Did you know that more than 356,000 people undergo out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in the United States every year? Without prompt intervention, the victim can suffer from lifelong brain damage or even die. This is where having CPR skills becomes crucial. It equips a person with the critical skills to respond in case of cardiac emergencies. In this blog, we will dive into the reasons why obtaining a CPR certificate could be the best decision.
What is a CPR Certification?
A CPR certification is a training program that qualifies you to carry out life-saving processes on someone who cannot breathe on his/her own. Such situations may arise from near-drowning incidents, suffocation, or a cardiac event. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, involves chest compressions and rescue ventilation. CPR-certified individuals often carry out these procedures in hospitals. They also perform these procedures out-of-hospital if needed.
The victim can prevent brain death arising from heart blockage through CPR treatment. With the use of a chest compression machine and ventilation, you can increase oxygen and blood flow in the victim’s body. CPR treatment can, thus, make such patients disease-free.
Benefits of Having a CPR Certificate
CPR certification is granted upon completion of the course. It is a vital step towards acting responsibly in times of crisis. Here are some of the major benefits of CPR certification.
Saving Lives in Emergency
Having a CPR certificate empowers you to save lives in an emergency. With greater peace of mind and confidence, you get ready to respond quickly and effectively.
Increased Job Opportunities
Many employers’ prerequisite is obtaining a CPR certificate. Employers from the healthcare and education industry look for CPR-certified individuals. Thus, a CPR certificate helps you to lead the bandwagon. It gives you a competitive edge. Moreover, it allows you to navigate more job opportunities to improve your career. Other benefits include:
● Employers value you because you can handle emergencies well
● You demonstrate your commitment to being a responsible team member
● You display the potential for growth, which leads to greater job satisfaction.
Personal and Community Safety
Many people feel helpless when they encounter a life-threatening situation. This happens because either they don’t know how to perform CPR or their certification has expired.
If you have a CPR certificate, you contribute to a safer environment. You become self-reliant and act confidently when it comes to helping those in your professional and personal lives.
How to Obtain a CPR Certificate?
You can take CPR courses to obtain a CPR certificate. Here are the steps by which you can obtain the certificate.
Determine What Training Options are Available
Every CPR certification is not the same; it varies according to demographics. You must first consider which certification meets your professional goals. For instance, you can take up an adult CPR class if you work with adults or older children. If you work with infants or young children, you can pursue pediatric-specific certification.
Your goals should determine whether you take up CPR classes for professional rescuers or advanced cardiovascular life support. Basic CPR certification for professional responders must be a prerequisite for emergency workers. If you work in a hospital, you may need certification for advanced cardiovascular life support. It is vital because the risk is higher in hospitals.
Find an Online Class or In-person Class
Determine if you want to take CPR classes online or in person. Various community health centers, hospitals, fire departments, and colleges offer CPR courses.
If you look forward to working somewhere under OSHA regulation, consider in-person classes. These classes provide you with hands-on experience and appropriate certificates. You can even take hybrid classes that adhere to OSHA regulations.
Check That You Enroll For an Accredited Class
Some organizations conduct CPR classes and provide a valid credential for course completion. However, before signing up for the course, you should ask your HR department to understand which organization they prefer. This step is important if you intend to include it on your resume. Remember that certain employers accept CPR certification from specific organizations.
Sign Up and Attend the Class
No matter what your needs are, the first step is to sign up for a CPR class that meets the CPR training requirements. Then, start attending the classes to learn the various forms and techniques for CPR.
Take notes, follow up with the practice, and complete your homework to acquire life-saving skills. Proceed with practice sessions when you feel ready. As the course comes to an end, ask the instructor your doubts.
Take the Test and Pass the Exam
At the end of this session, do not forget to take the final CPR certification test and ensure you pass it. You will be tested in person based on your hands-on demonstrations. Some written tests are also conducted to test your theoretical abilities. It also gauges your understanding of specific principles, such as chest compression depth and number.
Conclusion
Obtaining a CPR certificate is a profound experience. Whether you are a healthcare provider or simply interested in learning more about saving lives, CPR certificates are beneficial for everyone. By opting for CPR certification online or local CPR training, you can prepare yourself to act in emergencies.
So, if you are interested in saving lives around you, look no further! Take up the CPR classes and obtain certification. By conducting an awareness program and motivating others to join the bandwagon, we can make our community a more prepared one for all.
