CPR certification in Florida

American Training Association for CPR provides online CPR and First Aid training that is available to all Florida residents, including those in Tampa Bay and Key West.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used on cardiac arrest victims. Cardiac arrest happens if the heart unexpectedly stops beating. Without a heartbeat, the heart cannot pump blood to the body's major organs like the brain and liver. Blood contains oxygen, which these organs require to survive. Without oxygen, serious brain damage occurs within four minutes and death occurs within ten minutes. CPR manually pumps oxygenated blood to the organs when the heart is not able to do so due to cardiovascular complications.

What are the main CPR guidelines for adults?

Rescuers should perform CPR as soon as possible after a victim collapses to give them the best chance of survival. Rescuers should check the victim for responsiveness and determine if they have a pulse. If there is no pulse, they should call 911 and report a cardiac arrest to the operator. Ideally, another bystander will be available to make the call so the first rescuer can begin CPR immediately.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following technique for performing CPR:

• Kneel above the victim’s chest and keeping the arms straight, place one hand on top of the other in the center of the chest.
• Pump the victim’s chest, going down at least 2 inches with each compression. There should be 120 compressions per minute, or 2 each second.
• Continue compressions until emergency personnel arrives on the scene and can take over.
• CPR certified rescuers may perform rescue breathing if the victim is not breathing normally on their own.
• Rescue breathing involves first clearing the airway by tilting the head back. Next, with their mouth over top of the victim’s mouth, rescuers will deliver one rescue breath and observe whether the victim’s chest rises. If it rises, the rescuer may return to performing chest compressions. If the chest does not rise, give a second breath and then resume chest compressions. Perform 2 rescue breaths following every 30 chest compressions until the victim is breathing normally or until emergency medical support arrives.

What are the CPR steps for infants?

Child and infant CPR follows the same basic steps as adult CPR, with a few notable differences:

• Only compress the chest 1/3 of the depth of the child's chest or no more than 2 inches.
• Use one hand only to perform compressions on young children and only the pads of the fingers for compressions on newborns.
• Rescue breaths should not be hard or forceful.
• Use a ratio of 15: 2 compressions to rescue breaths.

What do free first aid classes cover?

A free first aid class will cover basic techniques for treating burns, wounds, fractures, seizures, head injuries, choking, poisoning, and more. Free classes are a good way to learn general information, but they do not provide first aid certification to participants. For a small fee, online classes can provide successful participants with official CPR and first aid certification.

What is the emergency treatment plan for poisoning?

Signs of poisoning include vomiting, dizziness, sleepiness, difficulty breathing, or redness around the mouth. If someone has been poisoned, or there is suspicion of poisoning, call the National Capital Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222. Do not give the victim a drink or anything to take orally other than having them rinse their mouth with water. To treat a case of poisoning, take the victim outside for fresh air when possible. If possible, collect bottles and containers of any ingested substances to provide to emergency personnel. Perform CPR on the victim if they are not breathing.

Where can I find BLS classes near me?

Basic life support (BLS) techniques are commonly taught as part of a first aid and CPR classes. First aid, BLS, and CPR courses are offered throughout locations in the main cities throughout Florida, including Miami and Jacksonville. Red Cross CPR classes and first aid certification is available through hospitals and community health organizations. As an alternative to in-person courses, online CPR and first aid courses can teach participants the same information and provide certification upon successfully completing the class. Online courses are a convenient option for busy professionals or individuals with schedules that cannot accommodate in-person training. Individuals should be wary or free online CPR classes that promise certification because complimentary courses typically only give information.

CPR and First Aid Certifications and Renewals

How can I learn even more about first aid and CPR?

Individuals who are interested in pursuing first aid and CPR at a more advanced level may consider a first responder course, an infant CPR specialty class, or a mental health first aid class in addition to their basic knowledge.

Where can I find CPR and first aid renewals near me?

Participants can renew their CPR and first aid credentials through the same way they earned their initial certification, or through classes offered throughout Miami-Dade or other county health organizations throughout Florida. Alternatively, they may opt to renew their certification by completing an online course.

Earn your CPR/First Aid Certification Today

Don’t put CPR and first aid training off any longer – sign up today and complete an American Training Association for CPR class today so that you can become equipped to save lives and take action in an emergency. Visit http://www.uscpronline.com/ to begin an online class.