Importance of Taking a CPR First Aid Class

A CPR First Aid class, now usually combined with training for using an automated external defibrillator, can save lives. Everyone can benefit from these important classes, usually offered by the Red Cross or the American Heart Association.

Significance

• According to the American Heart Association, immediate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performed by a bystander and followed by treatment with a defibrillator can massively increase the survival rate from a cardiac arrest. While no controlled statistics exist, cities with many CPR-trained bystanders have many times the survival rate of cities without.

Types

• Because an automated external defibrillator (AED) combined with CPR can save lives even more effectively, the Red Cross and American Heart Association both offer AED training with many of their CPR classes.

  First Aid training, offered by both organizations, covers other emergencies including head injuries, allergic reactions, burns and frostbite.

Considerations

• As the Mayo Clinic reports, performing CPR on an infant works differently than performing CPR on an adult. Some classes teach this special technique as well. When choosing a CPR or First Aid class, consider which populations you plan to work with and acquire the correct skills.