HeartCert CPR Duluth MN

AHA CPR for the public and healthcare providers

CPR Certification

HeartCert Trainings Now Available in Iowa City, IA

by Leave a Comment

HeartCert is excited to announce the opening of our newest locations in Iowa City, Iowa. This location offers both virtual training for individuals or instructor-led training at a time and location convenient for everyone.

Iowa City on-site training courses will be held at 2701 Bradford Drive. 

We also offer on-site courses and trainings in other cities throughout Iowa.  

Find a HeartCert Training Center Near You

Healthcare Training Courses Offered in Iowa

In addition to our standard CPR, First Aid and AED courses, we offer a wide variety of trainings at our new locations. These include: BLS, ACLS and PALS; Certified Nursing Assistant Courses, IV and EKG training; 1 on 1 flexible CPR training; and CPR instructor courses.

 

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

Our skilled and experienced CPR instructors are also available for on-site CPR training courses. If you have a group of employees or team members who want or need to be certified in CPR, first aid, or AED use, contact HeartCert to schedule your on-site training today. Discounted class vouchers are available for companies where employees need training at different times. 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert Opens Training Centers in Illinois, Michigan and Nebraska

by Leave a Comment

HeartCert is excited to announce the opening of our newest locations in Peoria, Illinois, Eastpointe, Michigan and Omaha/Lincoln, Nebraska. These locations offer both virtual training for individuals or instructor-led training at a time and location convenient for everyone.

Peoria on-site training courses will be held at 9102 N Industrial Road.

Eastpoint on-site training courses will be held at 17200 E.10 Mile Road. 

Omaha/Lincoln on-site training courses will be held at 331 N Cotner Boulevard, Lincoln and Fire and Rescue 13, East Main Street, Cedar Bluffs.

Find a HeartCert Training Center Near You

Healthcare Training Courses Offered in Illinois, Michigan and Nebraska

In addition to our standard CPR, First Aid and AED courses, we offer a wide variety of trainings at our new locations. These include: BLS, ACLS and PALS; Certified Nursing Assistant Courses, IV and EKG training; 1 on 1 flexible CPR training; and CPR instructor courses.

 

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

Our skilled and experienced CPR instructors are also available for on-site CPR training courses. If you have a group of employees or team members who want or need to be certified in CPR, first aid, or AED use, contact HeartCert to schedule your on-site training today. Discounted class vouchers are available for companies where employees need training at different times. 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert Texas is Now Open

by Leave a Comment

City Buildings in Texas

HeartCert is excited to announce the opening of our newest location in Colleyville, Texas.

About the HeartCert Colleyville Training Center

The new HeartCert CPR training center is conveniently located at 8300 Precinct Line Road, Colleyville, TX 76034. Situated at the northeast corner of cross streets Precinct Line Road and W McDonwell School Road.  

Healthcare Training Courses Offered at HeartCert Colleyville

In addition to our standard CPR, First Aid and AED courses, we offer a wide variety of trainings at our new location. These include: BLS, ACLS and PALS; Certified Nursing Assistant Courses, IV and EKG training; 1 on 1 flexible CPR training; and CPR instructor courses.

 

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

Our skilled and experienced CPR instructors are also available for on-site CPR training courses. If you have a group of employees or team members who want or need to be certified in CPR, first aid, or AED use, contact HeartCert to schedule your on-site training today. Discounted class vouchers are available for companies where employees need training at different times. 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

AHA Updates Instructor Certification Card Extensions

by Leave a Comment

As we reach the six-month mark of the COVID-19 pandemic, the American Heart Association (AHA) has issued new information on its CPR training provider and instructor certification cards.

certification
photo credit: @jamesrein-2242072 accessed 08/05/20 via CC0

Initially, the deadline for instructor card renewals was extended by 60 days in areas with widespread COVID-19 spread. (We go into those details more extensively on an earlier blog post.) Now, the AHA is giving cardholders a 120-day extension. The due dates are based on the “renew by” dates listed on existing certification cards. 

Exception For Areas Still Under Distancing Restrictions

There is one exception. Cardholders and training centers with cards expiring at the end of July may have until the end of October 2020 to renew their certification, if they are in areas that are still under lockdowns and restrictions.

Normal Renewal Timelines Apply

For those with cards that expired at the end of last month and going forward, the AHA states that renewals must take place by the recommended renewal dates.

Follow Local Instructions and Use Discretion

The AHA offers some flexibility, reminding training centers to follow local mandates and recommendations, and to use their discretion in ensuring the safest environment for CPR students.

If you are running out of time to renew your AHA instructor card, HeartCert is here to help. We’re offering CPR instructor courses at our Twin Cities location, and are taking every necessary precaution to keep our students safe. Contact us with any questions.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Learn CPR Without Leaving Home

by Leave a Comment

Although stay-home orders are slowly being relaxed in Minnesota, many people remain reluctant to leave home for anything non-essential. The good news is that many businesses have adapted to this new normal, offering curbside pickup, online ordering, telehealth appointments and more.

In order to continue providing CPR training to medical professionals, essential workers and laypeople who wish to become CPR certified, HeartCert CPR is now offering virtual CPR classes that can be fully completed at home.

In our virtual CPR courses, students watch interactive training videos and complete written tests online, from home. We send a CPR manikin and supplies in the mail. Then, we schedule a virtual skill session with one of our instructors.

Watch this short video for instructions on how to assemble your manikin at home.

Once you’ve completed all portions of the virtual training, you’ll receive a two-year American Red Cross certification card. (If you need an American Heart Association certification, please contact us.)

We are also still holding in-person CPR training courses. We have taken all necessary safety measures, including disinfecting and social distancing. Take a look at our course schedule.

How Can We Help?

Do you have questions about virtual CPR training, in-person classes and safety precautions, AHA certification cards, or any other aspect of the HeartCert CPR training process? Give us a call at 651-261-2314.

Protect the hearts of those around you by taking a CPR/AED course with HeartCert CPR. Register for a virtual CPR course today.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout greater Minnesota. HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert CPR to Offer Virtual CPR Training Options

by Leave a Comment

At HeartCert CPR, the health and safety of our students is our top priority. During these unprecedented times, we’ve taken extra precautions to ensure that our in-person courses remain safe, while also offering expanded virtual CPR course offerings.

virtual CPR classes
photo credit: @bongkarn-thanyakij-683719 accessed 4/14/20 via CC0

As we all know, healthcare workers are providing an essential service during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, many organizations are seeking additional healthcare staff, with CPR certification required for employment. HeartCert remains ready and able to provide CPR education and instruction for all essential workers.

Continue reading for an overview of our virtual CPR course options, as well as the precautions we’re taking to keep our students and instructors safe.

Precautionary Measures

For our in-person CPR courses, we’ve limited class enrollment to nine people. All students will be placed at least six feet apart, with no sharing of manikins or supplies. We’ve also implemented extra sanitation measures. We are asking students to stay home if they are ill, have been exposed, or have recently traveled.

Blended Learning

HeartCert CPR offers online/in-person blended learning options. In these courses, participants watch and complete interactive training videos and written tests. Then, come in for a short in-person skills course (following all precautionary measures listed above) to become certified.

Provisional Certification

After completing the online portion of a blended learning course, receive a provisional certificate that will be valid for 90 days. Within that 90-day period, simply attend a one-hour skill session, and the certificate will be converted to an official two-year CPR certification.

Distance Learning – Coming Soon!

In these virtual CPR courses, participants will be sent a manikin and equipment. After completing the online training and testing, an instructor will virtually test your skills via videoconferencing. Watch our Facebook page for more information on these new CPR certification course options!

Protect the hearts of those around you by taking a CPR/AED course online or at one of HeartCert CPR’s convenient Minnesota locations. Register for a course today.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We offer online, night and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule!

HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Emergency Medical Responder – First Responder (EMR). Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert CPR to Offer Red Cross CPR Classes

by Leave a Comment

HeartCert CPR is proud to announce that it will now offer American Red Cross CPR certification courses, in addition to current American Heart Association offerings, at all of its locations. These new courses will allow HeartCert to reach an even broader audience, and work with another highly reputable organization to train more people in the life-saving skills of CPR.

Red Cross
photo credit: American Red Cross

The American Red Cross uses the latest science and preferred techniques to create engaging, informative courses. These courses offer increased flexibility and class options, including review courses and challenge (or test-out) courses for experienced providers. 

In addition, this Red Cross partnership will allow HeartCert to offer an increased number of blended course options. Blended courses reduce in-classroom time by having participants do some online coursework before class. This leads to shorter and more convenient class options for both community and on-site certification courses. Certification card processes will also be faster and easier for participants to receive certifications after the course.

Register For a CPR Class Today

 

American Red Cross courses, like American Heart Association classes, are nationally accredited. Certifications are accepted – and often preferred – by most employers. The Red Cross was recently approved and accepted to offer Advanced Life Support (ALS) and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training equivalent to that of the American Heart Association for those needing advanced certification courses.

These new CPR course options will be offered in addition to our existing American Heart Association certification courses. HeartCert will soon be adding additional class options for all course types.

HeartCert is proud to work with both of these highly reputable organizations to train and educate students on CPR, AED, BLS, ACLS, PALS and other life-saving skills throughout Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding areas. By offering Red Cross certification courses, HeartCert is able to maintain our competitive pricing while providing more options to our students.

Ready to book an American Heart Association or American Red Cross CPR certification course? Find a class near you today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We now offer online, night and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule!

HeartCert offers a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Emergency Medical Responder – First Responder (EMR). Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Notice: American Heart Association Course Completion Card Price Increase

by Leave a Comment

instructor teaching cpr

The American Heart Association informed us that beginning October 2017, the retail price of all AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED, CPR AED, First Aid and Pediatric First Aid CPR AED student course completion cards/eCards will be increased. This will affect anyone taking a

Heartsaver (lay responder) course after October 2017. This change will occur nation-wide and impact every American Heart Association Heartsaver course. The course curriculum will remain the same, and will continue to adhere to the 2015 AHA Guidelines Update for CPR and ECC.

While cards/eCards will have an increase in cost, the suggested retail price of all related online courses will be reduced. According to the AHA, the shift is designed to make the student workbooks more accessible as a valuable reference tool before, during, and after training as required by the AHA Program Administration Manual.

You will not need to take any extra steps when signing up for classes. We wanted to inform you of this change so you will be aware of the cost when signing up for classes. If you have any questions about this change or need help planning your courses, please contact us.

Even at the increased cost, AHA classes are the best value for your dollar. We offer superior customer service, the most offerings and locations of all AHA providers in the state, certification expiration tracking and have an outstanding BBB accredited A+ rated team of instructors. We’ll continue to provide you excellent classes at competitive prices.  

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

HeartCert Comes to Rochester and St. Cloud

by Leave a Comment

We’re excited to announce that we’ve recently added two new locations for you to take classes. HeartCert is now offering First Aid/CPR classes in both Rochester and St. Cloud. 

Our New Locations:


Rochester

Our St. Cloud classes are offered at First Steps Training Room 3091 25th St. NW

Classes offered:


St. Cloud

Our St. Cloud classes are offered at two locations:

Rasmussen College: 226 Park Ave S
4135 W Division

Classes offered:

 


Our Other Minnesota Locations:

 


Blaine

Our Blaine classes are offered at Rasmussen College: 3629 95th Avenue NE

Classes offered:


Brooklyn Park

Our Brooklyn Park classes are offered at Rasmussen College: 8301 93rdAve N

Classes offered:




Burnsville

Our Burnsville classes are offered at 220 S. River Ridge Circle

Classes offered:


Duluth

Our Duluth classes are offered at University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus: Room SMed 165, 1035 University Dr

Classes offered:



 

Eagan

Our Eagan classes are offered at Rasmussen College: 3500 Federal Dr

Classes offered:


Eden Prairie

Our Eden Prairie classes are offered at Fare Hypnosis Center: 8353 Crystal Rd #201

Classes offered:


 


Mankato

Our Mankato classes are offered at:

  • Rasmussen College: Rm 104, 130 St Andrews Dr.
  • Hosanna Highland Campus & Community Church: 329 Ellis Ave

Classes offered:

 


Minneapolis

Our Minneapolis classes are offered at 615 First Avenue NE

Classes offered:




St. Paul

Our St. Paul classes are offered at 840 Westminster St

Classes offered:


Woodbury/Lake Elmo

Our Woodbury and Lake Elmo classes are offered at:

  • 8565 Eagle Point Circle
  • 8147 Globe Dr #100

Classes offered:


We also offer classes in Appleton, Wisconsin and Anchorage, Alaska and coming soon to Green Bay, Wisconsin!

Are you a certified instructor interested in expanding HeartCert to your location? Contact us for teaching opportunities.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations.

 

Know CPR? Join Our Team as a CPR or First Aid Instructor

by Leave a Comment

Here at HeartCert, we firmly believe in ensuring accessible training for all. That’s why we offer classes in over 10 cities in Minnesota, as well as classes in Wisconsin and Alaska. We’ve been floored by the positive responses our instructors have received and the overwhelming support by our students.

But now we need your help to grow. HeartCert is actively looking for new locations and partners.

heartcert instructor demonstrating cpr

Join Our Team 

Are you a current, new or potential CPR Instructor? Interested in a rewarding and fulfilling position that teaches others how to save a life and make a difference in the community? You’ve come to the right place! HeartCert is proud provider of American Heart Association ECC Training which means we offer the highest quality of training. We offer initial and renewal training for: Heartsaver (lay), BLS, ACLS and PALS Provider/Instructor courses each quarter. Please contact us for details on the process.

Top notch instructor training courses, Manikin rental services, Teaching space assistance, Training updates and certification tracking, Easy electronic roster submission, Business support, teaching assistance, employment opportunities and MORE!

Apply Here

Suggest a Location

Want HeartCert to come to your city? Let us know where you are and we’ll do our best to come to you. If you’re interested in becoming an instructor, please let us know on your submission form if you’re interested in partnering with us to bring HeartCert classes to your location.

Contact Us for More Information

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Exciting News: HeartCert Launches Three New Locations

by Leave a Comment

HeartCert CPR is proud to have multiple locations across the Twin Cities. We’re excited to announce that we’ve expanded our classes into three new locations: Blaine, Brooklyn Park and Eagan. Find a class at a location near you!

Twin Cities Locations:


Blaine

Our Blaine classes are offered at Rasmussen College: 3629 95th Avenue NE

Classes offered:


Brooklyn Park 

Our Brooklyn Park classes are offered at Rasmussen College: 8301 93rd Ave N

Classes offered:




Burnsville

Our Burnsville classes are offered at 220 S. River Ridge Circle

Classes offered:


Eagan 

Our Eagan classes are offered at Rasmussen College: 3500 Federal Dr

Classes offered:




Eden Prairie

Our Eden Prairie classes are offered at Fare Hypnosis Center: 8353 Crystal Rd #201

Classes offered:


Minneapolis

Our Minneapolis classes are offered at 615 First Avenue NE

Classes offered:




St. Paul

Our St. Paul classes are offered at 840 Westminster St

Classes offered:


Woodbury/Lake Elmo

Our Woodbury and Lake Elmo classes are offered at:

  • 8565 Eagle Point Circle
  • 8147 Globe Dr #100

Classes offered:


Other Locations:


Duluth

Our Duluth classes are offered at University of Minnesota Medical School, Duluth Campus: Room SMed 165, 1035 University Dr

Classes offered:


Mankato

Our Mankato classes are offered at:

  • Rasmussen College: Rm 104, 130 St Andrews Dr.
  • Hosanna Highland Campus & Community Church: 329 Ellis Ave

Classes offered:


We also offer classes in Appleton, Wisconsin and Anchorage, Alaska.

Are you a certified instructor interested in expanding HeartCert to your location? Contact us for teaching opportunities.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations.

5 Reasons Why Everyone Should Know CPR

by Leave a Comment

man clutching chest - why everyone should know cprWould you know what to do if a loved one collapsed suddenly in front of you? Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in the world. CPR can be the difference between life and death. You can’t assume that someone else will step in – that’s why it’s so important to learn CPR. Getting certified is easier than you think. Reserve your spot now!

Lawrence Phillips, MD gives 5 reasons why everyone should be certified. Read the full blog post at Everyday Health, or read on for the highlights:

1. CPR Saves Lives

More than 300,000 people have cardiac arrests in the United States every year.  Sudden cardiac arrest occurs when an electrical rhythm problem occurs and the heart is no longer able to pump blood effectively to the rest of the body. You might see a person suddenly collapse, lose consciousness, and stop breathing. The longer the body goes without circulation, the lower the chance of survival. By performing CPR, you are able to help the person’s blood keep circulating until an ambulance arrives and more advanced tools can be used. We know that the chance of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest increases significantly, by more than double, when CPR is started early.

View CPR Classes

2. CPR is Not Performed Enough

Would you be surprised to learn that bystander CPR is done in less than half of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests? National statistics have shown that only 15 to 30 percent of people who experience sudden cardiac arrests outside of hospitals receive bystander CPR. When people are asked why they would not give CPR, a very common answer is that they never received training. Other concerns, such as doing harm to the person, doing harm to oneself, legal risks, or concerns about infection, often diminish once people learn proper CPR techniques.

3. You Don’t Have to Do Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation

Another reason people report they do not perform CPR is because of concerns performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. In 2010 the guidelines for performing CPR were changed, and they now say that those who do not feel comfortable, or who have not received formal training, should attempt hands-only CPR. We advocate performing chest compressions even without breathing assistance. Hands-only CPR has been shown to be just as effective for many adults who experience sudden cardiac arrest.

4. Hands-Only CPR is Easy to Learn

To perform hands-only CPR, place the heel of your hand on the center of the victim’s chest. Take your other hand and place it on top of the first, interlacing your fingers. Press down on the chest about two inches and release. You want to repeat this quickly, at least 100 times a minute. And don’t stop doing CPR until emergency services arrives at the scene – recent studies have found that people may have a better chance of surviving with normal brain function when CPR is continued up to 38 minutes or longer. There are many places to find online videos, as well as formal classes, to see CPR performed correctly. The goal is to find the learning technique that works best for you so that you are comfortable if you are in a situation where you can save a life!

5. Most Cardiac Arrests Occur in the Home

More than 85 percent of cardiac arrests take place at home. In my office at NYU Langone Medical Center, I frequently hear stories from patients about how their lives were saved because of CPR performed by a husband, wife, child, or friend. In fact, there has been a big push, led by the American Heart Association, to bring CPR training to schools, which can save even more lives. So take the challenge. If you don’t know CPR, learn CPR and gain the confidence in knowing that if you are ever needed, you too can save a life!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Sudden Cardiac Arrest or Heart Attack: Know the Difference

by Leave a Comment

Sudden Cardiac Arrest and Heart Attack are NOT the Same Thing!

cardiac arrest
Image Credit: ©2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

A little knowledge can be a lifesaving thing. Too often, people use “sudden cardiac arrest” and “heart attack” interchangeably, but they shouldn’t. A heart attack is when blood flow to the heart is blocked and sudden cardiac arrest is when the heart malfunctions and suddenly stops beating unexpectedly. A heart attack is a “circulation” problem and sudden cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem. The American Heart Association provides a few more facts it may be healthy to know:

What is a Heart Attack?

A heart attack occurs when a blocked artery keeps oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart. If the blocked artery is not reopened quickly, the part of the heart normally nourished by that artery begins to die. The longer a person goes without treatment, the greater the damage. Symptoms of a heart attack may be immediate and intense. More often, though, symptoms start slowly and persist for hours, days or even weeks before the heart attack. The heart usually does not stop beating during a heart attack. Symptoms can differ in men and women.

What is Cardiac Arrest?

Sudden cardiac arrest often occurs without warning. It’s triggered by an electrical malfunction in the heart that causes an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia). With its pumping action disrupted, the heart cannot send blood to the brain, lungs and other organs. Seconds later, a person loses consciousness and has no pulse. Death occurs within minutes if the victim does not receive treatment.

What is the link between the two?

These two distinct heart conditions are linked. Sudden cardiac arrest can occur after a heart attack or during recovery. Heart attacks increase the risk for sudden cardiac arrest. Most heart attacks do not lead to sudden cardiac arrest but when sudden cardiac arrest occurs, heart attack is a common cause. Other heart conditions may also disrupt the heart’s rhythm and lead to sudden cardiac arrest. These include a thickened heart muscle (cardiomyopathy), heart failure, and arrhythmias, particularly ventricular fibrillation and long QT syndrome.

What to do: Heart Attack

Even if you’re not sure it’s a heart attack, don’t wait more than five minutes to call 9-1-1 or other emergency response number. Every minute matters. It’s best to call EMS to get to the emergency room right away. Emergency medical services staff can begin treatment when they arrive—up to an hour sooner than if someone gets to the hospital by car. EMS staff are also trained to revive someone whose heart has stopped. Patients with chest pain who arrive by ambulance may get faster treatment at the hospital, too.

What to do: Sudden Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is reversible in most victims if it’s treated within a few minutes. First, call 9-1-1 for emergency medical services. Then use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available. Begin CPR immediately and continue until professional emergency medical services arrive. If two people are available to help, one should begin CPR immediately while the other calls 9-1-1 and finds an AED. Sudden cardiac arrest is a leading cause of death—nearly 360,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur annually in the United States. By performing immediate CPR, you can double or even triple a victim’s chance of survival.

Learn More

Fast action can save lives. It’s a good idea to know what to do if someone experiences a heart attack or cardiac arrest. HeartCert offers CPR and First Aid classes for all skill sets and levels of experience. Whether you are an experienced Healthcare Professional or a new parent just wanting to learn ‘the basics’, we have a class for you! We can teach a convenient one-on-one CPR or first aid training session, or we can certify a large group on-site depending on your needs. Visit our Home page to get started.

Source: ©2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Four Silent Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

by Leave a Comment

Do You Know These Hard-to-Recognize Heart Attack Symptoms in Women?

Every February the American Heart Association celebrates Go Red for Women month, highlighting issues around women’s heart health. One of the most basic issues is knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and how those symptoms can differ in women and men. Read on for details on four silent heart attack symptoms that women should most definitely be aware of, brought to you by the American Heart Association.

women heart attack symptoms
Image Credit: American Heart Association

Well-known heart attack symptoms can include chest pain and radiating discomfort in the left arm. But, as Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum explains, there are several other ways your body may tell you when something isn’t quite right, potentially with your heart.

Shortness of breath

According to Steinbaum, director of The Heart and Vascular Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, women often struggle to breathe a few weeks before experiencing a heart attack.

“If you are used to doing a certain amount of activity and then, all of a sudden, you can’t get enough air, that is when I get concerned,” says Steinbaum.

Back pain

Irregular pain in the lower or upper back can indicate stress to the heart muscle, Steinbaum says.

Jaw pain

“I had one patient who would feel her jaw start to hurt every time she got on a treadmill,” Steinbaum says. “But once she stopped, her jaw pain would go away. She went to a dentist, but there wasn’t anything wrong with her teeth.”

This discomfort continued until the woman experienced a heart attack. When she came into Steinbaum’s office after the event, it was evident that the jaw pain was directly linked to what was happening in her heart.

“Sometimes the heart isn’t able to give a good signal and, instead, the pain can radiate to the neck, jaw and back,” she says.

Nausea

Flu-like symptoms are often reported weeks and days before a heart attack. In fact, as Steinbaum explains, TV personality Rosie O’Donnell reportedly regurgitated a few times before she experienced a heart attack in early 2012.

Advice: Trust Your Gut

If you aren’t feeling normal or are experiencing any of the symptoms above, head to you local emergency room. It is better to take care of yourself and prevent damage to your heart, in the event you are having a heart attack.

“A women’s intuition is a very strong thing; don’t ever discount it,” Steinbaum says.

“Ninety percent of my women patients who’ve just had a heart attack tell me that they knew it was their heart all along. That they just had a feeling.”

Learn more about your risk for heart disease as well as  factors that increase your risk on Go Red For Women.

Learn More

Fast action can save lives. It’s a good idea to know what to do if someone experiences a heart attack or cardiac arrest. HeartCert offers CPR and First Aid classes for all skill sets and levels of experience. Whether you are an experienced Healthcare Professional or a new parent just wanting to learn ‘the basics’, we have a class for you! We can teach a convenient one-on-one CPR or first aid training session, or we can certify a large group on-site depending on your needs. Visit our Home page to get started.

Source: ©2017 American Heart Association, Inc.

Twin Cities Safety is Now HeartCert

by Leave a Comment

New Name, New Website, New Locations…Same Great Courses!

logo

HeartCert, formerly Twin Cities Safety, has a new name and website but still provides the same great CPR/AED, First Aid and BLS training courses. HeartCert is a proud provider of American Heart Association CPR and ECC Courses. We are a fully licensed and certified safety company servicing the entire Tri-State Area of Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. All of our CPR/AED, First Aid, and BLS courses are taught to American Heart Association standards by experienced professionals who make each course exciting, fun, and convenient all for the lowest prices available! We now also offer AED sales and compliance in addition to our CPR classes so we can be your one stop safety shop.

We offer CPR and First Aid classes for all skill sets and levels of experience. Whether you are an experienced Healthcare Professional, or a new parent just wanting to know ‘the basics’, we have a class for you! We can teach a convenient one on one CPR or first aid training session, or we can certify a large group on-site depending on your needs. Accredited by the Better Business Bureau (A+ Rating), HeartCert offers superior customer service and outstanding quality for all of your training needs. You can be assured that you are making the correct choice in training with HeartCert as we offer the best classes, at unbeatable prices!

With convenient locations throughout the Twin Cities metro areas as well as new locations in Rochester, Duluth and Mankato, we are available across Minnesota with our classes and training. Looking for onsite training for a large group? Our experienced instructors will certify your group at a time and location of your choosing. Not only is this a convenient means to stay compliant, we also have unbeatable group and business discounts! Personalized, On-Site CPR/First Aid training is a great solution for: Day-cares, group/assisted living homes, construction sites, schools, church groups, manufacturing facilities, boy/girl scouts, and any company safety first response team. Discounted class vouchers are available which can be an great option for companies where many employees need training at different times.

HeartCert is the smart choice when you’re looking for affordable, quality training to improve the quality of care and chance for survival in case of emergency. Plan your next group training session at one of our convenient locations; view our Course Calendar to get started.