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HWN Suggests

Increasing CPR Training to Save Lives

In the 40-odd years since I learned CPR at The New York Times, the American Heart Association has simplified the technique while barely compromising its effectiveness. Although an in-person class with practice on a mannequin is ideal, the current method can be used by untrained people and learned via a brief online video at Hands-Only CPR. For those unwilling or unable to do mouth-to-mouth breathing, the latest technique focuses on critical chest compressions, which — when done correctly — can get blood flowing through the heart and to the brain. Have someone call 9-1-1 while you start chest compressions, pressing hard and fast at the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions a…

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 Learning CPR on manikins without breasts puts women’s lives at risk, study finds

Analysis of training models on global market found all had flat torsos with just one having a breast overlay. Szabo said CPR compression technique is no different for women, and that training on manikins representative of both sexes “may help people feel more comfortable … being confronted with a bra, breasts and something different” in a real-life emergency. Breasts may also influence how defibrillator pads are applied, especially if there are breast implants or larger breasts, she said.

Articles of Interest

Are CPR certification programs a SCAM?

Fake certifications can be spotted by looking for certain buzzphrases on CPR certification cards, such as “AHA Certified,” “AHA Approved,” or “AHA Compliant.” Genuine certifications from the American Heart Association (AHA) do not use these phrases. Additionally, AHA certifications are typically issued in eCard format, so if a certification card is not in this format, it may be a red flag.

Are There Age Restrictions for Learning CPR?

Age is not a deterrent; it’s just another aspect to consider. My niece, who was 12 at that time, was a hero because she didn’t let her age define her capabilities. Whether you’re 9 or 90, you can make a difference too. So go on, take the next step. Learn CPR and be that hero someone might need!

CPR training as a gender and rights-based healthcare issue

It is not understood how cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training, specifically the representation of sex in CPR manikins, contributes to inequitable outcomes in cardiac arrest survival. The aim of this study was to identify the sex and chest wall secondary sexual characteristics of CPR manikins on the global market. The secondary aim was to identify if manikin manufacturing companies had a publicly available sustainability policy or equivalent, and if these covered products were manufactured.

CPR Training: Why can’t I just do it all online?

Hands-on training is a vital component of a CPR class. AHA courses focus on providing students maximum practice time in their class sessions. CPR is a physical skill, and it takes physical practice to master it. Look at it this way – do Olympic skiers learn how to break records by watching other people ski online? Nope. They spend their time on the slopes, training for thousands of hours, until they become great. While the CPR classes at CPR Seattle don’t last quite that long, we do ensure that each student walks away from class confident, competent in their skills, and most importantly, able to perform CPR if necessary.

Learn CPR You Can Do It

Learn CPR is a free public service supported by the University of Washington School of Medicine. Learn the basics of CPR - cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Updated with new CPR Guidelines issued by the American Heart Association and published in Circulation, March 31, 2008.

Teach Your Kid CPR With 'Baby Shark'

There’s a viral video of a two-year-old named Saige demonstrating how to perform CPR. Her EMT and firefighter dad, Chris Pietroforte, tells Inside Edition that anyone can learn the correct rate of the compressions by singing a song that is 100-120 beats per minute. Guess which tune fits that criteria? “You can do it to ‘Baby Shark,’” Pietroforte says.

Top Myths About CPR Training That Could Cost a Life

In an emergency, almost no skill is as life-saving and as fast-acting as CPR is. The problem is that its life-saving benefits are not as well known as they should be, along with the training being widely available. There are unfounded tales that CPR is hard to learn, unnecessary to know unless you work in healthcare, and that it is not as essential as it actually is. These unsupported tales and myths are not only a barrier to signing up for courses, but they’re also a life-chance barrier during emergencies.

Unmasking the Certification Mill Problem

Comparable to degree mills that that award academic degrees with little (or no) study and without valid recognition, completely online first aid and CPR training with "instant certification" -- training without hands-on skill practice or assessment by a qualified instructor -- is rapidly spreading across the Internet. Most, if not all, first aid and CPR certification mills misleadingly claim to be "nationally accredited," "nationally-validated," or "nationally recognized." However, in North America there is no single (genuine) organization, board, commission, bureau, office, or agency with the power and authority to recognize, accept, or approve first aid or CPR courses.

Why don't more people know CPR?

Shorter, more accessible training and help from technology may encourage more people to learn and administer this lifesaving technique.

Why You Should Not Take A Fraudulent American Heart Association BLS Course

Your CPR certification is more than just a piece of paper — it’s a critical credential that could one day help save a life. Don’t risk your safety, your job, or your professional integrity by cutting corners. Taking a fraudulent CPR course may seem like an easy way out, but it comes with serious consequences. Do the right thing: choose a certified AHA training center, take the time to learn the skills properly, and walk away with a card — and confidence — you can trust.

Resources

9 CPR Training Errors

Back in the day, when I first started as a CPR training instructor, there was a great training video that was narrated by Roddy McDowall. There was a point in that CPR training video where Roddy talked about what NOT to do. He said something like, ‘…don’t be a bender, a rocker, a bouncer, a massager, or a double-crosser.’ In CPR training, that advice still holds true today. There are a lot of incorrect actions Instructors keep an eye (and ear) out for during CPR training. With a little help from Roddy’s original list, here are my 9 CPR training tips on what NOT to do:

6 Important Things Your Last CPR Class Didn’t Teach You

There’s a lot more to CPR than head angle, compression depth and breathing technique. From the fear of a lawsuit to the fear of failing, the best courses prepare you for some of the lesser-discussed realities associated with CPR.

Citizen CPR Foundation

The mission of the Foundation is "to strengthen the Chain of Survival." The Foundation has three primary co-sponsors: the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. The primary "products" of the Foundation are its biennial conference, now called the "Emergency Cardiovascular Care Update," and the quarterly newsletter, Currents in Emergency Cardiovascular Care.

CPR Certified

Having a hard time fitting your CPR recertification requirement into your busy schedule? Don’t worry. We’ve got you covered. By choosing to receive your CPR and first aid certification online through CPRCertified.com, you can study on your own time. You can pause and resume videos, skip the subjects you already know, and take the online CPR certification test as soon as you feel ready.

CPR Dude

This site provides you with information about CPR, but is not a stand-alone training resource. In order to be prepared to help others, you need to practice CPR and have your skills checked by a real person.

International CPR Institute

The International CPR Institute offers a blend of emergency care training. With a combination of online training and refresher courses as well as on-site training, corporations, large and small, have come to rely on us to train their employees effectively.

ProCPR

It's easy to become complacent with your CPR training, especially if a traditional class is the only CPR class you've ever known. Well, what if we told you there's a better way to learn?

American Academy of CPR and First Aid

American Academy of CPR & First Aid provides training courses designed by a team of U.S board certified and licensed medical doctors. Our certifications are signed by authorized board certified U.S medial doctors.

American Heart Association

As the world leader in CPR, first aid and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) training and education, the American Heart Association offers a variety of options for you to learn lifesaving skills. Locate a local training center to become an AHA Instructor or to choose courses for family members and friends, employees, or healthcare providers.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross delivers CPR training designed for the way you live, and learn. With options available on weekdays and weekends, plus online, in-person and blended Simulation Learning courses, you can get the CPR training you need on your schedule.