CPR certification in West Virginia

American Training Association for CPR provide online CPR & First Aidtraining and certification that is available to all West Virginia residents, including those in Charleston and Morgantown.

What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is used to save the life of a person who goes into cardiac arrest, which is a condition that occurs when the heart stops beating unexpectedly. When the heart stops, it does not supply the body's major organs, like the kidneys and the brain, with the oxygen they normally receive from the blood. Without the heart pumping oxygenated blood, the organs can suffer irreversible damage, like brain damage which can occur after four minutes and death which can occur within ten minutes. When the heart is unable to do it on its own, CPR manually pumps blood to the organs.

What are the steps to performing CPR?

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

1. Check the victim for responsiveness by asking, “Are you okay?” and shaking their shoulder firmly. If they do not respond and they do not have a pulse, rescuers should call 911 to report a cardiac arrest, then begin CPR immediately.
2. Rescuers should position themselves so they are kneeling over the victim’s torso and stack their hands in the centre of the victim’s chest. Deliver rapid chest compressions at a rate of 120 per minute, pushing down a minimum of 2 inches on the victim's chest. Allow the chest to recoil between compressions. Alternate with another rescuer if one is present to prevent fatigue. Continue compressions until emergency medical assistance arrives.

What is the correct technique for performing rescue breathing?

Use rescue breathing when a victim is not breathing normally on their own. To begin, rescuers should ensure that the victim’s airway is open by tilting the head back. After delivering 30 chest compressions, rescuers should place their mouth over the victim's mouth, give one rescue breath and observe if their chest rises. If the chest does not inflate, rescuers should give the second breath before resuming chest compressions. Continue using the ratio of 30:2 compressions to rescue breaths until the victim has returned to normal breathing, then continue compressions only until emergency personnel arrives. If two rescuers are present, use a ratio of 15:2 compressions to rescue breaths and alternate positions every few minutes to prevent rescuer burnout.

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

Basic life support (BLS) and CPR classes are available at hospitals, community health centers, fire halls, and other locations across West Virginia, including Bridgeport and Barboursville. Free CPR classes are also offered throughout the state. Online classes are a convenient alternative to attending in-person courses. For both in-person and online courses, participants should confirm that a program has a Red Cross or other reputable CPR or first aid certification component for the most thorough training.

What key topics are covered in a first aid class?

Free first aid classes will include basic first aid procedures for treating a range of injuries, such as burns, wounds, bone fractures, choking, poisoning, head injuries, CPR for infants and child CPR and more. Both in-person and online courses can also teach individuals first aid procedures, and many will also offer Red Cross first aid certification with the completion of the class when participants upgrade to a paid class.

What is the right way to treat a seizure victim?

Signs of a seizure are a loss of consciousness, rapid eye movements, teeth and fist clenching, uncontrollable convulsions, falling, arching the back, and difficulty breathing. Rescuers should call 911 immediately if they witness a seizure and perform CPR if the victim has stopped breathing and does not have a pulse. Rescuers can loosen clothing the victim's clothing and remove any dangerous objects that are nearby to prevent injury during the seizure, but they should not attempt to restrain the victim unless they are in a position where they are in danger. If seizure victims are conscious, rescuers should provide reassurance and comfort the victim to help keep them still until medical assistance arrives.

CPR and First Aid Certification and Renewals

What course options are available for healthcare professionals?

In addition to basic CPR and first aid courses, many classes are designed specifically for individuals who work in the healthcare industry. To supplement their basic certification, these individuals may consider a first responder course, baby first aid classes, an AHA healthcare provider CPR class, or CPR for the professional rescuer. Once certified, many online courses allow health professionals to proceed straight to the exam for renewals.

Where can I find CPR renewals near me?

In addition to in-person classes offered throughout the central municipalities of West Virginia, individuals can also renew their CPR certification online. Online courses are an appealing option for professionals, people in remote locations where classes are not regularly held, or people with busy schedules who prefer to complete CPR and first aid training at their own self-guided pace.

Obtain CPR and First Aid Certification Today

Earn proper CPR certification by registering in American Training Association for CPR’s online courses that give people the skills they need to save a life and provide emergency care when needed. Visit www.uscpronline.com to begin an AHA-approved online certification course today.