The CPR certification is a recognition that a person is trained in
CPR and is capable of performing CPR or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
on a patient whose heart has stopped beating/pumping blood all of a
sudden. CPR is regarded as the basic medical training that ensures
unrestricted supply of oxygenated blood to the brain and heart.
The
CPR training involves clearing block air-passages, rescue breaths (lung
ventilation) and chest compressions (blood circulation). This
life-saving technique (provided as part of the training) proves
immensely helpful in situations like heart attack/stroke or any kind of
traumatic injury. Three different CPR certification courses/trainings
are conducted for non-professionals and medical professionals alike.
These are:
Adult CPR: The Adult CPR certification course
teaches you CPR technique adults, i.e., for victims aged 8 or above.
This is the simplest of CPR techniques and can be picked up in less
than an hour. This training calls for no medical awareness.
Child
and Infant CPR: The emphasis of this CPR training is on how to clear a
chocking or an airway obstruction. Meant for children below 8, it is a
must training for those who spend a lot of time with children.
Basic
Life Support for Healthcare Providers: Basic Life Support for
Healthcare providers or CPR for Professional Rescuers is a CPR
certification course for people belonging to the medical field. The
training involves CPR and clearing of choked air-passage of victims
irrespective of age. This most extensive training introduces you to
advanced ventilation devices and effective CPR techniques. Thus, you
learn to open airway passage, using bag-mask device, two-person CPR
techniques, etc.
(The most important part of these
trainings is ‘hands on’ or ‘in class’ or ‘practical use’. Whichever be
the training you opt for, you should ensure that you get live
demonstrations and that you are allowed to practice).
CPR
certification courses/trainings are mostly provided by charity or
community organizations. American Red Cross and American Heart
Association two reliable names and their certificates are accepted
universally. The best part is that course fess are usually paid by
volunteering. Commercial organizations too provide CPR training against
an agreed fee. You can even go for online courses. You will be given a
CPR certification card after the successful completion of the course.
Organizations
offering CPR trainings make it a point to train people repeatedly. This
ensures that you are thoroughly updated, have the latest guidelines on
CPR techniques and also have good practice. Even the ARC CPR
certification is valid for one year and you will need to update your
certification annually.