CPR Recertification – Why Knowing the Latest is Best!

Some people believe that lifesaving training is based off of common sense, and that doing a course is a once in a lifetime thing. The fact is that first aid and CPR recertification training should be something we constantly return to and learn the latest. Not only is this preparing you better for an emergency, but it is also protecting those around you by becoming the knowledgeable individual present.

Over time, methods, practices, and approaches change and what we learned a few years ago in a CPR class no longer applies. Science is to thank for these changes. As we learn more about the human body and how it works, we can better understand how to assist in an emergency. Knowing the latest allows you to step in and confidently/properly help out. Not only that but it will also increase the chance of survival of the individual in need of assistance.

Changes to Past Approaches

Over the years as science has developed further, approaches to first aid and CPR have changed drastically. Research has proven many past approaches to be incorrect or can cause more harm to the individual. One prime example of this is the idea of patting on the back to aid someone who is choking. This was something encouraged and thought to be helpful for many years. After a while it was understood that this was not helping and was actually causing more harm than anything. Now, it has been brought back! It was concluded that any movement is good movement when a person is choking, so back-patting is once again encouraged. It may seem like a confusing tirade of changed minds, but it just proves that the more we study, the more we learn.

Another change that has occurred in the past few years was that CPR included mouth to mouth. This was discouraged for a while, seen as a way that contaminants could be passed and then harm could be done to the person providing aid. It is encouraged that if you have access to a barrier, it can prevent the direct contact and indeed helps the person in need. The only thing is, that because it was encouraged for so long to have a barrier, it had the potential to deter people from stepping in to save a life. Now it is taught that if no barrier is available, there is a compressions only option. This encourages the responder to begin compressions without the mouth to mouth, and know that it is beneficial. Any assistance is good, and although you are not providing the breaths, it is still a viable option to increase the individual’s survival rate.

Timeline for CPR Recertification

Although you may have taken a first aid or CPR class five years ago, things have definitely changed. Because lifesaving techniques develop yearly, you should get recertified in First Aid and CPR so that you are up to date in case you do happen to be the first responder in an emergency. The recommended renewal for your certification is every 3 years. A lot can change in that time and there will be new and improved methods to the practices you already know (such as J-Thrust versus the Heimlich). These updates may not just be about changing the methods you learned in the past, but as technology improves there are various devices we can now use to assist a person.

AED’s, for example, are a great tool that has been increasingly used. Although these devices are not mandatory for every building and business, the noticeable impact of these machines is moving in that direction. By having an AED present and using it right away when an emergency occurs, the individual’s chance of survival more than doubles. First aid classes and CPR courses will review and explain these machines in more detail and will explain just how helpful they can be!

It is always a good idea to stay up to date and get recertified in your first aid and CPR training. Knowing the latest may adjust the way you approach a situation and can then better help the individual. Procedures can change and new technology and methods can be introduced. Even simple changes or reminders, like the speed and placement of your hand when giving CPR, can greatly impact chances of survival. Know the latest, be prepared, and be ready to respond when and if the time should come!

Looking to update your training? First Edition First Aid offers hands-on classes, as well as courses that can be done online. Check out our website for more information!

Have you ever seen a television show that features CPR? Did you know that many times Hollywood actually gets it wrong? Take a look at the following tv shows that didn’t get it right and those that did, and what they did correctly/incorrectly!