Why Take A CPR Class
Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is inarguably the most simplistic thing a person can learn to make a difference in the world. CPR was developed and practiced in 1960, and we haven’t changed a thing about it since—it remains a key component of all first responder and first-aid training, and you can even be certified in less than two hours.
There are a lot of personal reasons that people learn CPR, but it is most effective as a preventative measure to aid strangers and loved ones in difficult situations where every second counts. Sometimes there isn’t enough time to wait on first responders to get there, and you have to take matters in your own hands. For now, let’s start with the main benefits of getting certified in CPR through a class.
Primary Benefits
Split-Second Life-Saving Action: We don’t want to understate the importance of CPR. Nearly one-thousand cardiac arrests happen every day outside of hospitals in the United States, and while it never appears likely that events in your life will coincide with a stranger’s medical emergency, you might be surprised as how often it happens. Think of all the crowded places that you visit on a daily basis, and you’ll see the rising odds that you could be the first responder that someone else needs.
Peace of Mind: CPR is extremely effective and simple to learn, and offers tons of peace of mind for yourself, and everyone around you. Whether you’re babysitting your sister’s kid, spending a day at the beach, or you simply encounter those seemingly less-than-likely life events that call for it, everyone feels safer knowing that someone is around with certified CPR training.
Preventing Brain Damage: The rule of thumb is that for the first six minutes of cardiac arrest issues, there is a chance of brain damage, and between six to ten minutes and above, there is a high risk of severe damage or brain death. When you think of the time it takes to phone in a 911 call, the time it takes for an EMT to arrive on the scene, and the time it takes to get to a hospital, you’re looking at a high chance of brain death. CPR can be the difference between a full recovery and the chance of brain death.
Settling Your Nerves: To take an actual CPR class, you need to interact with other classmates and the instructor. You’ll be walked through the process, and warned about every way that your nervousness can interfere with your judgment. Online classes don’t offer this benefit.
Open Up Job Options: While jobs or career paths that require you to have a CPR certification often pay for your classes, they usually try to look for prospective employees that already have that knowledge. You want to learn CPR to be ready at the right time, to save lives, but it doesn’t hurt to add it to your resume and open up the job market a little bit more.
Build Confidence: You can’t perform CPR without confidence, and in your class, you’re going to learn the statistics that will inspire confidence. Knowing that you can be the difference between life and death is absolutely going to help build your confidence, which will exude through other aspects of your life.
Some Of The Causes Of A Cardiac Arrest Might Surprise You
We all know that cardiac issues usually pertain to the heart, but it’s important to know what causes cardiac arrest, and how to best perform CPR based on the cause. It isn’t always clear what the cause is, but if you can identify it and use CPR to sustain an individual until EMTs or paramedics arrive, you could give that person the best possible chance of survival. Some of the reasons someone might suffer cardiac arrest are:
Heart Attack: While we usually think of cardiac arrest being directly related to the heart, it isn’t always the case: your cardiovascular system heavily relies on the heart, but works in and of itself to regulate oxygen, carbon dioxide, electrolytes and more. A heart attack can be the cause, not just the issue.
Electric Shock: Survey the scene and check for anything the individual might have interacted with that could cause electric shock. This is something that the first responders need to know to properly care for the person.
Allergic Reactions: Some allergies are irritating, but some are life-threatening. Anaphylactic shock occurs when someone is introduced to specific allergens or proteins in food, and can cause cardiac arrest.
The most-known causes of cardiac arrest are portrayed in film and television all the time: drowning, suffocation, choking or drug overdose. These are the most common issues that require CPR, but don’t rule out the aforementioned possibilities when diagnosing the situation.
What You Need To Know About Good Samaritan Laws
One common question a lot of people ask is “Can I be sued if I attempt CPR and I am unsuccessful?”
It’s a tricky spot, but it’s why we have good Samaritan laws in place. In nearly every instance, you will not be sued or receive any sort of penalty for reacting to save someone’s life in the moment. First responders don’t have a 100% perfect track record, because there are far too many variable at play. In many cases, it can be argued that if you are CPR certified and do not do anything to save someone’s life, you could be held liable.
If you are certified and knowledgeable, there is no reason to not try and help someone in need. There are no downsides to learning CPR, even if your attempts are unsuccessful. By learning CPR, you are giving your loved ones and the public-at-large the best possible chances to be saved in an unfortunate event.
Sources:
- CPR Facts And Stats – CPR & First Aid Emergency Cardiovascular Care
- Benefits Of CPR – Altra Medical