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AHA CPR for the public and healthcare providers

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How to Organize CPR Training for Your Employees

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Do you know if your workforce is prepared for an emergency? You never know when or where you’ll be when the need for a medical emergency occurs, but when we spend 40+ hours in the same place each week, the probability of such an event occurring at the workplace increases.

According to the U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), approximately 10,000 sudden cardiac arrests occur in the workplace each year in the United States.

Implementing regular CPR training sessions and ensuring easy access to AEDs are proactive steps employers can take to enhance workplace safety and preparedness. Having trained staff can make the difference between life and death in the event of a workplace emergency; in this article, you’ll learn how you can easily organize CPR training for your employees.

What Types of Businesses Should Provide CPR Training?

While every workplace can benefit from CPR-certified staff, some industries have a higher need for quick emergency response. 

Here are a few examples:

  • Healthcare & Assisted Living Facilities
  • Childcare & Education
  • Construction & Manufacturing
  • Hospitality & Food Service
  • Gyms & Fitness Centers
  • Corporate Offices
  • Retail Stores & Shopping Centers

Choose the Right CPR Course Format

Next, you’ll want to determine what type of CPR course format is ideal for your employees. For businesses and large organizations, onsite CPR training is the most common method. This makes for an engaging experience for your employees and is often viewed as a team-building experience as well. For some groups, especially small businesses or varying schedule availability, you may decide to offer your employees online CPR certification options. You’ll also want to verify if the CPR class you are considering is an AHA or Red Cross-approved course. If you’re not sure what type of course is best for your organization, you can discuss your options with the CPR and first aid training provider you are planning to work with for recommendations. 

Partner With a Certified CPR Training Provider

Working with a certified CPR training provider, such as HeartCert, makes offering group CPR classes to your employees easy. Find a reputable CPR training provider by searching for an organization that offers training near you. You’ll want a training provider that offers the class type that works best for your employees and flexible scheduling that works for your business. It may be important that the training provider offers AHA or Red Cross-approved courses or can offer OSHA classes as well. We recommend looking at reviews and testimonials that demonstrate the training provider excels at group CPR trainings for employees.

Set a Schedule and Promote the Training

Once you determine which CPR training provider is the right partner for your company, you’ll work with them to find an ideal time for your employee CPR training that minimizes workplace disruption. Depending on your industry, you may choose to require employees to attend, or you can make the training an optional perk and encourage participation. You may want to use a sign-up sheet or an online registration platform, especially if you are a larger company or are offering multiple CPR certification sessions.

Track Participation and Certification Status

If you plan to regularly offer group first aid and CPR training to your employees, you’ll want to keep records of their certifications and when they will need to renew again. Some CPR training providers, such as HeartCert, will track the status of your employee safety training and CPR certification to make the process easy and manageable. 

Schedule CPR Training For Employees

When you invest in CPR training for your employees it can be more than just a step towards compliance, it’s a way of showing a commitment to their safety and well-being. By organizing CPR certification courses, you’re empowering your team with the skills to respond during critical moments and potentially saving lives. 

Don’t wait for an emergency to highlight the importance of preparedness. Schedule your group first aid and CPR training today to promote a safer workplace and give your employees the confidence to handle unforeseen situations.

Schedule Today

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

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 offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

Comparing CPR Methods for Infants, Children, and Adults

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Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is one of the most basic techniques to save a life that so many people in the world don’t know or aren’t comfortable using—and when someone does know how to utilize it, they might get caught up on the correct method for certain age groups. Knowing the proper method for CPR for every age might make you a little more comfortable if you ever need to use the life-saving technique. Today, we’re here to compare CPR methods for infants, children, and adults so that when you’re in an emergency, you’ll have confidence that you’ll know what to do. Even that extra moment of confidence can mean you save someone’s life.

When to Use CPR

First things first, how do you know when to use CPR? Generally, CPR is appropriate for anyone of any age who is: 

  • Unconscious and experiencing irregular breathing
  • Suffering from a heart attack
  • Pulled from the water after nearly drowning
  • Choking, gasping, or can’t breathe

 

Why is CPR Necessary?

CPR is a life-saving technique meant to keep blood pumping until help arrives. Without CPR, a person can’t get oxygen and their blood stops pumping. This leads to brain damage in just a few minutes followed by more severe consequences.

Before Starting CPR

Before starting CPR, ensure that the environment is safe for the person, determine whether they are unconscious by tapping or shaking them and loudly asking if they’re okay, and call 911 if you’re alone or have someone else call if you’re not. 

Types of Life-Saving CPR Methods

While CPR has a similar outcome in infants, children, and adults, the process differs greatly depending on the age range of the person. The younger a person is, the more delicate the procedure needs to be to ensure no irreparable damage is done—all while having enough force to get the blood pumping and keep the person alive.

Here’s how to differentiate between age groups:

  • Infant: Generally 1 year of age or younger—a baby.
  • Child: Older than 1 but has not yet reached puberty.
  • Adult: Has shown signs of puberty.

 

CPR Methods for Infants

Step 1 — Complete 30 Chest Compressions to Restore Blood Flow

For infant CPR, the baby should be placed on their back on a firm, flat surface. Then:

  • Stand or kneel at the side of the baby with your hips at an angle
  • Give 30 compressions with both thumbs side by side in the center of the chest, just below the nipple line, using your other fingers to support their sides and back
  • Push down hard and fast 1 ½ to 2 inches deep (around 100 to 120 per minute)
  • Let the chest return to normal after each compression

Step 2 — Give 2 Rescue Breaths to Open the Airway

Complete the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and open the airway by lifting the baby’s head and chin upward, to a neutral position. Then:

  • Blow into baby’s mouth for 1 second
    • Ensure each breath is making their chest rise
    • Let the air exit before giving another breath
  • If the breath doesn’t make their chest rise, reposition the head and ensure mouth positioning has a tight seal
  • Complete a second breath
  • If neither breaths make the chest rise, there could be an obstruction in the airway

Step 3 — Repeat Compression and Breaths

Continue 30 compression breaths and 2 breaths until:

  • Signs of life are restored
  • An AED is ready to be used
  • A medical responder takes over
  • The scene is deemed unsafe
  • You’re too tired to continue
  • You’ve done CPR for two minutes, you’re alone, and need to call 911 still

CPR Methods for Children

Step 1 — Complete 30 Chest Compressions to Restore Blood Flow

For child CPR, they should be placed on their back on a firm, flat surface. Then:

  • Kneel at the side of the child
  • Place the heel of one hand at the center of the child’s chest and place your other hand over the top with your fingers interlaced
    • Note: For small children, you can use a one-handed CPR technique if less pressure is needed
  • Push down hard and fast 2 inches deep at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute
  • Let the chest return to normal after each compression
  • Give 30 compressions

Step 2 — Give 2 Rescue Breaths to Open the Airway

Complete the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver and open the airway by lifting their head and chin upward, to a slightly past-neutral position. Then:

    • Blow into child’s mouth for 1 second
      • Ensure each breath is making their chest rise
      • Let the air exit before giving another breath
  • Note: For young babies, you can also do breaths over both their nose and mouth
  • If the breath doesn’t make their chest rise, reposition the head and ensure mouth positioning has a tight seal
  • Complete a second breath
  • If neither breaths make the chest rise, there could be an obstruction in the airway

Step 3 — Repeat Compression and Breaths

Continue 30 compression breaths and 2 breaths until:

  • Signs of life are restored
  • An AED is ready to be used
  • A medical responder takes over
  • The scene is deemed unsafe
  • You’ve done CPR for two minutes, you’re alone, and need to call 911 still

CPR Methods for Adults

Step 1 — Complete 30 Chest Compressions to Restore Blood Flow

For adult CPR, lay the person on their back on a firm surface. Then:

  • Place the lower palm of your hand over the chest, between the nipples, and place your other hand on top with your elbows straight
  • Give 30 hard and fast compressions to a depth of 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches at 100 to 120 compressions per minute
  • Put your entire weight into the compressions

Step 2 — Give 2 Rescue Breaths to Open the Airway

  • Lift the head using the head-tilt, chin-lift maneuver to open the person’s airways
  • Give breaths mouth-to-mouth (unless the mouth is injured, then do mouth-to-nose)
  • Pinch the nostrils shut and seal their mouth with your own
  • Give a one-second breath and check if the chest rises
    • If the chest doesn’t rise, reposition the head or check for obstructions
  • Give a second 1-second breath

Step 3 — Repeat Compression and Breaths

Continue 30 compression breaths and 2 breaths until:

  • Signs of life are restored
  • An AED is ready to be used
  • A medical responder takes over
  • The scene is deemed unsafe
  • You’ve done CPR for two minutes, you’re alone, and need to call 911 still

Comparison Between Infant, Child, and Adult CPR

The main comparison between infant, child, and adult CPR is that different hand positions, pressures, and mouth-to-mouth alignments will be used depending on the person’s age. You don’t want to use too much force with fragile infant bodies whereas you’ll need a lot of force for adults to compress properly to get the job done. If you have any questions about the process, contact our team at HeartCert to find out more information.

Tricks to Remember CPR Tips

  • Do compressions to the beat of the song, “Stayin’ Alive”
  • Spell CAB (Compressions, Airway, Breathing) to remember the CPR order
  • Place the person on a hard surface so the compressions have more effect; a pliable surface won’t make the same impact
  • Complete chest compressions and breathing for 2 minutes before calling 911 if you’re alone and you haven’t already

CPR Can Save Lives

CPS can quite literally save lives—and you have the opportunity to save someone in an emergency. All you have to do is get your certification to know the steps like a pro, and you’ll be on your way to changing lives for the better. You have the potential to save anyone from any age in an emergency. Are you ready to sign up for a course and get your CPR certification today?

Sign Up While Spots Last

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

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 offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

The Top Continuing Education Certifications for CNAs

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As a newly graduated or experienced Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) you may be looking for ways to expand your knowledge and skillset so you can be more confident in your abilities and provide better care to your patients. At HeartCert, we are proud to offer world-class CNA training and advanced healthcare training courses. In this article, we’ll share what we consider to be some of the top continuing education certifications for CNAs.

CNA smiling with both thumbs up in front of pink background

Why Continuing Education Matters for CNAs

Currently, Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) are not required to complete formal continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal; however, to maintain active status, CNAs must meet specific requirements, which vary by state.

For example, in Minnesota CNAs must work at least 8 hours performing nursing or nursing-related duties in a paid position every 24 months to remain active on the Minnesota Nursing Assistant Registry. Whereas in Iowa, guidelines state that CNAs must work at least one day every 24 months in a paid nursing role to stay active. In Utah, where requirements are more demanding, 200 hours are required within a 24 month period. 

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, CNAs should check with their state’s Nursing Assistant Registry or Department of Health. While CE hours may not be required, CNAs can benefit from additional certifications to expand their skills and career opportunities.

 

Key Certifications to Advance Your CNA Career

Some individuals may be concerned that virtual CPR training is not as informative or effective as in-person training may be. However, research has shown that online CPR courses are just as effective as traditional classes. This study compared in-person instructor-led CPR courses with online computer-based courses. The results showed that both groups performed similarly in CPR skills assessments, demonstrating that online learning is just as effective as face-to-face instruction.

Trained Medication Aide (TMA) Course

Trained medication aide training gives CNAs the training needed to administer certain medications under supervision. In a TMA course, CNAs will also learn how to deliver high-quality patient care, adhere to facility medication policy, and follow safety protocols while administering medications and treatments. This is an ideal course for any CNA, but it is especially beneficial for those working in assisted living or long-term care facilities.

Find Out More and Register for TMA Course

 

Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification

Basic Life Support (BLS) training covers essential skills like CPR, AED use, and emergency response. A BLS course is beneficial for CNAs because it gives them the ability to respond effectively in emergencies, potentially saving lives and providing critical support until advanced medical help arrives. BLS certification is required for many who hold a position in a hospital or home healthcare setting.

Learn More and Register for BLS Certification

 

Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS)

Another training CNAs may consider is Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS). This course focuses on managing cardiac emergencies. Although CNAs are eligible to take this advanced training, most skills learned are typically outside of a CNA’s duties. They are intended for other healthcare providers, but this can be beneficial training for career growth and CNAs who are planning to transition into nursing roles.

How ACLS Training Prepares Healthcare Professionals for Emergency Situations

Find Out More and Register for ACLS

 

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is a specialized training for responding to pediatric emergencies. This training is recommended and may be required for certified nursing assistants working in pediatric or neonatal care settings.

Learn More and Register for PALS Training

How PALS Training Improves Emergency Response for Pediatric Patients

 

These are some of the top continuing education certifications that CNAs will find themselves taking to grow in their career and apply new skills in their day-to-day work. However, there are some additional courses and training that those wanting to get into other specialized areas of care may consider. Let’s look at those next. 

Additional Continuing Education Options For CNA’s

  • EKG Technician Certification – Learn to assist with cardiac testing and monitoring
  • Wound Care Certification (WCC) – Useful for CNAs in long-term or post-acute care
  • Hospice and Palliative Care (CHPNA) – Specialized training for end-of-life care
  • Restorative Nursing Assistant (RNA) – Focuses on mobility and rehabilitation support
  • Dementia or Alzheimer’s Care Certification – Helps CNAs provide better care in memory care settings

 

Choosing the Right Certification for Your Career Goals

As you can see, there are many different trainings available to CNAs looking to enhance their skills for better patient outcomes and career advancements. When choosing which courses are right for you and your goals, consider things like workplace requirements, time commitment and long-term benefits. This will help ensure the trainings you take align with your career aspirations.

 

Get Started with CNA Continuing Education Today

At HeartCert, our goal is to be the #1 trusted partner nationwide for CPR, AED, CNA, and advanced healthcare provider training. We believe that ongoing education is essential for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and other healthcare professionals to maintain their skills, stay current with industry standards, and deliver the best care to their patients. Explore our extensive continuing education trainings today and take that next step in your professional journey.

Get Started Today

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

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 offer virtual courses and certifications, in all 50 states as well as in-person classes at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan and major cities in Iowa, Illinois, Georgia, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin.

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.

DHS Rule 3: Choosing the Right CPR and First Aid Class for Your Child Care Center

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todler at a daycare center

Are you a child care center provider that needs to find a CPR or First Aid class to meet your DHS Rule 3 requirement? HeartCert CPR has the classes you need to meet those requirements and ensure that your child care center is compliant.

What Class to Take for DHS Rule 3

Generally speaking, our Pediatric CPR/AED With First Aid courses offer all the requirements you need to be certified for your child care center:

Duration: 5 Hours

Intended Audience: Teachers, Daycare Providers, Coaches, Office Workers, new parents, or anyone who wants or needs to learn the life-saving skills of CPR and are not a healthcare professional (healthcare professionals are required to take the more advanced BLS Healthcare Provider CPR course).

Description: This class combines CPR, AED and First Aid Training in to one convenient session. Heartsaver CPR/AED with First Aid (as the American Heart Association classifies this course) teaches the skills necessary to recognize and provide immediate care for breathing problems, cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illnesses until medical personnel arrive. Participants will be certified by the American Heart Association for: Standard First Aid and CPR/AED for adults, children and infants. This course meets the Rule 2 and 3 requirements for childcare providers.

This course can also be taken in an convenient blended learning format where some coursework is done online before class to receive the same certification card. Click here for online / blended learning information.

This class is available at the following Minnesota locations:

Choose the location that works best for you. If you need more advanced training, we also offer BLS, ACLS and PALS courses.

 

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

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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

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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.

Snow Shoveling Safety

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Tips for Preventing a Cardiac Injury While Snow Shoveling

snow shovelingWinter has officially arrived in Minnesota, with snow storms the past two weekends forcing residents state-wide to pull out our shovels and fire up our snow blowers. Clearing our driveways and sidewalks is an added duty that we all have to tackle each winter and although it may be tiring and inconvenient, it can also be dangerous. A study conducted by US Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that every winter, almost 100 people in the United States die from cardiac-related injuries associated with snow shoveling. 

Whether it is a few inches or a whole foot of snow, there are things to remember when going to clear it all out. Snow can be heavy and pushing it around with a shovel and throwing it onto your snow banks is exhausting, whether you have been doing other physical activity or not. Here are some tips for safely shoveling snow:

  • Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
  • Take it slow and stretch out before you begin
  • Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it’s lighter
  • Push the snow rather than lifting it
  • If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel
  • Lift with your legs, not your back
  • Do not work to the point of exhaustion
  • Stay hydrated
  • Wear warm, breathable layers

If you are tackling a huge snowfall’s worth of snow, take frequent breaks, clearing your driveway in sections. If possible, get out and shovel while it is snowing to take it out layer by layer, before it gets too heavy or compacted.

If you are currently or have recently been facing lung or heart problems, consult a doctor first. At any feelings of tightness in the chest or dizziness, stop immediately. Always take your health into concern before worrying about shoveling your driveway. You are more important. If possible, shovel with someone else in your household or when a neighbor is shoveling as well so that you can monitor each other. If possible, keep your cell phone on your so that you can use it if need in an emergency.

Are you prepared to provide life-saving care in case of a snow-related cardiac emergency? HeartCert provides affordable, quality training to improve the quality of care and chance for survival in case of emergency. Plan your next on-site group training or attend a session at one of our convenient locations; click here to get started.

The Difference between a BLS and a Heartsaver Course

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Which Course Should You Be Taking?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you are looking to sign-up for a course for yourself or a group of people, there are a few things to consider. Why are you looking to take a First-Aid or CPR course? What level of skills are you looking to obtain? We offer various types of instruction that pertain to your needs and certifications. The following are the differences between our Basic Life Support (BLS) and Heartsaver courses.

Are you a Nurse, Doctor, Hospital/Clinic Personnel or Dental Assistant? If you said yes, than you are looking for a BLS course. This four-hour long course will train you on recognizing and responding to various life threatening emergencies. You will practice providing 1 and 2 rescuer CPR for adults, children and infants, as well as using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). You will also learn and practice how to relieve choking.

 

Find a Location Near You

 

If you are an individual with little or no medical training, looking for a course completion for another job such as in a day-care or school, then you are looking for the Heartsaver course. Here, you will be taught the basics of First-Aid, CPR, AED and how to provide assistant safely and timely in an effective manner. In addition, we will show how to recognize cardiac arrest and be able to help until EMS assistance arrives.

There are also other specific courses such as learning how to protect yourself and others from blood borne pathogens, prevention of disease transmission, infection control and pediatric care.

Determine which course best fits your needs and certifications and connect with us to sign up at a location near you.  With the assistance of our certified trainers, you will learn the different ways to effectively aid in the safety of another person and build the confidence in providing life-saving skills.

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 on-site group training or attend a session at one of our convenient locations; click here to get started.