CPR certification in Colorado

American Training Association for CPR provide online CPR & First Aidtraining that is available to all Colorado residents, including those in Denver and Colorado Springs.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used to treat 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 the organs require to survive, and 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 most current CPR guidelines?

Each second counts in increasing a victim’s chance of survival so rescuers should not hesitate to begin CPR. The American Heart Association describes the proper CPR technique as follows:

1. Check the victim for responsiveness by asking loudly, “Are you okay?” and shaking their shoulder. If they do not respond, and they do not have a pulse, call 911 and begin performing CPR immediately.
2. Perform rapid chest compressions at a rate of 2 per second, or 120 per minute, firmly pressing down a minimum of 2 inches deep into the victim’s chest. Continue compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives.
3. If a victim is not breathing, rescuers should perform rescue breathing. Placing their mouth over the victim's, rescuers should deliver one rescue breath and observe if the victim’s chest rises. If it does not, give the second breath before resuming chest compressions.
4. If using rescue breathing, use the ratio of 30 compressions to 2 rescue breaths and continue this pattern until emergency medical staff arrives.

What is the proper technique for checking a victim's airway?

To determine if a victim requires rescue breathing, a rescuer should take no more than ten seconds to pause chest compressions and check for signs of life. Placing an ear above the mouth and nostrils allows rescuers to determine if a victim is breathing, as does watching the chest for a normal rise and fall pattern that occurs with a normal breath. Rescuers should also check the victim for a pulse, using their index and middle fingers to feel the wrist at the base of the thumb or on either side of the neck, underneath the jawbone.
If it is determined that the victim requires rescue breathing because they are not breathing normally on their own, the rescuer must first clear their airway. To do this, they will lean the victim’s head back and tilt the chin up. Any obstructing or foreign objects in the mouth should be removed to prevent choking. Once the airway is open and clear, the rescuer can begin mouth to mouth resuscitation.

What first aid techniques are the most important to learn?

First aid classes cover a variety of basic techniques, but the most common include instructions on treating accidental injuries like bone fractures, poisoning, choking, burns, head injuries, wounds, and seizures. Participants are taught to assess injuries and provide treatment until the victim can seek emergency trauma care. Individuals can take first aid classes either in-person or online but should note that free first aid courses are intended for information only and don’t provide nationally-recognized certification or the specific training that is required in many emergencies.

What is the protocol for treating dehydration?

Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in and when lost fluids are not replaced. The most common cause of dehydration is intense exercise in high temperatures. To treat dehydration, give the victim carbohydrate-electrolyte beverages or coconut water. When these drinks are not available, and when the victim is severely dehydrated, the rescuer should take them to the nearest emergency care center for professional treatment, which may require intravenous fluids.

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

Basic life support (BLS), first aid, and CPR certification courses are offered at many locations throughout the state of Colorado, with many options in the main centers like Fort Collins, Aurora, and Pueblo. Fire halls, community centers, and local health organizations are some of the locations that offer CPR certification classes and Red Cross first aid techniques. Some of these first aid courses are free, and others provide more in-depth training and formal certification. Online courses are an excellent option for busy participants or those who live in remote locations. Individuals should note that free CPR and first aid classes may provide participants with accurate information but may lack the actual certification that will come from completing a reputable Red Cross or other authorized course.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

How can I expand my knowledge and learn more about first aid and CPR?

There are many fields of specialty within the subject of first aid and CPR, and individuals may wish to supplement their basic knowledge by learning a particular type of CPR or first aid. Some examples include child CPR, CPR for infants, CPR for the professional rescuer, baby first aid, wilderness first aid, or a first responder course.

Where can I find CPR renewals near me?

In addition to in-person classes offered throughout the central municipalities in Colorado, individuals can also renew their certification through online CPR courses. Online classes are an excellent option for individuals and professionals with busy schedules who prefer to complete CPR and first aid training at their own pace.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

American Training Association for CPR makes getting 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.