learn CPR

Why should you learn CPR? If you want to have the skills to potentially save someones life you would take CPR classes. You never know when these skills could come in useful. A member of your family could be suffering from a silent heart illness meaning that they currently display no symptoms. In fact the first symptom could be a cardiac arrest. If they are not near a hospital and the emergency services don't get to them in time they will die. They could be saved if someone started CPR but if you don't know how, what could you do? Stand back and watch them die knowing that a couple of hours of training could have allowed them a chance to live. How would you live with yourself afterwards?

CPR works in two ways. It delays the chance of brain death as it keeps oxygen moving around the body to the brain which cannot survive without an oxygen supply for very long. It also keeps the heart responsive to the use of an AED device.  Is it dificult to learn how to use an automated defibrillator?  Well if 8th grade students can master these techniques in under an hour, the answer to that question would be a no! 

Adult CPR and infant CPR are different. An adult is more likely to suffer a cardiac arrest due to something going wrong with the heart. An infant is more likely to have a cardiac arrest as a complication of breathing problems. So chest compression only CPR will work for adults but is less effective in most instances when it comes to saving a newborn.

If you have previously declined to learn cardiac pulmonary resusitation techniques because you didn't want to have to give someone the kiss of life, that excuse has now been removed. You can learn how to save a life using chest compression only CPR. See the video below for more information.

We are have different learning styles. Some people will learn CPR best by taking the traditional route and attending local classes. The ones offered by the Red Cross or the American Heart Association are usually the best. But for some the idea of attending even a short class is not attractive. They may work long and unusual hours and cannot commit to training at a specific regular time. For others they simply don't like being around a lot of strangers learning new skills. Online CPR training is designed to meet the needs of this second group. While you may miss out on the practical training you should learn enough to give CPR at least until the emergency services arrive. Always call 911 before you start to help.

If possible find a course that teaches you how to use an AED as well as deliver CPR.  An automated external defibrillator used properly gives the cardiac arrest victim the best chance of survival.