When you think of CPR training, the cardiopulmonary resuscitation aspect of the certification often takes center stage. However, there are many components to even the most basic CPR certification training. Standard CPR/AED course for teachers, trainers, childcare providers, and other employees cover first aid, choking emergencies, injuries, medical emergencies like heat stroke, and many other emergency response treatments. Most significantly, AED training is paired with CPR instruction for a complete education on response to cardiac arrest. Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are portable devices that analyze the heart’s rhythm and, when needed, provide a defibrillating shock to stop arrhythmia and return the heartbeat to a regular pattern. Today, AEDs are present in almost every workplace, installed in locations where any employee or other person could quickly get access. AED training is a large part of CPR certification, and any American Heart Association (AHA)-approved course will cover the use of AEDs in detail. If you are looking for any level of certification, CPR4LIFE USA offers multiple types of training courses with an experienced CPR instructor in Minnesota.
CPR/AED are Effective
AEDs provide a life-saving electrical shock that defibrillates the heart. This shock stops arrhythmia, an uneven heartbeat rhythm that could lead to stroke or heart failure. The effects of an AED on a patient experiencing a heart attack or cardiac arrest are often more effective than just chest compressions, even when someone trained in CPR is providing treatment. This is because it is more accurate and direct than just CPR alone, although AED treatment should be used in combination with other CPR guidelines. To meet these guidelines you need to take a CPR/AED course.
Time
Another factor that makes an AED more likely to save a life is the time it takes for EMS to arrive. For every minute that someone in cardiac arrest doesn’t receive CPR treatment, their chance of dying increases by 10%. If it takes EMS their average of 4–10 minutes to reach a patient, that means 4–10 minutes of chest compressions and other CPR steps. For CPR providers, chest compressions can get very tiring quickly. That is why a CPR/AED course is an important investment. An AED can eliminate the need for chest compressions if it successfully restarts the heart’s rhythm. AEDs significantly reduce the risk of death when EMS takes an extended time to arrive.
Access
Most businesses have at least one AED located in an easy-to-find location in the building, and they are very easy to use. The newest AED technology can even be used without any CPR certification or training by walking the user through a voice-guided program. Because modern AEDs can be used by anyone, whether they are CPR trained or not, they increase the chances that lifesaving care is given before EMS arrival.
AEDs are a critical component of CPR certification, and your CPR instructor will always cover the use and function of an AED system. If you are in need of a CPR/AED course in Minnesota for certification, contact CPR4LIFE USA today at (507) 369-6422 or info@cpr4lifeusa.com.
