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Tips for Caregiving During COVID-19

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Caring for ill or elderly family members can be difficult in the best of times, but for many, the pandemic has made caregiving even more stressful. People who receive daily care tend to be older or dealing with long-term illness, making them more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. So in addition to the usual physical care needs, caregivers will need to take extra steps to protect the health of their loved ones. Further, there are additional needs related to mental health, medical care planning and coordination, and a caregiver’s own health.

caregiving
photo credit: @pixabay accessed 7/16/20 via CC0

There are a few things that caregivers can to do make caregiving more manageable during the pandemic.

Learn CPR

Be sure that you are prepared to handle any situation that could arise, whether caused by COVID-19 or not. The majority of cardiac arrests happen at home, so being able to perform hands-only CPR could make all the difference for your loved one.

Plan for Medication and Necessary Supplies

  • Try to get 90-day (or longer) supplies of prescriptions. Look into drive-through pharmacies or medication delivery.
  • Make a list of necessary home care supplies, such as delivery mechanisms for treatment or medication, and distilled water for CPAP machines. Obtain a larger stock of supplies if possible.

Discuss Treatment Options

  • Learn whether your loved one’s medical team is doing telemedicine visits, and how to access all members of the team virtually.
  • Discuss whether your loved one will need to be physically present for any procedures, such as tests or blood draws, and the safety precautions being taken.

Make a Safety Plan

  • Keep up with all safety recommendations, such as masks and social distancing. Ensure that all who come into contact with your loved one are taking precautions.

Finalize Health Care Wishes and Directives

  • Ensure that all legal documents are up to date, and have candid conversations about your loved one’s wishes.

Don’t Forget Mental Health

  • If you or your loved one are feeling anxious or isolated, make your mental health and happiness a priority. Reach out to a therapist if you need help.

Care for Yourself

If you’re ready to learn CPR and first aid to protect your loved one, HeartCert is here to help. We’re offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including 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.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

AHA Updates Instructor Certification Card Extensions

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As we reach the six-month mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Heart Association (AHA) has issued new information on its CPR training provider and instructor certification cards.

certification
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Initially, the deadline for instructor card renewals was extended by 60 days in areas with widespread COVID-19 spread. (We go into those details more extensively on an earlier blog post.) Now, the AHA is giving cardholders a 120-day extension. The due dates are based on the “renew by” dates listed on existing certification cards. 

Exception For Areas Still Under Distancing Restrictions

There is one exception. Cardholders and training centers with cards expiring at the end of July may have until the end of October 2020 to renew their certification, if they are in areas that are still under lockdowns and restrictions.

Normal Renewal Timelines Apply

For those with cards that expired at the end of last month and going forward, the AHA states that renewals must take place by the recommended renewal dates.

Follow Local Instructions and Use Discretion

The AHA offers some flexibility, reminding training centers to follow local mandates and recommendations, and to use their discretion in ensuring the safest environment for CPR students.

If you are running out of time to renew your AHA instructor card, HeartCert is here to help. We’re offering CPR instructor courses at our Twin Cities location, and are taking every necessary precaution to keep our students safe. Contact us with any questions.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including 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.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Learn CPR Without Leaving Home

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Although stay-home orders are slowly being relaxed in Minnesota, many people remain reluctant to leave home for anything non-essential. The good news is that many businesses have adapted to this new normal, offering curbside pickup, online ordering, telehealth appointments and more.

In order to continue providing CPR training to medical professionals, essential workers and laypeople who wish to become CPR certified, HeartCert CPR is now offering virtual CPR classes that can be fully completed at home.

In our virtual CPR courses, students watch interactive training videos and complete written tests online, from home. We send a CPR manikin and supplies in the mail. Then, we schedule a virtual skill session with one of our instructors.

Watch this short video for instructions on how to assemble your manikin at home.

Once you’ve completed all portions of the virtual training, you’ll receive a two-year American Red Cross certification card. (If you need an American Heart Association certification, please contact us.)

We are also still holding in-person CPR training courses. We have taken all necessary safety measures, including disinfecting and social distancing. Take a look at our course schedule.

How Can We Help?

Do you have questions about virtual CPR training, in-person classes and safety precautions, AHA certification cards, or any other aspect of the HeartCert CPR training process? Give us a call at 651-261-2314.

Protect the hearts of those around you by taking a CPR/AED course with HeartCert CPR. Register for a virtual CPR course today.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Performing Bystander CPR During COVID-19

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Many studies have shown a significant increase in cardiac arrest survival rates when CPR is started immediately – before emergency responders arrive. However, many people hesitate to perform bystander CPR, due to a lack of training or fears about causing greater harm. With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading throughout Minnesota and the United States, those fears are even more pronounced.

According to the American Heart Association, bystander CPR remains vitally important, especially during coronavirus. Emergency response systems could be overloaded in some hard-hit areas. This may increase the wait time for an ambulance – and lower the likelihood of survival for cardiac arrest patients.

bystander cpr
photo credit: @purzlbaum accessed 05/20/20 via CC0

The Risk of Contracting Coronavirus When Performing Bystander CPR

Because COVID-19 symptoms don’t show up for several days after infection, there is a potential risk of contracting the virus while performing CPR on a stranger. Current guidelines advise bystanders to take their own risk factors into account when determining whether to perform hands-on CPR in a public setting. Placing a mask over your own face and that of the patient may help prevent the spread of the virus.

Whatever you decide, call 911 first. If there’s an AED nearby, use it.

CPR Could Save Your Family Member

It’s estimated that about 70% of cardiac arrests happen in the home. So, there’s a good chance that you may need to perform CPR on a member of your household. Brush up on hands-only CPR through an online class, so you’re ready if the need arises.

Protect the hearts of all those around you by taking a CPR/AED course through HeartCert CPR. Register for a virtual course today.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Emergency Medical Responder – First Responder (EMR). Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert CPR to Offer Virtual CPR Training Options

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At HeartCert CPR, the health and safety of our students is our top priority. During these unprecedented times, we’ve taken extra precautions to ensure that our in-person courses remain safe, while also offering expanded virtual CPR course offerings.

virtual CPR classes
photo credit: @bongkarn-thanyakij-683719 accessed 4/14/20 via CC0

As we all know, healthcare workers are providing an essential service during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, many organizations are seeking additional healthcare staff, with CPR certification required for employment. HeartCert remains ready and able to provide CPR education and instruction for all essential workers.

Continue reading for an overview of our virtual CPR course options, as well as the precautions we’re taking to keep our students and instructors safe.

Precautionary Measures

For our in-person CPR courses, we’ve limited class enrollment to nine people. All students will be placed at least six feet apart, with no sharing of manikins or supplies. We’ve also implemented extra sanitation measures. We are asking students to stay home if they are ill, have been exposed, or have recently traveled.

Blended Learning

HeartCert CPR offers online/in-person blended learning options. In these courses, participants watch and complete interactive training videos and written tests. Then, come in for a short in-person skills course (following all precautionary measures listed above) to become certified.

Provisional Certification

After completing the online portion of a blended learning course, receive a provisional certificate that will be valid for 90 days. Within that 90-day period, simply attend a one-hour skill session, and the certificate will be converted to an official two-year CPR certification.

Distance Learning – Coming Soon!

In these virtual CPR courses, participants will be sent a manikin and equipment. After completing the online training and testing, an instructor will virtually test your skills via videoconferencing. Watch our Facebook page for more information on these new CPR certification course options!

Protect the hearts of those around you by taking a CPR/AED course online or at one of HeartCert CPR’s convenient Minnesota locations. Register for a course today.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We offer online, night and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule!

HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Emergency Medical Responder – First Responder (EMR). Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

How Does Stress Impact Heart Health?

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In today’s busy world, stress seems unavoidable. There is more to do than there are hours in the day, and our digital lifestyle means that we’re always on call. Self-care seems like a luxury and it often feels impossible to prioritize ourselves and our health.

Not only is this constant, chronic stress bad for our mental health, but it can have a significant impact on physical health as well. Several studies have found links between stress and heart disease, according to the American Heart Association.

stress
photo credit: @katlovessteve accessed 03/03/2020 via CC0

Stress Can Harm the Heart

Specifically, stress can lead to high blood pressure, which, in turn, can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and related incidents. In addition, stress often causes us to adopt unhealthy lifestyle choices as we struggle to cope. These habits, such as overeating, lack of physical activity and smoking, can also negatively impact heart health.

There are other physical ailments that are stress-related, including headaches, insomnia, upset stomach, muscle aches and low energy. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor to eliminate other possible causes.

How Can We Reduce Stress?

The best way to minimize stress is to get back to basics. Focus on eating well and moving more. Try to get more – and more high-quality – sleep. Spend time with family and friends. Yoga, meditation and journaling can create feelings of balance. If feelings of stress persist or feel unmanageable, talk to a doctor or mental health professional.

Protect the hearts of those around you by taking a CPR/AED and first aid course at one of HeartCert CPR’s convenient Minnesota locations. Register for a course today.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We offer online, night and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule!

HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Emergency Medical Responder – First Responder (EMR). Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.