Most people never want to picture themselves in a situation where they need to perform CPR — but odds are, one day, they might have to. Knowing what to do in an emergency situation can make all the difference. That's why it's important to take a CPR class.
Not only will you learn life-saving skills, but you'll also come away with valuable knowledge on how to avoid the need for CPR in the first place.
This post outlines three precautionary topics you can learn from an American Heart Association CPR class.
Stay Educated and Prevent Emergencies
Not every heart attack situation requires CPR — so wouldn't it be great if you could avoid cardiac arrest altogether? The more you know about the warning signs of a heart attack, the more preventative measures you can take to avoid a heart emergency.
During your CPR class, you will learn about the causes and prevention of heart disease and the early warning signs of a heart attack. Early warning signs are a big part of the equation, so being informed can help you prepare and prevent a heart attack from happening in the first place.
If prevention isn't enough and cardiac arrest does occur, it's critical that you know how to recognize the signs. During your CPR class, you will learn how to identify when a person is experiencing cardiac arrest and how to react immediately. This can literally be the difference between life and death, so it's important to be informed and prepared.
Recognize the Different Types of CPR
Did you know there are different kinds of CPR techniques? Standard CPR for adults, child CPR, and infant CPR are all performed differently. For example, if you are applying CPR on an adult, you will need to use two hands in the center of the chest and press firmly. If you are performing on a child or infant, you will be using one hand and pressing more gently.
Knowing the difference between these techniques is essential in an emergency situation. But you can only understand the differences and techniques if you attend a CPR class. You will also learn about rescue breathing, which is when you provide air to someone who's not breathing.
During a CPR class, you will have the opportunity to practice the different techniques and get comfortable with the process. That way, if an emergency situation ever arises, you will know how to react quickly with little hesitation.
Understanding the Emergency Response System
In a stressful situation where every second counts, calling the right authorities and following protocols is crucial. In your CPR class, you'll learn how the emergency response system works and what you must do in a cardiac arrest situation. For example, you'll learn when to call 911, when to begin CPR, and what information needs to be relayed to the responding medical professionals.
You will also learn about the importance of good bystander care — such as having someone stay with the victim in case their condition changes and keeping track of time so the medical professionals know how long CPR was performed.
