CPR certification in Nebraska

American Training Association for CPR offers online training in both CPR & First Aidaccessible to residents in all Nebraska cities including Omaha and North Platte.

What is CPR?

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

What are the latest CPR recommendations?

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, a second bystander will be available to call 911 while the first rescuer begins CPR immediately.
When performing CPR, The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following guidelines:

• Kneel above the victim’s chest and keeping the arms straight, place one hand on top of the other in the center of the breastbone.
• Pump the victim’s chest, going down at least 2 inches with each compression. There should be 100 - 120 compressions per minute.
• Continue compressions until emergency personnel arrives on the scene and can take over.
• Individuals who are CPR certified may perform rescue breathing if the victim is not breathing normally on their own.
• Rescue breathing involves first opening the victim’s 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 their chest rises. If it rises, the rescuer may return to performing chest compressions. If the chest does not rise, give the second breath and then resume chest compressions. Repeat a pattern of 2 rescue breaths following every 30 chest compressions until the victim is breathing normally or until emergency medical support arrives and can take over.

When is an AED required?

CPR pumps blood to the organs when the heart stops during a cardiac arrest but does not restart the heart. Bystanders have the ability to restart the heart using an automated external defibrillator (AED). These devices are available for public use in areas like airports, subway stations, parks, shopping malls, libraries, schools, and sports arenas. The use of an AED is required when a victim does not have a pulse.

After delivering five cycles of chest compressions, another bystander should go to retrieve an AED. The voice-automated device will guide the rescuer through each step of use. After using the AED, rescuers should confirm that the victim's pulse returns before they stop delivering chest compressions and they may continue rescue breathing if the victim is not breathing on their own.

Where can I locate BLS and CPR classes near me?

Basic life support (BLS) and CPR certification courses are available in locations throughout Nebraska, with many options for classes in municipalities like Sidney and Lincoln. Courses are typically available through public health organizations, community centers, or fire halls. In addition to group classes, individuals may obtain CPR certification by taking an online course, which is a convenient option for many people. It is important to recognize that although many CPR and first aid classes are available free of charge, those are intended for information purposes only as they do not provide participants with the same for certification that official courses do.

What topics will a first aid class cover?

First aid classes teach procedures and basics involving wounds, bone fractures, poisoning, burns, choking, seizures, and head injuries, as well as specialized topics like child CPR and CPR for infants. Healthcare professionals who need to increase their training should look for a first responder course or classes designed for the professional rescuer to supplement standard 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.

Rescuers must remove any of the victim’s damp clothing in exchange for warm, dry clothing or blankets and should provide the victim with a hot drink and a warm, dry compress such as a hot water bottle when available. If the victim is unconscious, rescuers should call 911, and perform rescue breathing and chest compressions if they do not have a pulse and they are not breathing.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

How can I keep my CPR and first aid knowledge up to date?

It is important for rescuers to revisit their CPR and first aid training by taking a refresher course before their certification expiration date. Regular renewals give participants the opportunity to stay current on new guidelines. After receiving standard certification, many individuals become interested in knowing even more about life-saving procedures and may wish to upgrade their training to learn more about topics such as child CPR or CPR for infants.

Where can I find CPR renewals near me?

CPR and first aid renewals are easy to complete online through refresher courses that help keep individuals up to date in their knowledge so they can skillfully provide emergency care when needed. Recertification can also be completed in-person through community health organizations across Nebraska. It is important for Individuals to renew their membership within the specified date on their CPR certification card, so there is no lapse in their credentials.

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 invaluable tools they need to save lives when needed. Visit www.uscpronline.com to complete online CPR and first aid certification today.