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HeartCert Featured on Mission Matters Podcast

HeartCert Founder and CEO Tim Smith was recently interviewed on the Mission Matters podcast, discussing the origin of HeartCert and his passion for helping others – and teaching them to help others.

trained firefighter course and the HeartCert mission

The History of HeartCert

On the podcast, Tim recounts his personal journey, in which he went from a personal care attendant, to an EMT and firefighter, to a CPR instructor, and ultimately, to creating HeartCert. Tim’s career path helped him realize the lack of basic and advanced safety training that was available and accessible to the public. Because CPR is so vital to survival after cardiac arrest, the need was great – and the potential impact even bigger.

Since HeartCert was formed in 2010, the business has grown and changed to meet new challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, HeartCert quickly pivoted to offer online training modules and send CPR equipment by mail. This helped fill the growing need for healthcare providers and childcare workers.

Now, HeartCert operates training centers in four states, and offers virtual CPR training nationwide. HeartCert also operates its own online CPR supplies store and recently launched a virtual teaching assistant to help other instructors manage their operations.

The HeartCert Mission

Ultimately, there’s a simple mission behind HeartCert: helping people.

“I wanted to do something that I’m passionate about and that contributed to making the world a better place,” Tim said. “HeartCert offers quality, affordable and accessible life-saving training which prepares more individuals to act in case of an emergency. We’re building a base to teach people how to help others and better communities.”

Listen to the full podcast episode on the Mission Matters website.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

CPR Training for OSHA Compliance

4 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, mandates CPR and first aid certification training in several industries and organizations. No matter the size of your company, maintaining OSHA compliance is a big task – but HeartCert is here to help!

Easy OSHA Compliance with HeartCert

HeartCert offers convenient American Heart Association and American Red Cross courses to keep your company compliant with state and federal CPR certification requirements. Our knowledgeable team handles all employee certification tracking, expiration notices and other administrative procedures.

In addition, we also offer convenient and affordable AED and safety products. Check out our online CPR equipment store for pricing and availability.

HeartCert offers several options for CPR and first aid training for businesses:

In-person certification training
Online certification training
Virtual certification training

Not sure which training option would be the best for your organization? Contact us to discuss your situation and unique needs.

HeartCert has helped more than 500 businesses provide CPR training and certification to their employees or stakeholders. Whether OSHA requires your employees to become CPR certified or not, get in touch to learn more about our easy, convenient CPR training for organizations!

Note: About half of U.S. states follow the federal OSHA guidelines, while the other half operate their own OSHA-approved programs. Visit the OSHA website or contact your state labor department to learn about additional CPR requirements.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Four Things to Know About High Blood Pressure

4 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

If you’ve ever sat in a doctor’s office and had a routine blood pressure reading – and not fully understood the results – this blog post is for you. Especially if you have a family or personal history of high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is more than just a number. It’s an important indicator of your overall cardiovascular health, and a potential sign of health issues to come. High blood pressure, or hypertension, impacts all of your internal organs – not just the heart.

Here are four important facts about high blood pressure from the American Heart Association.

Four Things You Should Know About High Blood Pressure

Don’t Wait Until It’s a Problem

High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure (the top number) of 130 or below, or a diastolic pressure (the bottom number) of 80 or above. These numbers must stay elevated over a period of time for a diagnosis of hypertension. Understanding and monitoring your blood pressure will allow you to notice changes and take proactive action – before it becomes a problem.

Sodium Matters – and So Does Potassium

We know to monitor the amount of sodium in our diets. But the balance between sodium and potassium also matters to blood pressure. Many processed foods are high in sodium and low in potassium.

Blood Pressure Affects the Brain

Hypertension affects the blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. But researchers now believe that high blood pressure can also affect cognitive function and lead to dementia.

For Better Blood Pressure, Start with Small Changes

You don’t have to lose weight, quit smoking, lower sodium intake, and exercise more all at the same time. Focus on one risk factor, and start with small changes. Once you have a habit under control, move on to the next. You’ll be healthier before you know it.

What’s the best way to protect the hearts of those you love? Learn CPR! HeartCert CPR is offering virtual and safe in-person CPR training courses. Find a class today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert Atlanta is Open!

4 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

HeartCert CPR is thrilled to announce that we have expanded to Georgia! Centrally located in Dunwoody, our Georgia CPR training facility will serve residents of Atlanta, Marietta, Alpharetta, Decatur, Roswell, Lawrenceville, Milton and all surrounding areas.

photo credit: @jtkyber1 accessed 8/6/21 via CC0

CPR Courses Offered at HeartCert Atlanta

CPR training courses offered at HeartCert Atlanta include CPR/AED/First Aid and Basic Life Support (BLS). We offer additional training in a virtual format, including Advanced Life Support Courses (ACLS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS).

HeartCert also provides on-site CPR and first aid training for businesses and organizations throughout the Atlanta region. This option is perfect for schools, daycare centers, assisted living or group homes, construction sites, or any other organization that requires or recommends CPR training for its members.

Did you know? We offer significant group and business discounts for on-site CPR training. Contact us to schedule your training today!

HeartCert Atlanta offers CPR courses for both laypeople and healthcare professionals. Courses can be taken virtually, in a blended at-home and in-person format, or in person at our Dunwoody, Georgia training center.

Get to Know Our Local Training Partners

HeartCert CPR is proud to partner with Rescue Site Services to provide CPR training throughout the Atlanta area. Rescue Site Services is a local, family-owned company. It is dedicated to ensuring that every home, business, school and public space has an AED available.

Get Started with CPR Today

You can save a life! See our full list of HeartCert CPR locations, and register for a class today! Or, sign up for a virtual CPR and first aid course to learn CPR from home. Contact us to learn more and get started.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

How to Stay Hydrated – and Why It’s Critical for Heart Health

4 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

It’s been a hot, dry summer in Minnesota and across much of the country. Whether you’re exercising, playing or dining outdoors, or just sitting in the sun, it’s easy to get dehydrated without even knowing it. But staying well-hydrated is important for your heart and health.

photo credit: @enginakyurt accessed 8/6/21 via CC0

Here are a few tips from the American Heart Association on maintaining good hydration, no matter the weather.

The Importance of Good Hydration

When your body is sufficiently hydrated, the heart is more easily able to pump blood. Essentially, your heart doesn’t have to work as hard. Your muscles are also able to work more efficiently.

Signs and Symptoms of Dehydration

The amount of water a person needs varies based on climate, clothing, body composition, medical conditions, and activity level. Therefore, it can be difficult to tell when you’re dehydrated until you begin suffering adverse effects.

To catch dehydration before it causes harm, pay attention to your thirst level. If you’re thirsty, you’re already dehydrated. The color of your urine is a good indicator as well. If it’s dark, that’s a sign to drink more fluids.

How to Stay Hydrated

Drink water before and during exercise or time outside, not just when you’re done.
Drink electrolyte drinks during high-intensity activities (but watch out for added sugar)
Eat foods containing water, such as fruit
Avoid fruit juices or soda, as they can upset the stomach if you’re dehydrated
Avoid coffee and other drinks containing caffeine, as they can dehydrate you further

What’s the best way to protect the hearts of those you love? By registering for a CPR course!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Why Should I Learn CPR?

4 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Life is busy. If you’re struggling to juggle work, home, family and other obligations, the thought of adding another task to your to-do list can be overwhelming. But all of those obligations, and the people you interact with through them, make it even more important to learn CPR.

The good news: HeartCert CPR is now offering hybrid and virtual CPR courses! You can complete some or all of your CPR training from home, when it fits into your schedule. Check out our full course schedule and contact us to learn more.

Still need a push? Here are five reasons to make CPR training a priority in the coming months.

Four Reasons to Learn CPR

4 reasons to learn CPR — photo credit: @splitti accessed 7/2/21 via CC0

Bystander CPR is Underperformed: More than 325,000 people go into cardiac arrest outside of a medical setting in the U.S. every year. When CPR is performed immediately, their odds of survival are more than doubled. Because it takes time to get emergency responders on the scene, it’s vital for bystanders to know and be ready to perform CPR.
Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home: We’ve all been spending a lot more time at home in the last year. Did you know that more than 85 percent of cardiac arrests happen in the home? Knowing CPR could save the lives of your loved ones.
CPR Does Not Require Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation: Hands-on CPR became the approved method of bystander CPR in 2010. No mouth-to-mouth contact is needed.
CPR Can Save a Life: Every year in the U.S., 475,000 people die of cardiac arrest. If more people were trained in CPR, that number could be significantly decreased.

Are You Ready to Learn CPR?

Don’t wait another day. Register for a HeartCert CPR training course today!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2019.

HeartCert Featured on Mission Matters Podcast

The History of HeartCert

The HeartCert Mission

CPR Training for OSHA Compliance

Easy OSHA Compliance with HeartCert

Four Things to Know About High Blood Pressure