CPR Certification

How To Safely Administer Narcan for Overdose Patients

6 months ago by tims

According to an article from the CDC, ‘in 2022, over 107,000 drug overdose deaths occurred, resulting in an age-adjusted rate of 32.6 deaths per 100,000 standard population’. Fortunately, in 2024, for the first time in decades, overdose deaths have started to decline. One reason for this is the growing availability of naloxone, commonly called Narcan, a medication that can reverse most opioid overdoses.

opioid overdose Narcan medication sprays

Whether you are a medical professional helping patients, someone in the field of helping those battling addiction, or an individual who wants to be prepared to save a life, there are a few essential things to be aware of to help someone who has experienced an opioid overdose, such as recognizing the signs and safely administering Narcan, which is a brand of opioid overdose medication naloxone.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about helping someone experiencing an opioid overdose, from recognizing overdose symptoms and how they occur to learning step-by-step instructions for administering Narcan and why it’s safe to use, even in non-opioid emergencies.

Recognizing the Signs of Opioid Overdose

When an overdose occurs, a person stops breathing, which leads to brain injury and, if left untreated, cardiac arrest, where the heart stops beating. With swift action, this can be reversed, even after the heart stops. Here are the signs to look for.

Unresponsiveness: You are unable to wake the person or get a response from them.

Slow or Stopped Breathing: Breathing may be shallow, slow, or completely stopped.

Blue or Gray Skin: This can be especially noticeable on the lips and fingertips due to lack of oxygen.

Pinpoint Pupils: Check for pupils that appear to be constricted and very small.

Gasping or Gurgling Sounds: Indicating difficulty breathing.

Cold or Clammy Skin: The individual’s skin may feel unusually cold.

Limp Body: The person may appear weak or lifeless.
Slow or No Pulse: Another indicator of an overdose is a faint or undetected heartbeat.

If you suspect an opioid overdose, you must act immediately by calling emergency services and administering naloxone. This quick action can save a life.

Steps to Safely Administer Narcan to Overdose Patients

If you determine that you need to administer Narcan to an individual or patient who is experiencing an overdose, here are the steps to follow.

Step 1: Check for Responsiveness

Tap and shout or shake and rub the individual in the middle of the chest to see if they are responsive.

Step 2: Administer Narcan

Hold the nasal with your thumb on the plunger.
Tilt the individual or patient’s head back.
Place the tip of the nasal spray in either nostril of the person experiencing the overdose until your fingers are touching their nose and firmly press the plunger to release the entire dose of medication into the nostril.
Wait 2-3 minutes for the person to respond.
If there is no response, give additional doses by switching nostrils until help arrives.

Fortunately, administering naloxone is a simple and straightforward process. Additionally, it will NOT have a negative impact or harm the individual if they are experiencing a medical emergency other than an opioid overdose.

Watch these videos and learn more about how Narcan works: Educational Videos for Using Narcan

Step 3: Call 911

At this point, contact emergency services and provide the dispatcher with important details, such as your location and any specific information that could help responders.

Step 4: Perform CPR

If the individual is not breathing, you will now perform CPR. If the person is breathing and CPR is not needed, turn the patient on their side into what’s known as the recovery position.

Watch this step by step video guide.

When every second counts, knowing what to do can save a life. At HeartCert, we are passionate about providing individuals and medical professionals with the confidence, knowledge and skills to act in an emergency. Remember: when in doubt, use Narcan—it could mean the difference between life and death.

Register now for an upcoming CPR training and be prepared to save lives in an overdose scenario or other medical emergency.

References:

How to Save a Life: Narcan Administration & Opioid Overdose Education

https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db491.htm

https://www.npr.org/2024/09/18/nx-s1-5107417/overdose-fatal-fentanyl-death-opioid

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

Courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available. We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

How Often Should I Renew My CPR Certification?

7 months ago by tims

Whether you need your CPR certification for your job in the healthcare industry or if you simply want to keep your life skills updated, keeping your CPR certification up to date is a huge deal. Since saving someone’s life with CPR is no small thing, it’s not a one-time class that you can take and forget about—it’s ongoing to ensure you retain these skills indefinitely. In this article, we’ll answer how often you should renew your CPR certification, explore the importance of renewing and maintaining your certification, and go into depth about timing for the certification so your cert doesn’t expire.

in person CPR training using a mannequin

How Often Should I Renew My CPR Certification?

According to major Red Cross certification guidelines and healthcare providers around the country, you should renew your certification every two years to keep your skills current to updated practices and the latest techniques.

Fortunately, if you already have your CPR certification, you can take an expedited renewal course that allows you to maintain your skills without having to take the extended course. At HeartCert, we offer self service kiosks to expedite this process even more.

If you don’t already have your CPR certification, you can easily sign up for a class.

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Why Is Renewing My CPR Certification Important?

Renewing your CPR certification is extremely important in so many ways. First and foremost, it helps save lives. On top of that, a lot of the population is uneducated about how to perform CPR correctly, and having more educated people ensures that you, your family, and so many others around you are safer as a result. Furthermore, techniques are always changing with CPR as new information is learned and better ways of performing the technique are discovered. Renewing your certification helps you stay up to date with the latest techniques, so your skills are appropriate in medical emergencies.

Related Blog: 5 Reasons Everyone Should Know CPR

How Soon Should I Renew My CPR Certification?

Don’t wait to renew your CPR certification until the last minute because your certification could lapse if you don’t take the class in time. To ensure your certification doesn’t expire or classes are too full before you sign up, we recommend scheduling a renewal 30-60 days before your expiration date.

Where Can I Sign Up for CPR Certification Renewal Classes?

You can sign up for CPR certification renewal classes here at HeartCert. We offer accredited CPR renewal classes that are up to date with the newest education and emergency situation tactics. If you need to renew your certifications today, click below to register for an upcoming class to ensure your certification stays current.

HeartCert has options for everyone: blended online/in-person courses, fully online and private Kiosk sessions at several HeartCert locations.

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

How HeartCert’s Self-Service Kiosk Makes CPR Certification Easy and Flexible

9 months ago by tims

Has it been a few years since you last took your CPR class? Or perhaps you haven’t made it a priority even though you know the importance of being prepared to step in and lend a helping hand in the case of a medical emergency for a loved one, coworker or even a stranger. Staying current with your life-saving CPR skills is essential to be ready and capable of stepping in and assisting in the case of an urgent medical situation. Fortunately, becoming and staying CPR-certified is easier than ever; find out more about the most accessible and convenient CPR training classes available.

The Easiest and Most Convenient CPR Certification

At HeartCert, we are on a mission to remove barriers to individuals learning the life-saving skills of CPR. One of the ways we are making it easier than ever is with our innovative CPR Certification Station self-service kiosk training. With this unique training option, you can obtain your CPR-Certification by scheduling a time to stop into one of our participating locations whenever convenient for your schedule and take a guided CPR course with our revolutionary equipment.

How Does it Work?

Schedule a time on our website that is convenient for your schedule.
Complete the instructional portion of the CPR training on the touchscreen monitor.
Connect with a live instructor virtually through the system to ask any questions you may have.
Complete your skills test using the kiosk manikins with real-time feedback.
Obtain your nationally recognized 2-year American Red Cross certification card.

Benefits of HeartCert’s Kiosk Training

There are countless benefits to using the HeartCert CPR Certification Station kiosk technology for your CPR training.

Some include:

Ultimate flexibility.
Get certified on your time. Same-day and next-day sessions are often available.
Requires much less time than a traditional classroom course. They are designed to easily be completed before/after work or during lunch breaks.
Ease of use.
The perfect balance of independently led training and hands-on experience for the optimal learning experience.
American Red Cross approved.

With HeartCert’s comprehensive and accessible CPR kiosk training, you don’t have to delay another day. Get CPR-certified and have the confidence and peace of mind to respond effectively in a critical emergency, knowing you have the skills to potentially save a life.

Sign-up Today

Can’t make it to one of our kiosk locations? No problem!

We also have at-home CPR training options. When you sign up, you will receive access to our self-paced online training classes along with a mail-delivered manikin to complete the training on your time at your own pace.

HeartCert has options for everyone: blended online/in-person courses, fully online and private Kiosk sessions at several HeartCert locations.

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

HeartCert Trainings Now Available In Mississippi

12 months ago by tims

At HeartCert, we are dedicated to providing top-notch CPR and First Aid training programs, both at a basic and advanced level. We offer comprehensive courses that teach essential life-saving skills and instill confidence in individuals to effectively handle emergency situations. Whether you’re a healthcare professional seeking to expand your knowledge or an individual interested in being well-prepared to respond in critical moments, our experienced instructors are committed to delivering impactful and engaging training sessions to meet your needs.

Part of our mission is to make CPR and other life-saving skills training accessible to everyone nationwide; we continue to reach these goals by bringing our renowned training to more cities across the country, the latest being Mississippi.

HeartCert’s Renowned Trainings Now Available in Mississippi

HeartCert is pleased to announce the opening of our newest locations in Mississippi.

This location offers both virtual training for individuals or instructor-led training at a time and location convenient for everyone.

Biloxi on-site training courses will be held at 14001 Big Ridge Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532 (Comfort Suites).

Oxford on-site training courses will be located at 1171 Frontage Rd, Oxford, MS 38655 (La Quinta Inn & Suites).

We also provide on-site courses and training sessions in various cities across Mississippi and throughout the country.

Find a HeartCert Training Center Near You

Healthcare Training Courses Offered in Mississippi

In addition to our Red Cross CPR, First Aid and AED courses, we offer a variety of trainings at our new locations. These include: BLS, IV Training, Mental Health First Aid, OSHA compliant Onsite CPR and Blood Borne Pathogen.

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

Our skilled and experienced CPR instructors are also available for on-site CPR training courses. If you have a group of employees or team members who want or need to be certified in CPR, first aid, or AED use, contact HeartCert to schedule your on-site training today.

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

We offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

How PALS Training Improves Emergency Response for Pediatric Patients

1 year ago by tims

Healthcare professionals strive to provide the best care to their patients, but the need is even more significant when it comes to caring for children and young patients. Understanding the proper techniques to use when administering medical attention to pediatric patients can be just as beneficial to their mental well-being with the situation at hand as it is to their physical care. In this article, we’ll review the importance of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training in providing high-quality care and improving emergency response for pediatric patients.

How PALS Training Prepares Healthcare Professionals for Pediatric Emergency Situations

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training is an impactful course that enables pediatric healthcare professionals to better understand and react in emergencies.

As described by the American Heart Association, in a PALS course, you’ll learn to assess, recognize and care for young patients experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies, such as shock, cardiac and respiratory events. You’ll also learn how to provide care after the return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) during a resuscitation effort.

Related Content: Essential Trainings for Healthcare Providers

Some of the benefits of Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training include:

Improved Pediatric Patient Care:

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training helps healthcare professionals improve their skills to handle medical emergencies effectively and provide high-quality care to pediatric patients.

Enhanced Team Collaboration:

This course will challenge critical thinking and problem-solving abilities and help medical professionals improve their teamwork skills to provide better patient care.

Greater Practice Proficiency:

Certification in Pediatric Advanced Life Support enables healthcare professionals to be prepared for quick decision-making in high-stress scenarios and practice advanced interventions like airway management and medication administration.

Professional Development and Career Advancement:

PALS certification equips healthcare professionals with strategies and protocols for managing pediatric emergencies. Acquiring a PALS certification can lead to career advancement opportunities in healthcare settings specializing in pediatric care.

Quality PALS Certification Simplified with HeartCert

PALS courses are intended for healthcare professionals such as physicians, ER nurses, respiratory therapists, and advanced emergency medical personnel who are responsible for assessing and managing critical pediatric patients.

The PALS (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) program is designed to provide advanced pediatric healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills required to effectively and efficiently manage critically ill infants and children. By enhancing their abilities, the program aims to improve patient outcomes in pediatric emergency situations.

At HeartCert, we know how important it is for healthcare professionals to have access to high-quality certification options that can fit into their busy schedules. We offer flexible training and advanced classes to help you advance in your career. Our goal is to make the certification and recertification process easy and stress-free while providing exceptional instructors and a comprehensive curriculum.

HeartCert’s AHA PALS certification is available as an in-person course, private online with kiosk training and hybrid blended course. Find out more about HeartCert’s upcoming PALS certification courses and register for an upcoming session.

Source: American Heart Association (AHA)

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

Innovations in Lifesaving Education: What Sets HeartCert Apart

1 year ago by tims Leave a Comment

In today’s modern society, acquiring vital lifesaving knowledge, including CPR, BLS, and other crucial skills, is increasingly important. These skills have the potential to make a life-or-death difference in emergency situations. Whether you’re a healthcare professional seeking essential training or an individual looking to be well-prepared for unexpected emergencies, these skills are not only highly desirable but are often mandatory in various workplaces such as schools, restaurants, and manufacturing facilities.

So what sets apart one training partner from the rest? At HeartCert, we are not just another training provider. We are on a mission to enhance your lifesaving education by bringing you the latest and greatest in training capabilities. Let’s explore some of the unique features and characteristics we implement that set us apart from the rest.

Training Flexibility

In our fast-paced world, we understand the ongoing demands of your life and the value of your time. Everyone is pulled in many directions, resulting in schedules to handle and commitments to tend to. That’s why our training schedules are designed to be flexible, allowing you to fit in your lifesaving education without disrupting your busy schedule. Whether it’s weekends, evenings, online or in-person, that works best for you and your agenda, HeartCert has you covered.

Find out more: Customized CPR Training that Fits Your Life and Schedule

Innovative Training Technology

Technology has been advancing rapidly in recent years, but recently, its capabilities have become increasingly impressive. From smartphones that seem to get smarter every day to the limitless possibilities of artificial intelligence, we’re harnessing these tools to enhance your learning experience. By integrating the latest technology into our lifesaving courses, we’re ensuring that you’re always one step ahead.

Having access to both in-person and online courses is crucial, giving learners the flexibility to choose the best option for their needs. But what if you could have the best of both worlds? That’s where our hybrid courses come in. These courses blend online learning with in-person components, offering a comprehensive learning experience. This can include hands-on group clinics and even our innovative Kiosk technology, ensuring that you get the most effective and engaging training possible.

Lifesaving Education Experts

You can take a course to learn anything, but if the information and instructors are not well-informed or experienced, you will have a difficult time gaining anything valuable out of this experience. This is why learning from our experienced experts in the field, who make the education process informative and engaging, is absolutely imperative. At HeartCert, our team of top-notch instructors bring their expertise to ensure that you receive the highest quality of education, giving you the confidence to handle any emergency situation.

You also want a training provider that offers an extensive class offering. Even if you only plan to start with an introductory CPR class, you may decide to take an additional course in the future that gives you the ability to extend your skills. At HeartCert, we provide classes for HeartSaver CPR, AED and First Aid, BLS, ACLS, PALS, CNA training, TMA, IV training and more.

At HeartCert, our goal is to be the #1 trusted partner nationwide for CPR, AED, CNA and healthcare provider safety training, and in order to do so, we are providing our students, customers and partners with exceptional experiences, cutting-edge technology and unsurpassed training and support. Explore our trainings today and find the right fit for you.

Explore HeartCert’s Lifesaving Trainings

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

How To Safely Administer Narcan for Overdose Patients

Recognizing the Signs of Opioid Overdose