In 2020, 12,207 people in Los Angeles lost their lives to coronary heart disease, including cardiac arrest. With such frightening numbers in mind, learning how to perform CPR is more important than ever. Luckily, getting a CPR certification in Los Angeles is simple.
The fact that CPR saves lives should motivate people to learn how to perform the life-saving technique not only during cardiac arrest but in other instances as well. For example, CPR can be administered to a choking victim or a drowning child. In that context, getting a CPR certification is paramount.
Putting your CPR certification into practice means transferring your knowledge from class to crisis. To highlight the importance, we’ll discuss some real-life CPR cases, as well as how and when to perform CPR.
The Essence of CPR
In the Cardiac Chain of Survival, CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is the second and very important link. When a person experiences a sudden cardiac arrest, time is of the essence. The faster the victim receives CPR, the greater the odds of survival.
Good CPR is all about chest compressions that are fast-paced and deep enough. Pushing air into the lungs and keeping the blood flowing to reach all vital organs is especially important. One of the best traits of CPR is that everyone can do it, from children to adults. However, putting your CPR certification into practice is more than needed to ensure proper administration, a confident approach, and better preparedness as a responder.
CPR is a logical course of action in the following cases:
- Drowning
- Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA)
- Drug overdose
- Unconscious choking
- Heart conditions
Going through a medical emergency alone is devastating and can often result in fatality. Luckily, by acquiring a CPR certification, everyone can be there for someone needing help. CPR isn’t only the go-to choice for heart emergencies but also for other accidents involving choking, drowning, overdosing, and more.
In general, these are the main circumstances calling for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Occasionally, certain updates to the recommended resuscitation steps are issued by the AHA. This is why staying updated with the latest CPR guidelines is important. One of the ways to do so is to take a so-called CPR refresher course offered by most CPR training providers.
Real-Life Cases of CPR Certification Saving Lives
After we receive our CPR certification, we mostly hope we never have to put our skills to use, but the reality is different. Anyone may need immediate help in any place and at any time. Real-life examples are an inspiration for many who want to help and find they need to transfer their skills from class to crisis. Let’s go over some real-life examples of CPR-trained individuals helping victims when most needed.
- A Bus Driver Saves the Day – A Miami bus driver performed CPR on a passenger who collapsed in the back of the bus. Laronda Marshall is the responsible citizen who immediately started CPR and kept going until the police and the EMTs arrived, saving the passenger’s life.
- Two Daughters Save Their Dad’s Life – Sudden cardiac arrests often happen at home, which is the case with 55-year-old Mark. Not feeling well, he told his daughters to call for help before crashing down on the kitchen floor. Kalie and Cora Sagan took matters into their own hands. Kalie called 911 while Cora started CPR and saved their father’s life.
- A Celebrity Saving a Life Using CPR – The list of celebrities who used CPR skills is long. Some of the Hollywood stars with CPR knowledge are Ryan Raynolds, Jennifer Lawrence, and Dustin Hoffman.
Why Is CPR Crucial
CPR is one crucial life-saving method that equips responders with the proper knowledge to assess a medical emergency accurately. People with a CPR certification know the steps to resuscitate a person, how to position them in a recovery position, etc. Without receiving CPR, there is a slim chance a victim might be able to survive the condition and reach a hospital before it’s too late.
The reasons for getting CPR certification are irrelevant as long as you understand what makes this method crucial. You can become CPR certified on your own initiative or as part of your workplace safety requirements. What matters is the initiative to be able to save a life.
Hands-only CPR
People who do not possess a CPR certification and have not received proper training are best off delivering hands-on CPR. In other words, the technique involves only doing chest compressions without delivering rescue breaths. Those trained in CPR will know exactly what to do and how deep and frequent the compressions should be.
Taking a CPR certification course in Los Angeles is not only easy to do but also affordable, thanks to the many available options. However, finding the right CPR class can be a challenge because not all of the CPR training centers are reliable.
Other than resuscitating a victim with hands-only CPR, trained responders might also need to deliver rescue breaths. The technique also covered in a CPR course involves blowing air directly into the victim’s mouth or through a mask.
The CPR Certification Process
When enrolling in a CPR class, the most important thing to remember is to find a CPR training center accredited by reputable health organizations. In Los Angeles, there are many CPR training centers accredited by the following most prominent healthcare establishments:
After you’ve found the right CPR certification course, the next thing to do is sign up for it. Depending on the training provider, you can choose from an online CPR course, an in-person one, or a blended learning model. In essence, all of the CPR course types cover the same topics, with the difference in attendance method.
The CPR certification process comprises of:
- essential CPR skills
- high-quality chest compressions
- artificial ventilation (rescue breaths)
- use of an automated external defibrillator (AED)
During the process, you won’t just need to memorize the steps of CPR but also understand why each of them is important. At the end of the training, you will need to pass a final exam, showcasing your skills and understanding of CPR.
Key Takeaway: Putting Your CPR Certification into Practice in Los Angeles
Keep an eye on CPR courses that offer comprehensive training with licensed instructors who are accredited to teach. Make sure you understand what you’re looking for in a CPR class. Do you need to become certified in CPR for your own sake, or has your employer made it a requirement? Or maybe you are looking to learn more about CPR for adults or children.
The right answer will help you choose the type of CPR class: an online one, an in-person one, or a blended learning model. Whichever type of CPR class you choose, one thing is certain. You are being proactive in the struggle to reduce the number of SCA fatalities in the U.S. and contribute to a safer living space for everyone.
FAQs
It’s been a while since I took a CPR class. Am I still eligible to perform CPR?
In general, you are. However, it is best that you take a refresher course. This will ensure you learn about the latest practices in delivering CPR.
I got my CPR certificate last year. Do I need to take the course again?
A CPR certificate is valid for two years. After that period, you need to renew the certificate by taking a refresher course. It’s a shorter version of the initial course.
I don’t have a lot of time to attend a CPR course. Is there another way to become certified?
Yes, there is. You can take the course online or through a blended learning model. It is good to know that if you’re taking the class for your own benefit, the online option is a great choice. On the other hand, if your employer requires you to attain a CPR certificate, then you should consider the in-person or blended learning option. This is because some organizations and employees do not recognize online CPR certifications.