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CPR, First Aid & AED Training

CPR and AED use are life-saving first aid techniques. Anyone can learn them and classes are offered in a variety of formats. According to the American Heart Association, less than 8 percent of people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest outside of a hospital survive. Their research has shown that providing immediate CPR and early AED use can significantly improve a victim's chance of survival. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer classes in CPR, AED use and other first aid techniques.

  1. Types of First Aid

    • First aid is defined as providing emergency medical care to an injured or sick person before complete medical care can be given.

      Types of first aid include: CPR, AED use, stopping bleeding and the Heimlich maneuver. Learning some basic first aid will give you the confidence to provide assistance in an emergency situation. First aid class formats offered include online, DVD and traditional classroom settings. The American Red Cross and American Heart Association offer both certification courses as well as non-certification.

    CPR

    • CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which is a technique to squeeze the heart and force blood to pump through the body when a victim suffers sudden cardiac arrest. Look for these signs to tell if a victim needs CPR: sudden collapse, pale skin, widely dilated eyes, no pulse and not breathing. To give CPR, push hard and fast in the center of the victim's chest. This will buy him time until emergency medical personnel arrive.

    AED Use

    • Electrocardiogram of abnormal electrical impulses in the heart.

      Automated external defibrillator (AED) is a machine that delivers an electric shock to the heart of a victim of sudden cardiac arrest. It is important to give CPR immediately if you see someone collapse and suspect it might be cardiac arrest, but most victims need more than CPR alone, according to the American Heart Association. AEDs are designed to be user friendly with clearly marked directions and voice prompts.

    Hands-Only CPR

    • The American Heart Association is now recommending hands-only CPR. If you suspect cardiac arrest, do not wait. Lay the victim flat on her back and push hard and fast in the center of her chest. Remember, the technical term for this victim is 'dead.' You cannot hurt her by giving hands-only CPR, you can only help. By keeping the blood circulating you will provide essential nutrients to vital organs, like the brain, until the heart can be shocked with an AED.

    Types of Classes Offered

    • The American Red Cross and the American Heart Association offer classes in multiple formats. Types of classes offered by these organizations include: CPR and AED use, first aid for childcare providers and first aid classes geared to children.

      The American Red Cross advises you to contact your local chapter to sign up for a course; their Web site offers a chapter locator.

      The American Heart Association Web site will provide contact information for classes in your location based on your zip code.

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