HeartCert CPR Duluth MN

AHA CPR for the public and healthcare providers

CPR

What is the Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival?

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When a person goes into sudden cardiac arrest outside of a health care facility, there is a specific sequence of events that, if performed fully and efficiently, can significantly improve their chances of survival and recovery. This is known as the Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival.

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According to the American Heart Association, there are six steps in this process. Each is vitally important to a cardiac arrest patient’s survival. It’s important to understand the chain and what role you might play, should you encounter someone in sudden cardiac arrest.

The Six Steps of the Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival

  1. Recognition of cardiac arrest, and activation of the emergency response system (calling 911)
  2. Performing CPR as quickly as possible, with an emphasis on chest compressions
  3. Defibrillation with an AED
  4. Resuscitation and advanced care performed by emergency medical responders and health care providers
  5. Additional care performed after the cardiac arrest
  6. Recovery treatment, rehabilitation or observation as needed

A Bystander’s Role in the Chain of Survival

The first three steps of the chain must often be performed by bystanders, whether or not they know the patient. If nothing else, it’s vital to understand when a sudden cardiac arrest is taking place, and to call 911.

But performing CPR as soon as possible is key to improving outcomes. According to data from 2014, almost 45 percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of health care settings survived when bystander CPR was performed. And because about 70 percent of cardiac arrests take place in the home, the life you save may be that of a family member.

Ready to get started with CPR? Schedule a CPR training course today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include 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.

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

Why Women Are Less Likely to Receive CPR

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February marks both American Heart Month and Go Red for Women. This makes it the perfect time to discuss overall heart health and the impact of heart disease, and related biases, on women. For example: did you know that women are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander than men? This was the finding of a recent survey, and it translates to greater impacts for women of all demographics.

According to a 2018 survey discussed by the American Heart Association, 45% of men received bystander CPR, compared to 39% of women. Overall, men had a 23% higher likelihood of survival than women.

women receive CPR
photo credit: @giulia_bertelli accessed 2/3/21 via CC0

To ensure better outcomes for women suffering from cardiac arrest, here are a few ways to promote and encourage performing bystander CPR on women.

Why Are Women Less Likely to Receive CPR Than Men?

Survey respondents gave three primary reasons for their reluctance to perform CPR on women.

  1. Fear of being accused of inappropriate physical contact or sexual assault
  2. Fear of harming the victim
  3. The misconception that women don’t have cardiac arrests or are being overdramatic

For men, the first reason is the most prevalent, and the second is most prevalent for women.

How to Encourage Bystanders to Perform CPR on Women

Education is one of the easiest and most effective ways to dispel myths and encourage bystanders to perform CPR on women. For example, there is a very small probability of injuring someone by administering CPR on them. If that is more widely known and understood, there might be less hesitance.

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In addition, greater education about the necessity of performing CPR could help, especially when helping people overcome fears of sexual assault accusations. When a woman is in medical distress, help is necessary, even if it feels inappropriate at the time.

Training more people on how to perform hands-free CPR could significantly reduce this disparity. Consider hosting a CPR course for your workplace, or register for a virtual class.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include 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.

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

What’s the Difference Between Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

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Many people associate CPR with heart attacks. However, because heart attacks usually don’t cause the heart to stop beating, CPR is not often needed following a heart attack. In contrast, a sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly, without warning, and stops the heart from pumping blood. This is when CPR is needed to save the patient’s life, and to preserve brain and organ function.

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What are other differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest? We turned to the American Heart Association for more information.

What is a Heart Attack?

When a blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart, that part of the heart begins to die. If the blocked artery is not reopened, damage can be severe.

Because of the gradual nature of a heart attack, symptoms often begin and build slowly, over the course of several hours, days, or even weeks. And symptoms vary, especially between men and women. It’s important to know and be able to recognize symptoms and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

sudden cardiac arrest
photo credit: @averey accessed 12/2/20 via CC0

What is a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Unlike the slow build of a heart attack, a sudden cardiac arrest occurs with little warning. The effects are immediate. Cardiac arrest is triggered by an irregular heartbeat (also known as arrhythmia). This disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body.

Without CPR performed by a bystander or medical professional, the patient will lose consciousness and die in a matter of minutes. Even if the patient survives, the lack of blood and oxygen to the brain and organs could cause permanent damage. This is why it’s vitally important for bystanders to know CPR – and be ready and willing to perform it when necessary.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include 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.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

American Heart Association Issues New CPR Guidelines

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In the new CPR guidelines recently issued by the American Heart Association, the importance of bystander CPR was re-emphasized. “Cardiac arrest is a life-or-death situation,” the AHA committee chair said. “When every second counts, it’s important for lay people to be ready and willing to start CPR.”

The new guidelines recommend that bystanders CPR even if they aren’t sure whether the victim is in cardiac arrest. The risk of harm from CPR is low – especially when compared to the potential risk of cardiac arrest.

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New CPR Guidelines Focus on Recovery

CPR guidelines
photo credit: @shvetsa accessed 10/30/20 via CC0

In a change, the new CPR guidelines add recovery to the “chain of survival.” The chain of survival is a series of actions that determine how and to what extent a patient will recover from cardiac arrest. Those actions include calling 911, performing CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The new recovery phase includes treatment, surveillance and rehabilitation, which includes monitoring and treating depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress caused by the cardiac arrest and heart disease treatment.

Expanding Bystander CPR

The new guidelines also included efforts to encourage bystander CPR. The AHA suggests leveraging mobile phone technology to alert bystanders of a nearby cardiac event. In addition, there is a need for bystander training tailored to specific racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic populations that traditionally have lower rates of bystander CPR.

Ready to learn CPR? HeartCert is here to help. We’re offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include 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.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

What is CPR and Why Is It Important?

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At HeartCert CPR, we talk a lot about the lifesaving importance of CPR. But we realize that, for those who don’t work in the medical field, CPR may not be so familiar. So we’re going to get back to basics: what is CPR, and why should everyone be able to perform it? We turned to the American Heart Association for help breaking it down.

what is cpr
photo credit: @karolina-grabowska accessed 10/3/20 via CC0

What is CPR?

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is performed when the heart stops beating, with the goal of keeping the blood flow active, even partially, in order to continue the flow of oxygen throughout the body.

Why is CPR Important?

CPR that is performed immediately after cardiac arrest can double or triple the chances of survival. Every year in the United States, 475,000 people die of cardiac arrest. If more people were trained and ready to perform CPR, that number could be significantly decreased.

How to Perform CPR

There are two standard ways to perform CPR:

  1. Hands-Only CPR. This is commonly performed by laypeople or bystanders who witness someone in cardiac distress. Hands-only CPR is what it sounds like – performing CPR chest compressions, without mouth-to-mouth breaths.
  2. Conventional CPR. This involves chest compressions in conjunction with mouth-to-mouth breathing. It is most commonly performed by healthcare providers and emergency medical workers.

Anyone who performs CPR should focus on these five critical components:

  • Ensure appropriate hand placement
  • Maintain consistency in chest compressions
  • Make sure compressions of are an adequate rate and depth
  • Don’t lean on the patient between compressions
  • Avoid excessive ventilation

 

CPR can help you save a life. Ready to learn? HeartCert is offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

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. HeartCert CPR courses include 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.

 

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Tips for Caregiving During COVID-19

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Caring for ill or elderly family members can be difficult in the best of times, but for many, the pandemic has made caregiving even more stressful. People who receive daily care tend to be older or dealing with long-term illness, making them more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. So in addition to the usual physical care needs, caregivers will need to take extra steps to protect the health of their loved ones. Further, there are additional needs related to mental health, medical care planning and coordination, and a caregiver’s own health.

caregiving
photo credit: @pixabay accessed 7/16/20 via CC0

There are a few things that caregivers can to do make caregiving more manageable during the pandemic.

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Be sure that you are prepared to handle any situation that could arise, whether caused by COVID-19 or not. The majority of cardiac arrests happen at home, so being able to perform hands-only CPR could make all the difference for your loved one.

Plan for Medication and Necessary Supplies

  • Try to get 90-day (or longer) supplies of prescriptions. Look into drive-through pharmacies or medication delivery.
  • Make a list of necessary home care supplies, such as delivery mechanisms for treatment or medication, and distilled water for CPAP machines. Obtain a larger stock of supplies if possible.

Discuss Treatment Options

  • Learn whether your loved one’s medical team is doing telemedicine visits, and how to access all members of the team virtually.
  • Discuss whether your loved one will need to be physically present for any procedures, such as tests or blood draws, and the safety precautions being taken.

Make a Safety Plan

  • Keep up with all safety recommendations, such as masks and social distancing. Ensure that all who come into contact with your loved one are taking precautions.

Finalize Health Care Wishes and Directives

  • Ensure that all legal documents are up to date, and have candid conversations about your loved one’s wishes.

Don’t Forget Mental Health

  • If you or your loved one are feeling anxious or isolated, make your mental health and happiness a priority. Reach out to a therapist if you need help.

Care for Yourself

If you’re ready to learn CPR and first aid to protect your loved one, HeartCert is here to help. We’re offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

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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

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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.

Performing Bystander CPR During COVID-19

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Many studies have shown a significant increase in cardiac arrest survival rates when CPR is started immediately – before emergency responders arrive. However, many people hesitate to perform bystander CPR, due to a lack of training or fears about causing greater harm. With the COVID-19 pandemic spreading throughout Minnesota and the United States, those fears are even more pronounced.

According to the American Heart Association, bystander CPR remains vitally important, especially during coronavirus. Emergency response systems could be overloaded in some hard-hit areas. This may increase the wait time for an ambulance – and lower the likelihood of survival for cardiac arrest patients.

bystander cpr
photo credit: @purzlbaum accessed 05/20/20 via CC0

The Risk of Contracting Coronavirus When Performing Bystander CPR

Because COVID-19 symptoms don’t show up for several days after infection, there is a potential risk of contracting the virus while performing CPR on a stranger. Current guidelines advise bystanders to take their own risk factors into account when determining whether to perform hands-on CPR in a public setting. Placing a mask over your own face and that of the patient may help prevent the spread of the virus.

Whatever you decide, call 911 first. If there’s an AED nearby, use it.

CPR Could Save Your Family Member

It’s estimated that about 70% of cardiac arrests happen in the home. So, there’s a good chance that you may need to perform CPR on a member of your household. Brush up on hands-only CPR through an online class, so you’re ready if the need arises.

Protect the hearts of all those around you by taking a CPR/AED course through HeartCert CPR. Register for a virtual 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), 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.

Did you know Good Samaritan laws protect bystanders who perform CPR?

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In an earlier blog post, we discussed some of the common reasons that bystanders don’t perform CPR when they encounter someone in cardiac arrest. The reasons given include fear of causing additional harm and of touching a person inappropriately. Another common reason is the fear of legal action should something go wrong.

legal
photo credit: @jaifoto accessed 11/20/19 via CC0

According to new research, that fear isn’t really justified. There are very few lawsuits ever filed in connection with performing CPR. In fact, the failure to perform CPR has led to significantly more legal action.

Good Samaritan Laws Protect Bystanders

Every state in the U.S., including Minnesota, has some form of a “Good Samaritan” law. These laws offer legal protection to people who provide reasonable assistance if they believe someone is injured or in danger. This is one of the primary reasons that people who perform bystander CPR are not very likely to be brought to court, and if they are, that they will be protected. Everyone should call 9-1-1 and give help to the best of their ability.

Ultimately, the best way to avoid any apprehension or fear over performing bystander CPR is to take a CPR training course! All of these barriers to act are comprehensively covered to help you feel prepared in case of an emergency. Sign up today and be ready if and when the need arises.

Register For a CPR Class Today

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PAL, EMR and First Aid 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.

Why Don’t Bystanders Perform CPR?

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In the United States, more than 325,000 people go into cardiac arrest outside of a medical setting every year. When those people receive CPR immediately, their odds of survival are more than doubled. The likelihood that they won’t suffer brain damage or other lasting harm increases significantly as well. So why don’t more bystanders perform CPR on people who are in need?

Bystanders Fear Causing Additional Injury

bystanders perform CPR
photo credit: artisticoperations-4161274/ accessed 10/15/19 via CC0

In a new study, researchers asked 677 people about barriers to performing bystander CPR. The primary reason for inaction was a concern about causing additional injury to a patient, especially if that patient was elderly, female or adolescent. The second most common reason was a lack of CPR training and ability.

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An additional reason given was fear of exposing a patient or being perceived as touching a patient inappropriately. Overall, women are 27 percent less likely than men to receive CPR from a bystander.

Of the 677 people surveyed, fewer than 65 percent of respondents said that they would be “extremely likely” or “moderately likely” to perform CPR. It is clear, from these results, that additional CPR education and training is key to ensuring that more bystanders perform CPR.

A CPR Course Could Save a Life

Register for an American Red Cross or American Heart Association CPR/AED certification course with HeartCert today, and you could save a life tomorrow.

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.

HeartCert CPR to Offer Red Cross CPR Classes

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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.

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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.

A Brief History of CPR

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It’s back to school season in Minneapolis and across the country, so we decided it might be a good time for a history lesson! According to the American Heart Association, CPR has existed in some form for hundreds of years, with the current method only developed within the last century.

history
Photo c/o the American Heart Association

It’s unclear whether any of these tactics actually worked, but it’s interesting to see how CPR has changed throughout history.

Flagellation Method – Early Ages

This entailed whipping with stinging nettles, or striking with the hands or a wet cloth in order to rouse a response from the victim.

Bellows Method – 1530s

Rescuers used fireplace bellows, which were traditionally used to blow air into a lagging fire, to force air into the lungs.

Inversion and Barrel Methods – 1770s

Primarily used in drownings, the inversion method entailed hanging victims upside down to remove pressure from the lungs. In the barrel method, victims were rolled over a barrel to force chest compressions.

 

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Trotting Horse Method – 1800s

Similar to the barrel method, pressure was manually applied to the chest – this time, by laying over a trotting horse.

Leroy Method – 1820s

This tactic was similar to today’s hands-only CPR, in that victims were laid on their back. Pressure was then applied to the abdomen and chest.

Dalrymple Method – 1830s

This entailed placing a long cloth underneath a person lying on their back, crossing the cloth over the chest, and two people pulling on each end.

Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation – 1958

The rescuer blows into the victim’s mouth, forcing air into the lungs.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation – 1960

This was a combination of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions.

Hands-Only CPR – 2008

In an effort to motivate more bystanders to perform CPR, the mouth-to-mouth resuscitation portion of modern CPR was removed.

Ready to learn hands-only CPR and be prepared to save a life? Register for a St. Paul CPR training course 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! We offer 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).

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

Why “Cough CPR” Is Not Useful or Effective

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If you’ve done any research on CPR, you’ve probably come across a method called “cough CPR,” in which a person suffering from a heart event can maintain blood flow and consciousness through repetitive coughing. However, the American Heart Association urges patients and laypeople not to learn or use “cough CPR” in any setting. Not only is it ineffective, but it could also make the patient’s condition worse by delaying life-saving treatment.

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What is “cough CPR?”

When a person experiences a sudden arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, they may be able to cough repetitively and forcefully enough to maintain sufficient blood flow and remain conscious until the arrhythmia is able to be treated.

cough cpr

Why doesn’t “cough CPR” work?

There’s one caveat that makes “cough CPR” ineffective: the patient must be conscious. Unresponsiveness is usually the trigger that causes attention from bystanders. Therefore, the opportunity for laypeople to perform it will most likely not arise.

Why could “cough CPR” be dangerous?

Any delay in restoring blood flow and oxygen to the brain could have lasting repercussions. So by attempting to perform an ineffective form of CPR – instead of calling emergency responders and performing traditional CPR until they arrive – could cause brain damage, or worse.

If you want to be able to provide lifesaving care at work, home or in any situation, the best option is to take an American Heart Association-authorized CPR/AED course, such as those offered by HeartCert CPR. Register for a course 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! We offer 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).

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

Hands-Only CPR Boost Bystander Intervention

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A new study has confirmed that the adoption of hands-only CPR has made bystanders more likely to perform CPR on someone in cardiac arrest. Because receiving any form of CPR doubles the odds of surviving a cardiac arrest, this is excellent, lifesaving news!

hands-only cpr

Hands-only CPR became more widely known and accepted after 2015, when the American Heart Association (AHA) guidelines included the option in its CPR guidelines. Now, instead of requiring both chest compressions and mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths, bystanders can choose to only perform compressions until medical help arrives.

In the study, Swedish researchers examined more than 30,400 people who suffered a cardiac arrest in a non-hospital setting. Twenty percent received hands-only CPR, while 39 percent received standard CPR and 40 percent received no CPR until emergency responders arrived.

This may seem like mixed results, but those numbers indicate a significant increase in bystander CPR performance rates. The numbers increased  from 40.8 percent in 2000-2005 to 68.2 percent in 2011-2017. And although this survey was performed in Sweden, recent research has shown similar increases in the United States.

According to the AHA, more than 325,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting every year in the United States. Receiving immediate CPR keeps the blood flow active until medical help arrives on scene. This more than doubles the odds of survival!

Do you want to be a lifesaver? Sign up for a HeartCert CPR class 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!

Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class, EMR Class or ACLS Class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan:

We also have three partner locations in greater Minnesota:

HeartCert CPR Introduces New Eagan Headquarters

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HeartCert CPR is excited to announce the grand opening of our new headquarters in Eagan! This new location will serve as our home base, providing a centralized location for our CPR courses and permitting us to offer new classes, such as our new training for Emergency Medical Responders.

Minutes from downtown Minneapolis, the Mall of America and MSP International Airport, and an easy drive from most Twin Cities suburbs, Eagan was a logical choice for our home base. The office is spacious and well-appointed, offering a welcoming and comfortable space to learn CPR, First Aid and more.

Eagan

In addition to CPR courses and our corporate offices, the Eagan location is also available for rent for meetings, trainings, conferences and more. With free parking and Wi-Fi, a fully-stocked kitchenette, on-site audio-visual and copy/scan/print equipment, multiple private office spaces and more, HeartCert Eagan is the perfect place to host your next corporate event. Our rates are competitive, and with 24/7 access, we can fit your schedule. Learn more, schedule a tour, and reserve space here!

We can’t wait to see you at our new location! Visit the Eagan class calendar and sign up for a course today. Contact us with any questions.

 

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!

Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class, EMR Class or ACLS Class at any of our convenient Minnesota locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan:

We also partner with Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.