Reasons to Take CPR Classes

Posted on: 18 January 2017

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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, is used when a person undergoes cardiac arrest or stops breathing. When this occurs, oxygen fails to circulate through the blood and to the brain and other organs. CPR includes chest compressions for "restarting" the heart, clearing the airway, and providing breath for the victim to help restart breathing. Those already in medical school are probably quite familiar with CPR. However, people of the general public may not understand the significance of CPR. There may also be people who need CPR training for work or school but are not yet convinced of its importance. For these two groups, three powerful reasons to learn CPR are discussed herein. 

CPR as a Life-Saver

CPR can be useful to anybody because it is known make a difference and thus save lives. One web page outlines some enlightening statistics about this subject. Every year, over 350,000 people in the United States suffer cardiac arrest (outside a hospital). Of those people, nearly 90 percent die. That's over 300,000 people. However, if CPR is given during the early minutes of cardiac arrest, the victim's chances of survival can double or even triple. Sometimes, paramedics do not arrive within the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, and so survival chances go down. That is why bystander CPR is so important. You can be the bystander who steps up and makes a difference. 

CPR as a Job Requirement

CPR training is required for certain jobs. One website lists 10 jobs that require CPR certification. Police officers, nurses, and firefighters all need CPR in the event of a medical emergency on the job. Paramedics also may need to use CPR frequently. In case of an accident, construction workers must have the proper certification. Even those involved in recreation, such as lifeguards and trainers or coaches, may need CPR if drowning or heart attacks occur. As you can see, many different career types involve cardiopulmonary resuscitation.  

CPR at Home 

Some people picture using CPR to save a stranger or to help someone during the course of their jobs. However, CPR training may be handy even within your own family. One source states that nearly 90 percent of cardiac arrests happen within the home. By learning CPR, you may save a close loved one. Another article mentions that since heart disease can lead to sudden cardiac arrest, risk factors for heart disease are, in turn, risks for cardiac arrest. The risks mentioned include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and a family history of heart disease. If any of those apply to your family members, then you should know they are more at risk for sudden cardiac arrest.  

Whether CPR training is required for your job or you want to save the lives of family members and strangers, CPR is an undeniably useful skill. Talk to a company such as Emergency Response CPR to find out more.