Emergency Medical Technician CPR Training

Emergency medical technicians, or EMTs, are medical professionals who offer pre-hospital treatment and care in the field. EMTs are trained to recognize and deal with a variety of medical and trauma emergencies, including cardiac arrest. Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart stops working and results in death unless immediate care, such as CPR, is administered. Emergency medical technicians are trained in BLS (basic life support) which includes CPR and the use of AED.

AHA CPR

• The American Heart Association (AHA) is an organization that determines the guidelines and techniques performed during CPR. CPR courses are available for both health care providers and the general public. Health care providers, such as EMTs, are required to obtain a CPR card which allows them to perform CPR on any individual suffering from cardiac arrest. Emergency medical technicians must become certified to perform CPR according to the health care provider curriculum determined by the AHA.

Recognizing Cardiac Arrest

• Recognizing signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest is taught to emergency medical technicians during CPR training. EMTs are instructed on how to check for responsiveness, a pulse, and breathing to determine whether the victim is suffering from cardiac arrest and would benefit from CPR. CPR training for an EMT is different than CPR taught to a layperson. The major difference between the two is the depth of training. Training for emergency medical technicians include techniques and equipment, such as using airway adjuncts for airway management, which are not taught in the general CPR class.

Learning CPR Techniques

• CPR mannequins

  Emergency medical technicians are taught to use various equipment and techniques when performing CPR. EMTs are trained to keep the airway patent (open) using maneuvers such as cricoid pressure and equipment such as oral airways. Proper technique for opening a victim's airway, performing chest compressions and using an AED (automated external defibrillator) is shown during CPR training for emergency medical technicians. Techniques and skills must be demonstrated in front of an instructor to ensure the EMT can perform CPR properly and according to the guidelines set by the AHA to become certified.

Learning AED

• How and when to use an AED is included during CPR training. The AED is a device used to shock the heart when certain cardiac rhythms are detected. AED are used by emergency medical technicians in conjunction with CPR in order to give a victim suffering from cardiac arrest the greatest chance of survival. How and when to use an AED is included during CPR training. AEDs are available in fully automated and semi-automated versions. Proper use of the AED must be demonstrated in front of an instructor to assure the EMT knows how to use it correctly.

Obtaining and Maintaining CPR Certification

• Completion of a health care provider CPR training course must be accomplished by an EMT prior to performing CPR in the field. Passing a final written exam and demonstrating CPR techniques and usage of an AED must be done in order to obtain CPR certification. CPR cards are issued to those who successfully complete CPR training and expire after a specific amount of time (often two years). CPR certification must be maintained in order for an EMT to perform CPR. CPR certification can be renewed by completing a health care provider CPR training course.