HeartCert CPR St. Cloud MN

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CPR

What is CPR and Why Is It Important?

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At HeartCert CPR, we talk a lot about the lifesaving importance of CPR. But we realize that, for those who don’t work in the medical field, CPR may not be so familiar. So we’re going to get back to basics: what is CPR, and why should everyone be able to perform it? We turned to the American Heart Association for help breaking it down.

what is cpr
photo credit: @karolina-grabowska accessed 10/3/20 via CC0

What is CPR?

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is performed when the heart stops beating, with the goal of keeping the blood flow active, even partially, in order to continue the flow of oxygen throughout the body.

Why is CPR Important?

CPR that is performed immediately after cardiac arrest can double or triple the chances of survival. Every year in the United States, 475,000 people die of cardiac arrest. If more people were trained and ready to perform CPR, that number could be significantly decreased.

How to Perform CPR

There are two standard ways to perform CPR:

  1. Hands-Only CPR. This is commonly performed by laypeople or bystanders who witness someone in cardiac distress. Hands-only CPR is what it sounds like – performing CPR chest compressions, without mouth-to-mouth breaths.
  2. Conventional CPR. This involves chest compressions in conjunction with mouth-to-mouth breathing. It is most commonly performed by healthcare providers and emergency medical workers.

Anyone who performs CPR should focus on these five critical components:

  • Ensure appropriate hand placement
  • Maintain consistency in chest compressions
  • Make sure compressions of are an adequate rate and depth
  • Don’t lean on the patient between compressions
  • Avoid excessive ventilation

 

CPR can help you save a life. Ready to learn? HeartCert is 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 Minnesota. 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! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

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.

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
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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.

Did you know Good Samaritan laws protect bystanders who perform CPR?

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In an earlier blog post, we discussed some of the common reasons that bystanders don’t perform CPR when they encounter someone in cardiac arrest. The reasons given include fear of causing additional harm and of touching a person inappropriately. Another common reason is the fear of legal action should something go wrong.

legal
photo credit: @jaifoto accessed 11/20/19 via CC0

According to new research, that fear isn’t really justified. There are very few lawsuits ever filed in connection with performing CPR. In fact, the failure to perform CPR has led to significantly more legal action.

Good Samaritan Laws Protect Bystanders

Every state in the U.S., including Minnesota, has some form of a “Good Samaritan” law. These laws offer legal protection to people who provide reasonable assistance if they believe someone is injured or in danger. This is one of the primary reasons that people who perform bystander CPR are not very likely to be brought to court, and if they are, that they will be protected. Everyone should call 9-1-1 and give help to the best of their ability.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid any apprehension or fear over performing bystander CPR is to take a CPR training course! All of these barriers to act are comprehensively covered to help you feel prepared in case of an emergency. Sign up today and be ready if and when the need arises.

Register For a CPR Class Today

 

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

Why Don’t Bystanders Perform CPR?

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In the United States, more than 325,000 people go into cardiac arrest outside of a medical setting every year. When those people receive CPR immediately, their odds of survival are more than doubled. The likelihood that they won’t suffer brain damage or other lasting harm increases significantly as well. So why don’t more bystanders perform CPR on people who are in need?

Bystanders Fear Causing Additional Injury

bystanders perform CPR
photo credit: artisticoperations-4161274/ accessed 10/15/19 via CC0

In a new study, researchers asked 677 people about barriers to performing bystander CPR. The primary reason for inaction was a concern about causing additional injury to a patient, especially if that patient was elderly, female or adolescent. The second most common reason was a lack of CPR training and ability.

Register For a CPR Class Today

 

An additional reason given was fear of exposing a patient or being perceived as touching a patient inappropriately. Overall, women are 27 percent less likely than men to receive CPR from a bystander.

Of the 677 people surveyed, fewer than 65 percent of respondents said that they would be “extremely likely” or “moderately likely” to perform CPR. It is clear, from these results, that additional CPR education and training is key to ensuring that more bystanders perform CPR.

A CPR Course Could Save a Life

Register for an American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR/AED certification course with HeartCert today, and you could save a life tomorrow.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We now 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.