscious victim is usually protected by "Good Samaritan" laws, which prevent the victim from suing even if she did not want CPR performed.
