Updated AHA CPR Guidelines Bring Major Changes to Resuscitation Practice in 2026

American Heart CPR and First Aid certificate

The American Heart Association (AHA) has released its newest 2025 CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) Guidelines, shaping how CPR training and response is taught and practiced across the country. These updates — the first major full revision since 2020 — reflect the latest evidence and aim to improve survival from sudden cardiac arrest for all ages and in all settings.

What’s New in the AHA CPR Guidelines

1. One Unified “Chain of Survival”
The updated guidance replaces multiple versions of the Chain of Survival with one single model that applies to all cardiac arrest situations — adult, pediatric, and both in and out of hospital settings. This simplifies training and helps ensure rescuers use the same core steps regardless of the situation.

2. Expanded Choking Response Recommendations
For the first time, the AHA includes specific guidance on choking intervention for conscious adults and children — alternating five back blows with five abdominal thrusts until the airway is cleared or the person becomes unresponsive. For infants, the guidance calls for five back blows and five chest thrusts using the heel of the hand.

3. Opioid Overdose Response Included
The guidelines now contain a formal algorithm for suspected opioid overdose emergencies, including when and how to use naloxone in addition to CPR — a critical addition given the ongoing overdose crisis.

4. Lay Rescuer Training Emphasized
Evidence continues to support that bystander CPR saves lives, but less than half of cardiac arrest victims in the U.S. receive CPR from a bystander before EMS arrival. These new recommendations underscore the importance of broad community training and support for teaching CPR to people as young as 12.

Why These National Changes Matter Everywhere

CPR Outcomes Depend on Quick, Effective Action

Survival from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains low — around 10.5% in the U.S. — and even those who make it to the hospital may not survive to discharge. Prompt bystander CPR and early defibrillation are the most critical steps to change that.

Simplified Guidelines Mean Better Training

A unified Chain of Survival and clearer protocols make it easier for everyday people — parents, teachers, coaches, and neighbors — to remember and act without hesitation in a crisis.

Addressing Real Emergencies Beyond Classic Cardiac Arrest

Including choking response and opioid overdose protocols broadens CPR training from being a “heart-only” skill to a comprehensive emergency response tool that helps in the most common real-world life-threatening scenarios.

Takeaways for Your Community

These updated CPR guidelines aren’t just technical details for clinicians. They reflect evolving evidence about what works in emergencies, and they are designed so that everyone — not just healthcare workers — can act confidently when it matters most.

Here’s what individuals and communities should focus on:

• Learn Hands-Only CPR and AED use — it could double or triple someone’s chance of survival.
• Understand the updated choking response techniques for adults, kids, and infants.
• Be prepared to recognize and respond to opioid-related breathing emergencies.
• Encourage friends, family, and coworkers to get certified — especially young people.

👉 Get certified with In-Pulse CPR’s hands-on CPR + AED courses to train with the latest AHA guidance and be ready to help in real emergencies.
Because preparedness isn’t just recommended — it saves lives.

Ordinary Morning, Extraordinary Heroism — Strangers Perform CPR and Save a Life in Rochester

In Rochester, Minnesota, an ordinary morning turned into an extraordinary lifesaving moment when a group of strangers sprang into action to help a man in sudden medical distress — a real-world reminder of why CPR training matters for everyone.

On October 6, 2025, a Rochester resident suddenly became unresponsive while sitting inside his vehicle on Bandel Road NW. Witnesses reported that the man was unconscious and possibly experiencing cardiac arrest. In that critical moment — before professional help could arrive — a bystander named Tricia Sommers recognized the emergency and began performing CPR to help keep blood circulation going until paramedics could take over.

Thanks to the split-second decision by Sommers and others who helped or supported her decision to act, the man was transported to St. Marys Hospital for further treatment, where he awaited heart stenting procedures.

What Happened in Rochester?

This event was not a staged demonstration or high-tech rescue — it was a real cardiac emergency that happened in a neighborhood most days don’t see headlines. When faced with someone who was unconscious and not breathing normally, a group of ordinary people became extraordinary by stepping in and starting CPR right away.

According to emergency medical experts and the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival following sudden cardiac arrest, especially when started before EMS arrives. Early high-quality chest compressions help keep oxygenated blood flowing to vital organs — particularly the brain — during those first crucial minutes.

Why This Rochester Story Matters for Minnesota

1. Cardiac Arrest Can Happen Anywhere

Whether you’re driving to work, shopping, or sitting in your car, cardiac emergencies don’t wait for help to show up. But trained bystanders can be the help.

2. Bystander Action Saves Lives

In this case in Rochester, the decision to act quickly with CPR likely made the critical difference between life and loss.

3. Preparedness Beats Panic

Knowing the basic steps of CPR — checking responsiveness, calling 911, and starting compressions — empowers everyday Minnesota residents to respond confidently in emergencies.

CPR in Minnesota: A Community Priority

Across the state, efforts to improve outcomes from cardiac arrest increasingly emphasize public training and accessibility of lifesaving skills. Initiatives like Take Heart Anoka County and other community CPR/AED education programs show there’s growing momentum to equip more Minnesotans with the tools and confidence to act.

What You Can Do

Minnesota residents can take action right now to become lifesavers in their own communities:

  • Get Hands-On CPR + AED Training
    Classroom or blended certified courses build muscle memory and confidence — far beyond just watching videos.
  • Learn the Chain of Survival
    Knowing how to call 911, start compressions, and use an AED fast is essential.
  • Encourage Community AED Access
    More defibrillators in public places mean more chances to make a lifesaving shock available when it matters most.

Be Ready to Help — Be the Difference

This Rochester save is a powerful reminder: You don’t need to be a medical professional to make a lifesaving difference. With proper CPR training, ordinary people can save real lives.

👉 Sign up for an In-Pulse CPR course in Minnesota today and be prepared to act when every second counts.

Minnesota AED Installed Days Before Saves Life at Pickleball Court

In Eden Prairie, Minnesota, a lifesaving moment unfolded at a community pickleball court — and it hinged on both preparation and action. On October 7, 2025, Rory Bakke collapsed suddenly during a game at the Miller Park pickleball courts. Thanks to a newly installed AED (Automated External Defibrillator) and prompt response from his girlfriend and bystanders, Rory’s life was saved.

The AED had been mounted just days before the incident — a decision made after community members raised awareness for cardiac emergency preparedness. When Rory went into cardiac arrest and fell unconscious, Sunny Saengdara didn’t hesitate. By the time paramedics arrived, she had already used the AED and CPR efforts were underway — helping restore Rory’s pulse and stabilizing him for transport to the hospital.

His survival highlights two critical elements of real-world cardiac arrest response:

1. AED Access Saves Lives
Early defibrillation dramatically increases survival chances during cardiac arrest, especially when used within minutes of collapse.

2. Bystander Action Matters
Sunny and other witnesses stepped in immediately — a reminder that having trained responders nearby can make all the difference.

This Minnesota story is more than a headline. It’s a local demonstration that preparation, awareness, and action save lives — whether on a sports court, in a mall, or at home.

Pennsylvania Stories That Prove CPR Training Saves Lives

Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anywhere—on ballfields, at community events, or even in the middle of teaching others how to save lives. In Pennsylvania over the past year, two incredible real-world rescues underscore the lifesaving impact of early CPR and AED use, and why training matters for every community.

EMT Turned Patient: When the Rescuer Needed Rescue

In an ironic twist, a Cumberland County EMT who teaches CPR found himself on the receiving end of it at a public event. While providing standby care at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Lemoyne, UPMC paramedic Matt Warner suffered a sudden heart attack.

Colleagues and fellow EMS providers instantly recognized the emergency, started chest compressions, and used an AED until Warner regained a pulse.
He survived and continues to share his story as a powerful reminder that anyone can become a cardiac arrest victim—even trained professionals.

This dramatic moment highlights a core truth:
Cardiac arrest does not discriminate, and even the most prepared professionals benefit from fast, coordinated response. Early CPR and AED use make the difference between survival and tragedy.

A Coach’s Collapse and a Team That Refused to Lose

In Montoursville, a community came together to save one of their own. Softball coach Robyn Hagemeyer suddenly collapsed during practice at Indian Park, suffering cardiac arrest in front of her team.

Within seconds, bystanders sprang into action. One began CPR immediately, and another trained volunteer confirmed she had no pulse and continued chest compressions.
An on-site AED was retrieved with dispatcher guidance, and three defibrillator shocks helped restore her heart rhythm.

EMS arrived in under four minutes—a rapid response made even more effective by the immediate actions of community members.

Hagemeyer not only survived but returned to coaching, leading her team to success just weeks after her recovery.

What These Stories Have in Common

These two Pennsylvania CPR events teach the same lifesaving lessons:

1. Every Second Counts

For every minute without CPR, survival chances drop by about 10 percent. Immediate action buys time until professional help arrives.

2. Bystander CPR Works

In both cases—whether an EMT in trouble or a coach collapsing during practice—trained or confident bystanders made the critical first move.

3. AEDs Save Hearts

An AED was essential in Hagemeyer’s case, and quick defibrillation dramatically improves survival odds after cardiac arrest.

4. Training Builds Confidence

Whether someone has formal training or has practiced skills regularly, they’re far more likely to act when it matters most.

Pennsylvania Needs More CPR Champions

Despite these successes, less than half of adults who experience cardiac arrest outside a hospital receive bystander CPR. That means too many victims don’t get the lifesaving care they need in those first critical minutes.

Imagine if more teachers, parents, coaches, and community members felt confident stepping in.

Be Prepared. Be Empowered. Get Trained.

These Pennsylvania stories remind us that CPR isn’t just a skill—it’s a community strength.
When more people know how to respond, more lives are saved.

👉 Learn CPR with In-Pulse CPR
Hands-on skills, AED practice, and real confidence that prepares you for real emergencies.

Your training could be the difference between life and death.
Start today.

Workplace CPR Training Can Save Lives—and Reduce Risk – Updated 2026

students training on CPR

Cardiac Arrest at Work Is a Time Problem — CPR Training Solves It

Every day in the United States, about 1,200 people die from sudden cardiac arrest. Most do not die because no one called 911. They die because help did not arrive fast enough.

In a workplace emergency, time is the enemy.

  • Brain injury can begin in 4–6 minutes
  • Average EMS response time is 8–10 minutes
  • Each minute without CPR reduces survival by 7–10 percent

That gap is where lives are lost — and where workplace CPR training makes the difference.

Calling 911 Is Necessary — But Not Enough

Calling 911 is critical. It is also only the first step.

Until paramedics arrive, nothing is circulating oxygen to the brain or heart unless someone on site starts CPR. In many workplace cardiac arrests, CPR either never starts or starts too late.

The reality is simple:
Employees are the first responders.

Why Cardiac Arrest Happens at Work

Sudden cardiac arrest does not require a hospital or a medical setting. It happens every day in:

  • Offices
  • Warehouses
  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Schools and churches
  • Gyms, retail spaces, break rooms, and parking lots

When it happens, survival depends on who acts in the first few minutes — not who arrives later.

CPR Training Is Risk Control

For employers, CPR training is not a “nice to have.” It is risk management.

Untrained workplaces face:

  • Preventable loss of life
  • OSHA exposure
  • Workers’ compensation claims
  • Business interruption
  • Legal and reputational risk

Trained workplaces reduce those risks by ensuring someone can act during the most dangerous minutes of an emergency.

Which CPR Course Is Right for Your Workplace?

The correct CPR course depends on your environment and the level of responsibility your employees carry, not medical credentials.

Heartsaver CPR/AED

This is the core training for most workplaces, including offices, warehouses, manufacturing, retail, schools, churches, gyms, and corporate environments.

Employees learn how to:

  • Recognize sudden cardiac arrest
  • Call 911 and act immediately
  • Perform effective CPR
  • Use an AED with confidence

This course focuses on life-saving action during the critical first minutes of an emergency.

Optional Add-On Training: Expand Preparedness

Some workplaces choose to go beyond CPR by adding supplemental training based on their risk profile.

First Aid (Add-On)

First Aid training is an optional addition for workplaces with:

  • Higher injury risk
  • Safety teams or supervisors
  • Employees responsible for others

First Aid training covers:

  • Bleeding control
  • Injury and illness response
  • Shock and medical emergencies

Bloodborne Pathogens (Add-On)

Bloodborne Pathogen (BBP) training is an optional add-on for workplaces where employees may encounter blood or bodily fluids during emergencies or cleanup.

BBP training focuses on:

  • Recognizing exposure risks
  • Using gloves and barrier devices
  • Universal precautions
  • Proper cleanup and disposal
  • Protecting the responder while assisting others

These add-ons do not replace CPR — they expand workplace preparedness where appropriate.

What Every In-Pulse CPR Class Includes

All In-Pulse CPR workplace classes provide:

  • Adult, child, and infant CPR training
  • Hands-on AED practice
  • Realistic workplace scenarios
  • Two-year American Heart Association certification
  • On-site training for groups of 5–25+ employees

Optional First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogen training can be added based on your workplace needs.

The goal is not memorization.
The goal is fast, confident action when minutes matter.

The Bottom Line

Cardiac arrest at work is not rare.
It is not predictable.
And it does not wait for EMS.

CPR training fills the time gap that costs lives.

In-Pulse CPR delivers American Heart Association–certified CPR and AED training directly at your workplace — with optional First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogen add-ons when needed.

Train your staff to act in the minutes that matter most.

Next Step

If you’re responsible for safety, HR, or operations, this decision is simple.

Train your staff now — before you need them.

Contact In-Pulse CPR today to schedule workplace CPR and AED training at your location.

We’ll handle the training.
Your team will handle the emergency.

For dummies – What Is CPR?

CPR Class

CPR is something people do when someone’s heart stops working.

Your heart is like a pump.
It pushes blood around your body so your brain and body get air and energy.

If the heart stops, the blood stops moving.
That means the brain does not get the air it needs.

That is very dangerous.

CPR is when someone pushes on the chest to help the heart keep moving blood until doctors or firefighters can help.

Why Do People Push on the Chest?

When you push on someone’s chest, it squeezes the heart inside.
That makes the blood move, just like the heart normally does.

Even though it is not as strong as a real heartbeat, it is strong enough to keep the person alive for a little while.

That gives time for:

• An ambulance to come
• A doctor to help
• A special machine called a defibrillator to fix the heart

When Do You Use CPR?

You use CPR when someone:

• Is not waking up
• Is not breathing
• Has fallen down and looks still

That means their heart might not be working.

Why Is CPR Important?

Your brain needs air all the time.
If it does not get air for a few minutes, it can be hurt forever.

CPR keeps the air and blood moving so the brain stays okay.

It is like keeping a fire going with little puffs of air until someone can fix it.

Who Can Do CPR?

Anyone can learn CPR.

Grown-ups, teachers, parents, and even kids can learn how to help.

Knowing CPR means you can be a hero when someone needs help.

The Big Idea

CPR is how we help someone stay alive when their heart stops.

It gives them time to be saved.

And that is a really powerful thing.

Teen’s Quick Thinking on Christmas Eve Helps Save Dad’s Life With CPR

In Spring Hill, Tennessee, a Christmas Eve that could’ve ended in tragedy instead became a powerful reminder of why CPR training matters.

Frank Georgalos, owner of the beloved local Grecian restaurant, collapsed suddenly at home on December 24 after experiencing a heart emergency.

With his heartbeat failing and breathing gone, the situation was critical — but help was already standing right beside him.

A Son Steps Up in the Most Critical Moment

Frank’s 16-year-old son, Alex Georgalos, sprang into action without hesitation. Instead of freezing in panic, Alex began performing CPR on his father right there in the living room.

He relied on the skills he had learned — including timing his chest compressions to the beat of Stayin’ Alive, a rhythm taught in many CPR courses and used widely as an easy memory aid for the correct compression tempo.

Paramedics later credited Alex’s compressions with helping keep vital blood flow going until they could take over and rush Frank to the hospital.

From Crisis to Critical Care

Frank was transported to Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital in stable condition and underwent emergency heart surgery.

While his recovery continues, his family and community are rallying around him — reflecting both the impact of their restaurant’s years of service and the power of a son’s decisive action on a night that could have been so much worse.

Why This Story Matters for You

This Spring Hill family’s experience highlights three essential truths about cardiac emergencies:

1. Sudden cardiac events can happen anytime.
Frank’s collapse wasn’t expected — it happened during a normal evening at home. Cardiac arrest doesn’t announce itself.

2. Early CPR can mean the difference between life and death.
Performing chest compressions immediately helps keep oxygen flowing to the brain and vital organs while waiting for EMS. Alex’s quick action likely made all the difference.

3. Knowing CPR gives everyday people real power.
This wasn’t a professional responder — it was a teenager saving his own father. That’s the kind of impact CPR training is meant to have.

A Local Reminder: Be Prepared

Tennessee families and communities benefit when more people are trained and confident in CPR. Whether it’s a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger, someone trained in CPR can keep a critical situation from becoming a tragedy.

❤️ Learn CPR. Practice it regularly. Get certified.
It’s not just a skill — it’s a second chance in someone’s most critical hour.

New MN Law: Child care Workers required to be CPR trained 2026

CPR classes in Minnesota

Originally written by  Carin Mangimeli.  Updated by In-Pulse CPR training staff December 2025

A Minnesota state law (MN Statute § 245A.40) requires licensed child-care programs to have at least one staff member trained in pediatric CPR present whenever children are in care. This includes licensed child-care centers and licensed family child-care (home-based) programs.

Who Must Be Trained

Before having unsupervised direct contact with children, staff must complete:

  • Pediatric CPR (infant and child)

  • Obstructed-airway (choking) training

  • Hands-on skills practice and assessment

Training must be documented in staff files.

Timing Requirements

  • New staff must complete pediatric CPR training before they are responsible for children without supervision.

  • Renewal is required at least every two years.

  • Many facilities train multiple staff members, ensuring coverage during breaks, illness, or turnover.

Field Trips and Off-Site Activities

If children leave the child-care premises for a field trip or facility-sponsored activity, a CPR-trained staff person must accompany them at all times.

CPR vs. First Aid Requirements

Minnesota licensing rules also require staff to hold current pediatric first aid training. While CPR focuses on resuscitation and breathing emergencies, first aid classes cover:

  • Choking prevention and assistance

  • Illness and injury response

  • Treatment of traumatic injuries

Most programs choose to train employees in CPR and First Aid together for full compliance and safety.

Why This Law Exists

Minnesota updated its childcare training rules after several infant emergencies in facilities where staff did not have CPR skills. Research shows many parents believe childcare workers are trained in CPR, but not all programs were providing that training before the requirements were strengthened.

Where to Get Certified

CPR certification can be obtained through American Heart Association–approved classes taught by certified instructors. Classes are available throughout Minnesota.

To attend a required class…

Visit our Minnesota class calendar at /minnesota/#public

CPR training, childcare CPR, Minnesota CPR requirements, pediatric CPR, daycare CPR, early childhood CPR, first aid certification, MN statute 245A.40

In Minnesota, childcare licensing is regulated by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS), through its Licensing Division within Children and Family Services. County human services departments assist in inspections, approvals, and compliance monitoring for both childcare centers and family childcare providers.

Childcare Licensing Resources – Metro & Central Minnesota Counties

Hennepin County (Minneapolis metro)
https://www.hennepin.us/en/business/licenses-permits/family-child-care-licensing

Ramsey County (Saint Paul metro)
https://www.ramseycountymn.gov/businesses/licenses-permits-inspections/licenses-inspections/child-care-licensing

Anoka County
https://www.anokacountymn.gov/660/Family-Child-Care-Licensing Anoka County+1

Dakota County
https://www.co.dakota.mn.us/HealthFamily/ChildCare Dakota County+1

Carver County
https://www.carvercountymn.gov/departments/health-human-services/child-family/family-child-care-licensing Carver County

Scott County
https://www.scottcountymn.gov/351/Child-Care-Licensing scottcountymn.gov

Washington County
https://www.washingtoncountymn.gov/748/Child-Care-Licensing

Stearns County (St. Cloud / central MN)
https://www.stearnscountymn.gov/1032/Child-Care-Search

Sherburne County (central MN)
https://www.co.sherburne.mn.us/361/Child-Care-Providers-Licensing

Olmsted County (Rochester / SE MN)
https://www.olmstedcounty.gov/business/business-licensing-permits/child-care

Across the country, babysitters and childcare providers are recognizing how critical CPR and First Aid training is when caring for children. These real-world stories highlight how caregivers in different states are preparing themselves to respond confidently in emergencies.

The Muscle Memory of Life: Why Our Live Skills Sessions Are Non-Negotiable

When a life is on the line, the difference between success and failure is muscle memory. High-quality CPR is a hands-on skill you simply cannot learn from a screen.
During a real cardiac arrest, your body relies on trained muscle memory—not theoretical knowledge. And that level of readiness only comes from live, instructor-led CPR practice, not online-only courses.

That’s why online-only CPR certification is not considered effective or American Heart Association (AHA) compliant.

Why CPR Requires Muscle Memory (Not Just Knowledge)

CPR is a performance-based, physical skill. In a high-stress emergency situation, adrenaline spikes, fine motor control drops, and panic sets in. Your body must fall back on the skills you’ve practiced repeatedly with real feedback.

Proper CPR requires:

  • 2–2.4 inch compression depth
  • Full chest recoil
  • Correct hand placement
  • 100–120 compressions per minute
  • Rapid, accurate AED use

These life-saving components cannot be validated online.

Why Online-Only CPR Certification Falls Short

Online videos can teach you the concepts, but they cannot ensure you can actually perform CPR correctly. Fully online programs cannot:

  • Measure compression depth or rate
  • Identify leaning or missed recoil
  • Correct hand placement
  • Evaluate breathing performance
  • Provide real-time instructor feedback

This is why online-only CPR certifications are not accepted by hospitals, schools, medical programs, or most employers.

Why In-Pulse CPR Requires Live Skills Sessions

Hands-on CPR training is non-negotiable at In-Pulse CPR because it provides the real-world skill development online courses simply can’t offer.

1. High-Fidelity Manikins

Our advanced manikins measure depth, recoil, rate, and ventilation accuracy—ensuring your technique meets proven survival standards.

2. Real Instructor Feedback (From Actual Medical Professionals)

Our AHA-certified instructors—many of whom are paramedics, nurses, and EMTs—correct your form instantly so you build accurate, life-saving muscle memory that holds up under stress.

3. AHA-Compliant Certification

The American Heart Association requires an in-person skills check for certification. Every In-Pulse CPR student completes this essential evaluation.

4. Proven Results Across Multiple States

With 150,000+ students trained across Minnesota, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee, our in-person CPR classes deliver validated, trusted, and widely accepted training outcomes.

Ready to Build True Life-Saving Muscle Memory?

Don’t risk a certificate that won’t help you in a real emergency. In-Pulse CPR provides AHA-certified, hands-on training that is trusted by hospitals, employers, and schools nationwide.

Find your nearest class today in Minnesota, Florida, Pennsylvania, or Tennessee and train with the best.

The Bottom Line

In an emergency, you won’t rise to the level of your knowledge—you’ll fall to the level of your training.
Hands-on CPR practice is the only way to build the muscle memory needed to save a life when seconds matter.

🩺 AHA 2025 Medical Professionals Guide: Critical Changes for Healthcare Providers

Introduction

The American Heart Association (AHA) has released its 2025 updates to the Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) and to Hypertension Management. These evidence-based revisions impact prehospital responders, hospital teams, and clinicians focused on cardiovascular prevention and resuscitation outcomes. Below is a concise summary of the key updates most relevant to medical professionals.

Major CPR & ECC Updates (2025)

  • Unified Chain of Survival:
    A single, standardized Chain of Survival now applies across all settings — adult and pediatric, in-hospital and out-of-hospital — emphasizing integration between community response and post-arrest care systems.
  • Revised Choking Algorithm:
    For responsive adults and children, alternate 5 back blows with 5 abdominal thrusts until airway clearance or loss of responsiveness. For infants, alternate 5 back blows with 5 chest thrusts (abdominal thrusts are not recommended in infants).
  • Opioid-Associated Emergency Algorithm:
    Expanded guidance emphasizes rapid assessment, early naloxone administration (by laypersons or trained providers), and immediate initiation of CPR if no normal breathing or pulse is detected.
  • Post–Cardiac Arrest Temperature Control:
    Continue targeted temperature management for ≥36 hours for unresponsive adult patients following ROSC to optimize neurological outcomes.
  • Ethics in Resuscitation:
    A new dedicated chapter outlines principles surrounding end-of-life decision-making, withdrawal of care, equitable resuscitation practices, and ethics education for providers.
  • Education and Systems of Care:
    Reinforces the importance of simulation, debriefing, and high-quality training metrics. The AHA now recognizes that children aged 12 years and older can effectively learn CPR and AED operation.

Hypertension Guideline Highlights (2025)

  • Treatment Thresholds and Targets:
    The <130/80 mm Hg target is maintained for most adults, but clinicians are urged to initiate interventions earlier to prevent cardiovascular, renal, and cognitive complications.
  • Risk Stratification:
    Introduction of the PREVENT™ Equation to replace prior ASCVD risk calculators, providing improved prediction of both short- and long-term cardiovascular events.
  • Therapeutic Sequencing:
    For adults with BP ≥130/80 mm Hg and low calculated risk (<7.5%), pharmacologic therapy should be initiated if lifestyle modification for 3–6 months fails to achieve targets.
  • Special Populations:
    Expanded recommendations for chronic kidney disease, pregnancy, resistant hypertension, and older adults — emphasizing individualized care.
  • Diagnostic Screening:
    Routine urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio testing is now recommended for all adults with hypertension. Screening for primary aldosteronism is advised for resistant hypertension, even in the absence of hypokalemia.
  • Lifestyle Reinforcement:
    Renewed focus on dietary patterns (DASH or Mediterranean-style), regular aerobic activity, weight reduction, limited alcohol intake, adequate sleep, and stress management.

Clinical Impact

These updates refine the standard of care for both emergency response and chronic cardiovascular management. For healthcare providers, staying aligned with AHA guidelines ensures continuity in evidence-based practice, improves patient outcomes, and supports consistent national training standards.

Stay Current with AHA-Certified Training

In-Pulse CPR delivers AHA-approved BLS certification and renewal courses for medical professionals across Minnesota, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. Our programs are changing to incorporate the 2025 updates to ensure clinicians maintain compliance and confidence in high-acuity situations.

👉 View Upcoming Certification Courses

❤️ A Simplified Explanation of the new AHA 2025 Updates Explained

What’s Happening

The American Heart Association (AHA) just shared new rules about CPR and heart health. These updates help everyone — from teachers to parents to students — know the best ways to save a life and keep our hearts healthy.

Big Changes for CPR

  • 🫁 One Easy Plan for Everyone: There’s now one main “Chain of Survival” to follow in any emergency, for kids or adults, at home or in the hospital.
  • 🚨 New Way to Help Someone Choking: Give 5 back blows, then 5 belly thrusts, and keep switching until they can breathe or go unresponsive. For babies, use 5 back blows and 5 chest pushes — no belly thrusts for infants.
  • 💊 Help for Opioid Emergencies: If someone has overdosed, use naloxone (Narcan) right away and start CPR if needed.
  • ❄️ Cooling After Cardiac Arrest: Doctors now keep the body cool for at least a day and a half (about 36 hours) after a person’s heart stops, to protect the brain.
  • 👩‍🏫 Learning CPR Young: Kids age 12 and older can now be officially trained in CPR and AED use — helping more people learn to save lives.

New Tips for Healthy Blood Pressure

  • 💓 Keep It Under 130/80: The “safe zone” for blood pressure stays the same, but doctors say we should work on lowering it sooner to avoid heart and brain problems.
  • 🧮 New Risk Calculator: The AHA now uses something called the PREVENT™ Equation to figure out a person’s risk for heart disease.
  • 👶 Special Care: There are new rules for people with kidney problems, moms-to-be, and those who have a hard time controlling blood pressure.
  • 🥗 Healthy Habits First: Eat lots of fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins. Be active, sleep well, and find ways to relax.

Why It Matters

These new guidelines help people act fast in an emergency — and help everyone keep their hearts strong. When more people know CPR and make healthy choices, more lives can be saved.

Learn CPR with In-Pulse CPR

At In-Pulse CPR, we teach the newest AHA methods in our fun, hands-on classes. You can find classes for schools, workplaces, and families in Minnesota, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee.

👉 Find a CPR Class Near You

American Heart 2025 AHA 2025 Guideline Updates: What’s New in CPR and Blood Pressure Care

🩺

Introduction

The American Heart Association (AHA) has just released its 2025 updates to the CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) guidelines — along with new recommendations for hypertension (high blood pressure) management. These updates bring important changes for both healthcare professionals and everyday lifesavers.

Key CPR & ECC Updates

  • Unified Chain of Survival: A single streamlined model now applies to all cardiac arrest situations — in-hospital, out-of-hospital, adult, and pediatric.
  • Updated Choking Response: For adults and children, alternate 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts until the object is cleared or the person becomes unresponsive. Infants now receive 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts (no abdominal thrusts).
  • Opioid Overdose Response: Expanded emphasis on rapid naloxone use and public access to opioid emergency kits.
  • Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Maintain controlled temperature for at least 36 hours for patients who remain unresponsive after cardiac arrest.
  • Ethics & Education: A new ethics section addresses life-support decisions and training fairness. CPR education for youth ages 12+ is also newly endorsed.

Key Hypertension (Blood Pressure) Updates

  • Same Goal, Earlier Action: The <130/80 mm Hg target remains but with stronger emphasis on early treatment and prevention.
  • New Risk Tool: The PREVENT™ Equation replaces older calculators to better estimate cardiovascular risk.
  • Focus on Special Populations: Updated recommendations for those with kidney disease, resistant hypertension, or pregnancy-related high BP.
  • Lifestyle First: Reinforced guidance on healthy diet, physical activity, weight control, stress management, and adequate sleep.

Why These Updates Matter

These changes reflect a growing focus on prevention, faster emergency action, and better survival outcomes. For CPR providers, first responders, and everyday citizens, it means clearer guidance — and more lives saved.

Learn or Renew Your CPR Certification

At In-Pulse CPR, our instructors follow the latest AHA standards in every class. Whether you need BLS for healthcare, First Aid, or AED training, our classrooms across Minnesota, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee are ready to help you stay current.

👉 View Upcoming Classes Near You

How to Host a Group CPR Training at Work (with In-Pulse CPR)

Emergencies don’t give advance notice — and when one happens in the workplace, being ready can make all the difference. Having a team trained, confident, and able to act immediately improves the chances of the best possible outcome. At In-Pulse CPR, we help businesses throughout Tampa Bay and Central Florida bring on-site group CPR training to their teams — making it easy, effective, and built around your schedule.

Why schedule group CPR training at your workplace?

Workplaces are community hubs, and they shouldn’t just be production sites — they should be safe places where people feel looked after. Here are some of the key reasons to bring group CPR training into your company:

  • Rapid response matters. When someone collapses or goes into cardiac arrest, each passing second counts. A trained coworker can start CPR or use an AED before EMS arrives.
  • It shows you care. Offering training demonstrates to your staff that their safety is a priority — boosting morale and engagement.
  • It strengthens your safety culture. CPR training is a tangible step toward a more prepared, resilient workplace.
  • Compliance and readiness. Depending on your industry and location you may have regulatory expectations (OSHA, etc.). Having a trained team helps you meet them and go beyond.
  • Local relevance. Whether you’re in an office, clinic, fitness center, or manufacturing site around Tampa, Brandon, Clearwater, or St. Petersburg, In-Pulse CPR provides tailored, professional training at your location.

How to organize the training — step by step

Here’s how you can set up an effective group CPR session with In-Pulse CPR in just a few clear steps.

1. Define your group and scope

Decide which teams will participate — e.g., production, maintenance, administrative staff, managers. How many participants? A typical class size ensures each person gets hands-on practice, so plan for an appropriate instructor-to-student ratio.

2. Pick date, time, and location

On-site training is often easiest: we bring the certified instructor and equipment to your facility. Choose a location with enough space for practical exercises (manikins, AED simulators). Consider shift schedules or staggered sessions to minimize downtime.

3. Select the right course level

In-Pulse CPR offers several course options to meet your workplace’s needs:

  • CPR & AED Training — Core lifesaving skills for adult, child, and infant emergencies.
  • First Aid + CPR + AED Combo — Ideal for safety teams and supervisors who may face a range of emergencies.
  • Bloodborne Pathogens (BBP) Training — Teaches employees how to protect themselves and others from exposure to blood or potentially infectious materials in the workplace, a crucial addition for healthcare, fitness, and custodial settings.
  • Healthcare BLS Certification — Designed for medical and clinical professionals requiring American Heart Association BLS certification.

Our certified instructors will help you choose the right mix for your team’s environment and compliance requirements.

4. Prepare the space and logistics

Ensure the training room has sufficient space, seating for the presentation, and a floor area for hands-on practice. We bring all required equipment — you just provide the room. If you have your own AEDs, we can incorporate them into the session.

5. Inform and engage the participants

Send an invitation ahead of time with details: what to wear (comfortable clothing), what to expect, and how long the session lasts. Encourage participants to come ready to engage. Training works best when everyone participates.

6. Conduct the session

Our certified instructor covers the core material (recognizing cardiac arrest, calling for help, CPR technique, AED use, and bloodborne pathogen safety). Participants practice real-world scenarios to ensure confidence and readiness.

7. Follow up after training

After the session, each participant receives a nationally recognized certification (valid for two years). We’ll help you plan for renewals, refresher sessions, and recordkeeping — plus offer guidance on maintaining AED readiness and safety drills.

What your team will learn

During training, participants gain confidence and real-world skills, including:

  • Recognizing signs of cardiac arrest and acting fast
  • Performing high-quality CPR with correct depth and rhythm
  • Using an AED effectively and safely
  • Administering basic first aid
  • Preventing exposure to bloodborne pathogens and following OSHA standards for safety
  • Integrating safety and emergency response into daily workplace culture

Business benefits of group CPR training

By investing in training with In-Pulse CPR, your organization benefits from:

  • Faster, more confident response in an emergency
  • Improved morale and engagement through demonstrated commitment to safety
  • A stronger safety culture that supports compliance and reduces liability
  • Potential insurance and risk-management advantages
  • Peace of mind knowing your team is trained and prepared

Why choose In-Pulse CPR?

Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Local to Tampa Bay and Central Florida — we understand regional workplaces and schedules.
  • Certified, experienced instructors who make learning engaging and practical.
  • Flexible on-site or local classroom options to fit your team’s availability.
  • Hands-on training, not just slides — every participant leaves confident, not just certified.
  • Tailored programs that combine CPR, AED, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogen instruction.
  • Ongoing support for renewals and refresher training.

Ready to get started?

Hosting a group CPR training session at your worksite is simple:

  1. Contact us:
    📞 813-343-4024
    ✉️ staff@inpulsecpr.com
  2. Schedule your session:
    Visit www.inpulsecpr.com/group to request a custom quote and book your date.
  3. Prepare your team:
    We’ll provide all details and bring everything needed for a successful on-site training.
  4. Train, certify, and stay ready:
    Your team earns American Heart Association certifications valid nationwide.

Make your workplace safer — empower your employees with lifesaving skills through In-Pulse CPR. Schedule your on-site group training today and experience the difference personalized instruction makes.

Chattanooga CPR & BLS Classes Taught by Real Pros | In-Pulse CPR

In-Pulse CPR – Chattanooga, TN

American Heart Association Training Center

CPR & BLS certification In-Person Classes in Chattanooga

Why Train with In-Pulse CPR

  1. Instructors Who Keep It Real: Our American Heart Association–approved team combines deep experience with an easy, down-to-earth teaching style that makes class time fly.
  2. Practice That Feels Authentic: You’ll work with top-notch manikins and walk through realistic scenarios so the skills stick when every second matters.
  3. Schedules That Work for You: Morning, evening, or weekend—we offer public sessions and on-site options so training fits around your life or your team’s needs.

What makes us different than the others –

  • All-Inclusive Price: Your course workbook is included—no surprise add-on fees. (We R CPR, for example, charges $25.95 extra.)
  • Affordable: Our community classes stay under $60, with no hidden costs that other providers often tack on.
  • Real-World Expertise: Every class is led by instructors with years of hands-on medical experience who share practical, real-life scenarios so the skills truly stick.
  • Proven Quality: Backed by thousands of 5-star reviews, we’re trusted by individuals, healthcare professionals, and businesses across Chattanooga.

Gain the skills and confidence to act in an emergency. In-Pulse CPR offers hands-on, expert-led classes for healthcare professionals, workplaces, and community members throughout the greater Chattanooga area.
📞 1-423-275-2940 (Office hours M-F 8am-4pm)

🏫 Public Community Classes

Perfect for individuals, families, students, and healthcare workers who need BLS certification or CPR/AED training.

👉 View Our class Calendar

Classroom is located at 4820 Hixson Pike Expressway, Chattanooga, Tennessee, 37343

🏢 Private Business & Group Training

Bring life-saving skills to your workplace, church, or organization.

  • On-site classes at your location
  • Custom scheduling for your team
  • Group pricing and corporate invoicing available
👉 Request a Quote for Group

Serving the Greater Chattanooga Region

We proudly train students from Signal Mountain, Soddy-Daisy, Lookout Mountain, Collegedale, East Ridge, Jasper, Cleveland—and across the Georgia border in Dalton, Fort Oglethorpe, Rossville, and Ringgold.

Ready to Save Lives?

Reserve your seat today or schedule a private session.

Here is a Press release related to this area: In-Pulse CPR expands to Chattanooga

A Life-Saving Decision: How One AED Made All the Difference

March 14, 2025

A Christmas tree farmer’s foresight to purchase an AED became the difference between life and death when cardiac arrest struck in the middle of nowhere.

Michael Loughran and his dog, Bourbon, on the Christmas tree farm. (Photo courtesy of the Loughran family)

A Precautionary Purchase That Saved a Life

When Michael and Jill Loughran moved to their remote 300-acre Christmas tree farm in rural Vermont, they knew they were trading convenience for tranquility. The town had no paved roads, and the nearest hospital was a significant distance away. For most people, this isolation might seem like a minor inconvenience. For 56-year-old Michael Loughran, it would prove to be a life-or-death consideration.

After surviving quadruple bypass surgery in March 2024 to address five blocked arteries, Michael made a decision that would ultimately save his life: he purchased an automated external defibrillator (AED) for their remote farm.

“Because the farm is so remote, I knew we needed to be prepared,” Michael explained. It was a decision born of both medical necessity and practical wisdom—one that would prove invaluable just months later.

When Every Second Counted

Michael Loughran (right) and his wife, Jill. (Photo courtesy of the Loughran family)

The importance of Michael’s AED purchase became devastatingly clear on an October night when his daughter Sophie, a newly graduated nurse working in cardiac intensive care, was visiting from Denver. At 3 AM, Jill was awakened by the terrifying sound of Michael gasping for air. He was in cardiac arrest.

In that moment of crisis, the AED Michael had purchased became their lifeline. While Jill called 911, Sophie began chest compressions. The two women worked together, trading off between delivering AED shocks and performing CPR. The device provided clear, automated instructions that guided them through the life-saving process.

The ambulance took 35 minutes to reach their remote location. Without the AED, Michael would not have survived.

By the time paramedics arrived, Michael had received three critical shocks from the AED and continuous CPR. He had a faint pulse—he was alive.

Michael Loughran, pictured with his daughter Sophie in rural Vermont where he and his wife reside on a Christmas tree farm, is a survivor of both a quadruple bypass and a cardiac arrest. (Photo courtesy of the Loughran family).

The Difference an AED Makes

Michael’s story illustrates a harsh medical reality: when cardiac arrest occurs, brain death begins within 4-6 minutes without intervention. Every minute that passes without defibrillation reduces survival chances by 7-10%. In rural areas like the Loughrans’ farm, where emergency response times can extend well beyond the critical window, having an AED on-site isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

“The doctors told me it was a freak electrical issue caused by ventricular fibrillation,” Michael said. This dangerous heart rhythm causes the heart to quiver ineffectively instead of pumping blood, and it can only be corrected by defibrillation—exactly what the AED provided.

When Michael woke up in the hospital, doctors had warned his family about possible neurological damage from oxygen deprivation. Instead, after initial temporary vision loss and amnesia that resolved within 24 hours, Michael showed no detectable physical or cognitive deficits.

A Message for Remote Communities

Michael’s experience carries a vital message for anyone living in rural or remote areas: don’t wait for an emergency to wish you had an AED. His foresight to purchase the device, combined with his daughter’s medical training and his wife’s quick thinking, created the perfect storm of preparedness that saved his life.

“I got my plumbing fixed with the bypass, and now I’ve gotten my electrical fixed too,” Michael said, referring to the implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) doctors placed in his chest as a precaution. “Plus, I’m being monitored remotely, so if anything goes wrong, they’ll know it.”

Today, just six weeks after his cardiac arrest, Michael is back working on his Christmas tree farm—though he now leaves the tree cutting to his crew. He even traveled to Colorado to visit Sophie and hit the ski slopes, a testament to his remarkable recovery.

The Bottom Line: AEDs Save Lives

Michael Loughran’s story demonstrates that surviving cardiac arrest isn’t just about luck—it’s about preparation. His decision to purchase an AED for their remote farm, combined with basic CPR knowledge, meant the difference between a tragic loss and a miraculous recovery.

For families living in rural areas, elderly communities, or any location where emergency response times might be delayed, an AED isn’t just a good idea—it’s a necessity that could save your life or the life of someone you love.

Every home, workplace, and community should have access to an AED and the training to use it. Because when cardiac arrest strikes, you won’t have time to wish you were better prepared.

  What is CPR?    Why do we need CPR training?   Why do we need AED training?   Why do we need First Aid training?   Who needs Bloodborne Pathogens training?   What employers need to know   Survival Stories   Staying Healthy   Avoiding Injuries   Tributes to those who help make our lives safe More...     Sign Up for a CPR Class  
Disclaimer:
Use of any advise on this site is purely at your own risk.  The information supplied is designed to accompany CPR and first aid training not to replace.  In-Pulse CPR, Inc disclaims any liability for losses you incur as a result of inaccuracy of the information provided on this website.  Information on this site is for education, supplemental to examination by and advice of medical professionals.   Any information regarding first aid treatments is not meant to replace the advice of medical professionals including physicians, paramedics, emergency room attendants, nurses or other licensed medical personnel.