CPR certification in Louisiana

American Training Association for CPR provide online CPR & First Aidtraining that is available to all Louisiana residents, including those in Shreveport and New Orleans.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique that manually pumps blood to deliver oxygen to the organs during a cardiac arrest when the heart is unable to do it on its own. When not beating, the heart fails to pump blood to the body's major organs, including the brain. These organs need the oxygen contained in blood to survive, and without it, severe brain damage will occur within four minutes, and the victim will die within ten minutes. Performing immediate CPR dramatically improves a victim's chances of survival.

What is the proper way to perform CPR?

According to the latest American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines, the proper CPR procedure uses the following steps:

1. Check the victim for responsiveness by asking, “Are you okay?” and shaking them firmly. If they do not respond and there is no pulse, rescuers should call 911 and begin performing CPR immediately.
2. Perform rapid chest compressions at a rate of 120 per minute, pushing down a minimum of 2 inches on the victim’s chest. Continue compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives.
3. If a victim is not breathing, rescuers should perform rescue breathing where they place their mouth over the victim's, deliver one rescue breath and observe if their chest rises. If it does not, give the second breath before resuming chest compressions.
4. Continue CPR using the ratio of 30:2 compressions to rescue breaths until emergency medical support arrives. If the victim’s normal breath returns, rescuers can continue with chest compressions only.

How do CPR procedures differ when there are multiple rescuers?

While one person can perform CPR effectively alone, it is beneficial to have at least two people to assist with a cardiac arrest. When there are multiple rescuers, one person can perform CPR and deliver chest compressions uninterrupted. With two or more rescuers, the other rescuer can be responsible for calling 911 and retrieving an AED. The second rescuer can then assist in performing both compressions and rescue breathing when needed. When there are two responders, they should follow the ratio of 15:2 compression to rescue breaths and they should alternate positions every few minutes to prevent fatigue.

What first aid basics should I learn?

A first aid course will cover procedures for treating accidental injuries such as poisoning, head injuries, wounds, burns, choking, bone fractures, and more. First aid classes teach the skills needed to assess people who are injured and provide treatment until they can seek professional medical care. Individuals can take first aid classes either in-person or online, and it is important to note that free online classes are informative but don’t provide nationally-recognized certification or the in-depth training that most emergencies require.

What is the proper way to treat head injuries?

While many head injuries are minor, other traumas may be fatal. If there is a bleeding head wound, lightly cover it with a bandage, but do not apply pressure the way you typically would stop bleeding in other areas of the body. Rescuers should note that head injuries tend to bleed heavily due to the number of blood vessels in the scalp that are located close to the surface of the skin, meaning that superficial wounds can look more serious than they are. Despite the amount of blood, rescuers should remain calm and assess the injury. Deep lacerations will require sutures and rescuers should take the victim to the nearest emergency department. Call 911 if the person with the head injury is unresponsive, or if they display any of the following symptoms: slurred speech, facial discoloration, impaired motor skills or inability to use certain body parts, or confusion. In any of these symptoms are present, rescuers should avoid moving the victim until emergency medical personnel arrive.

Where are BLS, CPR, and first aid classes available near me?

Basic life support (BLS), CPR, and first aid classes are offered across Louisiana, and in many locations across municipalities like Lafayette and Baton Rouge. Courses are available at community centers and health organizations, hospitals, and swimming pools. Online classes are an excellent option for busy professionals who find it difficult to schedule in-person courses or for those who prefer self-guided learning. It is important to note that free CPR classes are informative but will not offer certification upon completion. Courses that provide formal first aid and CPR certification are available online for a small fee. Certification courses will cover core skills as well as more specialized procedures like child or infant CPR/first aid and will teach methods recognized by the AHA or Red Cross.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

What can I do to broaden my CPR and first aid knowledge?

Individuals and professionals who are interested in learning advanced first aid and CPR procedures may consider a first responder course, a pediatric CPR course, or a mental health first aid class in addition to learning BLS skills and earning basic certification.

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

Individuals can complete CPR and first aid certification renewals at class locations across Louisiana, or they may opt for the convenience of an online course. Participants must take note of whether a course provides free first aid and CPR information only or whether it offers official certification upon completion.

Earn CPR and First Aid Certification Today

Obtaining CPR and first aid certification has never been easier than with American Training Association for CPR’s online courses. Take this important step towards becoming more educated and prepared to save lives and provide treatment in any emergency situation. Visit www.uscpronline.com to complete certification today.