CPR certification in Tennessee

American Training Association for CPR offers online training in both CPR & First Aid, accessible to all Tennessee residents, including those in Nashville, Jackson, and Knoxville.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a technique for saving lives when the heart unexpectedly stops beating, which is known as cardiac arrest. When the heart stops, it fails to pump blood to the body's major organs, including the brain, liver, and kidneys. 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. CPR manually pumps blood to deliver oxygen to the organs when the heart is unable to, due to cardiovascular complications.

What is the correct way to perform CPR?

Immediate action is critical to improving a victim's chance of survival, as every second matters during a cardiac arrest. 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.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends the following guidelines 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 at least 2 inches deep with each compression at a rate of 120 compressions per minute, or 2 each second. Continue to perform chest compressions until emergency medical care arrives on the scene and can take over.
• If the victim is not breathing normally on their own, CPR certified rescuers can perform rescue breathing.
• Rescue breathing starts by clearing the victim’s airway by tilting the head back. Next, rescuers will seal their mouth over the victim's mouth and will deliver one rescue breath and observe whether the victim's chest rises. If it rises, the rescuer may return to performing chest compressions only. If the chest does not rise, rescuers should give a second breath and then resume chest compressions. Continue to deliver 2 rescue breaths following every 30 chest compressions until the victim is breathing normally or until emergency medical support arrives.

When is an AED needed?

CPR manually pumps blood to the organs when the heart stops during a cardiac arrest, but it does not restart the heart. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is needed to start a heart that has stopped beating. These devices are available in public areas like airports, subway stations, libraries, schools, parks, shopping malls, and sports arenas.

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.

Why should I become certified in first aid?

First aid certification teaches participants techniques and basics for treating a range of injuries, such as burns, wounds, bone fractures, choking, poisoning, head injuries, and more. The more knowledge and awareness a person has on treating accidental injuries, the more prepared they will be to act in an emergency. Free first aid classes offer information only, and individuals who want to obtain certification require a more comprehensive and thorough type of class. Many CPR classes will also provide Red Cross first aid certification as part of their curriculum.

What is the recommended treatment for a drug overdose?

Drug overdoses occur when an individual consumes more than the recommended dose of a drug, whether illegal, prescription, or over the counter. Symptoms of a drug overdose include convulsions, dilated pupils, nausea, difficulty breathing, erratic behavior, vomiting, sweating, and unconsciousness. If a drug overdose is suspected, rescuers should perform CPR if a pulse is not present. Reassuring overdose victims of their safety and obtaining or documenting the label of any drugs taken are critical steps to keeping victims safe and providing emergency medical personnel with the information they require.

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

Basic life support (BLS), first aid, and CPR classes are available at hospitals, community health centers, fire halls, and other public locations across Tennessee, including Murfreesboro and Chattanooga. Online classes are an attractive alternative to attending in-person courses where individuals prefer to learn at their own pace. Participants should confirm that a class has a CPR or first aid certification component for the most effective training. Many classes are available free of charge, but individuals should be aware that these are intended for instruction only and do not offer formal certification after completing the course.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

What types of specialized classes are available?

Individuals who are interested in building their CPR and first aid education should consider a first responder course or class on baby first aid, mental health first aid, child and infant CPR, wilderness first aid, or another specialty area that interests them. The best way to maintain the skills learned in CPR and first aid classes is to stay current with certification renewals. A CPR certification card will always list the expiration date, and individuals should ensure that they renew their training within that timeframe to keep their certification valid.

Where can I find CPR renewals near me?

CPR certification renewal is available by completing an online course, in addition to attending in-person classes offered throughout the main cities across Tennessee. Online courses are an appealing option for professionals, people in remote locations, or people with busy schedules who prefer to complete CPR and first aid training at their own pace.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

Earn proper CPR certification by registering in our online CPR and first aid courses that allow individuals to learn the skills they need to save lives and provide emergency care when needed. Visit www.uscpronline.com to begin an AHA-approved certification course today.