CPR certification in California

American Training Association for CPR offers online CPR and First Aid training for residents across California, including Los Angeles and San Diego.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used to save live a person goes into cardiac arrest, or when their heart stops beating unexpectedly. When the heart stops, it does not supply the body's major organs like the liver and the brain, with the oxygen they normally receive from the blood. Without the heart pumping, oxygenated blood to the organs, they can suffer irreversible damage, which can lead to death. Without oxygen, brain damage can occur after four minutes and death can occur within ten minutes. When the heart is unable to do it on its own, CPR manually pumps blood to the organs.

How do I perform CPR?

There are two basic techniques for CPR: compression-only and compressions with rescue breathing. To begin, call 911 then check the victim for responsiveness by shaking their shoulder and asking, “Are you okay?” and check their pulse. If they are unresponsive and without a pulse begin CPR.

• Compression-only

Compression-only CPR involves the rescuer delivering rapid compressions to the center of the victim's chest, pumping with both hands at least 2 inches into the chest, at a rate of 120 beats per minute. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that individuals who are not CPR certified should perform compression-only CPR as it is the most basic method.

• Compressions with rescue breathing

Compressions with rescue breathing follows the same technique as described above, only after 30 compressions the rescuer will give the victim 2 rescue breaths. First, they will clear the airway and tilt the victim's chin upward, then place their mouth over the victims, so it forms a seal. After delivering the first breath, they will see if the victim's chest rises. If it does not, they will give the second breath, then resume the ratio of 30:2 compressions to rescue breaths.

How do I perform CPR if I am the only person on the scene?

Single-rescuer CPR is harder to perform because the rescuer does not have another person to call 911, locate the AED, and assist with rescue breathing. If an individual is alone, they should call 911 on their mobile phone and use the speakerphone to talk to the operator while beginning CPR. If they do not have a mobile phone, they should perform 1 minute of CPR before going to call for help and before going to retrieve an AED.

What are the basics of first aid?

A first aid course will cover procedures for treating injuries such as wounds, burns, burns, choking, poisoning, head injuries, bone fractures, and more. First aid classes teach individuals how to assess people who have been injured and provide treatment for them until they can seek emergency care. An individual can take first aid classes either in-person or online. Free online classes are informative but don’t provide nationally-recognized certification or the in-depth training that most emergencies require.

How do you treat an unconscious choking victim?

When checking an unconscious victim's airway, a rescuer may discover that a foreign object is constricting their throat. In this situation, the rescuer must perform the Heimlich maneuver. To begin, the rescuer will lay the victim on their back and tilt the chin upwards to open the airway. If possible, remove any foreign objects in the mouth. Next, perform CPR chest compressions, which should dislodge the item they are choking on and will clear their airway. If the rescuer is unable to clear the airway and the victim remains unconscious, call 911 immediately.

What are the options for BLS and CPR courses near me?

In-person Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR courses are available in any major city in California, including Oakland, Sacramento, and Anaheim. Hospitals, community centers, and local health organizations will offer Red Cross CPR and first aid certification classes, typically on evenings and weekends. If an individual does not live in an area where a BLS/CPR course is offered, or they prefer to complete their certification on their own schedule, they may take an online course.

Many free online courses teach basic CPR guidelines and first aid basics but do not provide formal certification. For a small fee, individuals can become fuller certified online and can touch on more detailed techniques such as child CPR and CPR for infants. Similarly, free first aid classes will cover some basic knowledge but will not provide a curriculum as complete as a paid course will, nor will it give certification to participants who complete the class.

Certification and Renewals

How can I stay current with CPR guidelines?

Renewing CPR and first aid certification ensures that individuals stay informed of any new regulations from the AHA and the Red Cross. For people who wish to pursue further training, advanced CPR and first aid courses are available, as well as first responder courses. Any certification will come with an expiration date, and it is up to everyone to ensure that they renew their certification as required so they can stay current on their CPR and first aid skills.

How can I complete CPR renewals near me?

CPR and first aid renewals are easy to complete online through short refresher courses that help keep individuals as well as a professional rescuer current in their knowledge so they can provide emergency care with skill and confidence. Recertification can also be completed in-person through community health organizations across California if individuals prefer. Individuals should prioritize renewing their membership within the specified date on their CPR certification card.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

American Training Association for CPR makes earning CPR and first aid certification easier than ever before. Online classes will teach participants how to get CPR certified and give them the tools they need to save lives when needed. Visit www.uscpronline.com to complete CPR and first aid certification today.