CPR certification in Mississippi

American Training Association for CPR provide online CPR & First Aidtraining that is accessible to all Mississippi residents, including those in Jackson, Columbus, and Meridian.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique used to save cardiac arrest victims. Cardiac arrest is the condition that occurs when the heart stops beating unexpectedly. Without a heartbeat, the heart cannot pump oxygenated blood to the body's major organs like the brain. Without an oxygen supply, severe brain damage occurs within four minutes and the victim will die within ten minutes. CPR manually pumps oxygenated blood to the organs when cardiovascular complications prevent the heart from doing so on its own.

What is the procedure for performing CPR?

The American Heart Association’s (AHA) outlines two main types of CPR: compressions-only CPR, and CPR with rescue breathing. To begin either type, rescuers should check for responsiveness and a pulse. If neither are present, call 911 to report a cardiac arrest and start CPR. The CPR procedure is:

• Compressions-only CPR

Kneeling above the victim, rescuers should deliver rapid compressions to the center of their chest, using both hands to pump at least 2 inches down into the chest at a rate of 120 beats per minute. Continue giving compressions until emergency medical personnel arrive on the scene and can take over.

• CPR with Rescue Breathing

When the victim is not breathing on their own, rescuers must open the airway by tilting the head back and raising the chin. Begin rescue breathing by performing 30 chest compressions. Rescuers should then seal their mouth over the victim's and deliver one rescue breath, watching for the victim's chest to rise. If the chest does not expand, give a second rescue breath. After two rescue breaths, resume chest compressions and continue at a ratio of 30 compressions to 2 breaths. Continue delivering rescue breaths until the victim begins breathing normally or until emergency medical assistance can take over.

How do the CPR guidelines change if there is more than one rescuer present?

Ideally, two or more bystanders will witness a cardiac arrest and be able to work together to assist the victim. One person can be responsible for calling 911, which is important if there is no mobile phone available and they must leave the scene to make the call. At the same time, they can go and retrieve the nearest AED. The other rescuer can stay with the victim and begin CPR immediately. When there are two rescuers, the chest compression to rescue breaths ratio will go from 30:2 to 15:2. The rescuers should trade positions every couple of minutes to prevent fatigue.

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

Basic life support (BLS) and CPR courses are offered in many locations throughout Mississippi, with many choices in municipalities like Gulfport and Oxford. Community centers, local health organizations, hospitals, and fire halls may offer CPR and first aid certification classes. There are also many options available for online classes, which offers participants the convenience of taking the course on their own schedule. It is important to note that free CPR classes provide individuals with instructional information but typically don't include a formal certification component.

What first aid basics will a certification class cover?

First aid knowledge is essential for preserving life and preventing further harm when an accidental injury or emergency occurs. First aid classes teach procedures and basics involving poisoning, burns, choking, wounds, bone fractures, seizures, and head injuries. Many classes will also teach child CPR and CPR for infants as well. Healthcare professionals who need to increase their training should look for a first responder course or one designed for the professional rescuer to supplement their basic training. It is important for individuals to distinguish between free classes that provide information only and those that provide official CPR and first aid certification, such as a Red Cross course.

What is the proper way to treat a hemorrhaging victim?

A hemorrhage is the loss of blood, and there are four main types:

1. Losing 15% blood volume. There will be no change the body's vital signs.
2. Losing 15 – 30% blood volume. Victims heart will beat rapidly, and they may require a saline solution treatment by emergency personnel.
3. Losing 30 – 40% blood volume. Victim's heart rate will increase, and they will experience a decrease in blood pressure. This type of hemorrhage requires a blood transfusion.
4. Losing of 40% blood volume. Victims need CPR and emergency medical care to prevent death.

To treat a hemorrhage, rescuers should wrap the area in bandages where possible and perform CPR if the victim does not have a pulse. Hemorrhages require immediate care at the closest emergency department so rescuers should call 911 or take the victim to the hospital.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

How can I improve my CPR knowledge?

The best way to enhance CPR and first aid skills is by keeping current with certification renewals. CPR certification cards will always display the expiration date, and individuals should ensure that they renew their training within that timeframe.

Those individuals who wish to learn more or who want to supplement their education, should consider a first responder course or specialized courses on baby first aid or mental health first aid in addition to their CPR and first aid certification.

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

Individuals can renew their CPR and first aid credentials by taking a refresher class and successfully passing another certification exam. Individuals can complete certification renewal courses in person at locations throughout Mississippi or by taking a convenient online course that they can complete anywhere, on their own schedule.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

American Training Association for CPR makes obtaining CPR and first aid certification easier than ever before. Our online classes teach participants how to get CPR certified and gives them the skills and confidence needed to save lives. Visit www.uscpronline.com to complete CPR and first aid certification today.