Performing CPR on an infant can be a stressful process, especially if it isn’t a procedure that you are familiar with or that you aren’t comfortable performing. There are several things that you can think about if you are faced with a CPR situation that might make the process easier to effectively execute. Learn some beneficial tips from the team at In-Pulse CPR below and contact us for information about our classes today!
Shout-Tap-Shout
If you suspect that an infant may need CPR, your first step should be to confirm that they require assistance. Shouting and gently tapping the child on the shoulder can help you gauge their level of responsiveness. If they are not breathing normally, are showing no signs of a heartbeat, or are otherwise non-responsive, it is time for you to begin CPR.
Call 9-1-1
When you are in a frantic situation that involves performing CPR on an infant, the chaos at the moment can lead to people forgetting some basic emergency actions. If you are unable to dial 9-1-1 yourself before beginning CPR, make direct eye contact with someone around you and clearly instruct them to make the call right away. Be sure to get verbal confirmation that they understand and are taking action.
30-2-30
The 30-2-30 rule is a great strategy to remember when you have to perform CPR on anyone. This guideline suggests that after every set of 30 chest compressions, you should give two breaths. Once you have done that, return to compressions and repeat this pattern until the situation improves or further medical assistance arrives to relieve you.
Stay Calm
It may sound easier said than done, but you must do your best to stay calm when performing CPR on an infant. Due to the nature of the procedure, losing focus could cause you to apply too much pressure or concentrate your compressions in the wrong area of the chest. This can cause significant harm, especially when you are dealing with a small, fragile infant.
If you can maintain a level head and remember your training, you have the chance to save a life by performing CPR. If you are interested in attending training classes, reach out to In-Pulse for more information now.
Performing CPR can be a hectic procedure. When you are under pressure and have someone’s life on the line, it can be easy to lose track of what you are doing. You might end up going too fast or too slow and reducing the effectiveness of your efforts. There are several songs that you can commit to memory and sing to yourself while performing CPR that can help you keep a proper pace. Find out which tracks can help you from the team at In-Pulse below and contact us for information about our classes today!
“Stayin’ Alive” – Bee Gees – 103 BPM
The classic “Stayin’ Alive” is probably the most famous example of a song to use to measure your beats per minute while performing CPR. It is right in the sweet spot that is 100-120 bpm that you want to aim for when doing chest compressions.
“Dancing Queen” – ABBA – 100 BPM
Don’t be afraid to sing “Dancing Queen” out loud while you are performing chest compressions. It may seem silly at the moment, especially considering the serious nature of the situation. But, if it helps you keep a consistent pace, it is absolutely worth it.
“Cecilia” – Simon & Garfunkel – 102 BPM
The goal of utilizing a song to help guide your CPR chest compressions is to ensure that you don’t have to think too much about what you are doing. “Cecilia” is a great example of a track that you can use to make the process feel like second nature.
“Hard To Handle” – The Black Crowes – 104 BPM
“Hard To Handle” is one of those earworm songs that is hard to get out of your head once you have heard a line or two. This is a good thing when it comes to measuring chest compressions — you can always call upon this track to help you keep an accurate and steady pace when performing CPR.
“Can’t Stop The Feeling” – Justin Timberlake – 113 BPM
One of the more modern and slightly faster-paced songs that you can use to help with your CPR compressions is Justin Timberlake’s “Can’t Stop The Feeling.” It doesn’t matter if the track is old or new as long as it has between 100-120 beats per minute.
Committing these songs to memory and matching your chest compressions to their beats per minute can not only help you keep your composure in a stressful situation, but it can also help save a life. Make sure that you are prepared in the event that you need to perform CPR. Sign up for classes with In-Pulse to learn more today.
First aid training always allows you to stay conscious about what to do in case a person or animal needs care. One of the essential components to the training includes wound care. Learning wound care – preventing infections and controlling bleeding is fundamental to saving a person’s or animal’s life.
Cholla Charlie’s Crisis
Both people and pets can get in some pretty “prickly” situations, as was proven by one little chihuahua dog in Arizona. In July 2021, a little dog, known as Cholla Charlie, ran headlong into a cholla cactus, thus living up to his name.
On July 22, a passerby found the 5- month-old pup covered in cactus needles. The puppy ultimately ended up at the Second Chance Animal Hospital. He was transported there through the New Hope Program of Arizona’s Humane Society.
Today, the small stalwart dog is living with his new pet parents – completely free of needles.
That may give you pause for thought. If you found anyone or an animal in this situation, what would you do?
If you have first aid training, you also will gain the confidence necessary to take care of people or pets in an emergency. The same holds true for getting CPR certified. Both of these types of training are available to everyone at anytime
In the case of Cholla Charlie, those needles caused a large number of puncture wounds. When a cactus needle enters the skin, it creates an entrance for bacteria – the bad sort of germs that cause infection. In these cases, blood may spurt out at the access points, so you need to keep both gauze or a styptic stick (an anti-hemorrhaging agent) nearby. You’ll need a tweezer to extract the needles.
If you have taken first aid training, you’re familiar with some of these items. Knowing how to administer first aid makes the world a safer place.
First Aid Training – Wash Your Hands First When Caring for Wounds
Learning the Basics of First Aid
The most important thing to remember when you take first aid training is what you should do first.
Always Wash Your Hands Before You Provide Care
You should never care for a wound with dirty hands. Doing so increases the risk of infection.
Even if you think your hands look clean, you still need to scrub them – thoroughly. Place your hands under the faucet for at least 20 seconds. Use soap to remove the bacteria and dirt as well.
Stop the Bleeding
To care for wounds, such as minor scrapes or cuts, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. Elevate the wound until the bleeding stops.
Clean the Wound
If the wound is a puncture wound, rinse it with clear water for about 5 minutes. Use a washcloth to gently scrub away any debris or residue.
If the wound is a cut or abrasion, rinse it with water or place it under running tap water to lower the infection risk. You can wash around the wound with soap, but don’t allow it to get into the abrasion.
Never use iodine or hydrogen peroxide on lacerations or gashes- as both are irritating substances.
Use tweezers to clean out any hard-to-remove debris. Clean the tweezers with alcohol first.
Apply an Antibiotic
Applying an antibiotic will also reduce infection risk. Use an ointment or cream like Neosporin. You can also use petroleum jelly. Some ointments or creams may cause a rash, so you need to keep this in mind when you apply the substance.
Cover the Wound to Protect It
Use a bandage to cover the wound and protect it. You may also use gauze and paper tape. It just depends on the nature of the abrasion or lesion. Change the dressing each day. You don’t want it to get dirty.
You don’t need to cover a minor scratch or scrape. The blood will coagulate and dry, which will protect the skin as it heals.
Get a Tetanus Shot – If Necessary
If you care for a deep or dirty wound, you’ll need to schedule a tetanus shot if you have not had one in the past five years.
Check the Wound for Signs of Infection
After you dress the wound, check for any signs of infection if you’re caring for a child or adult in your household. Stay on the alert for increased pain, fever, swelling, or pus. Sometimes redness is a sign as are drainage or swelling. Call a doctor if you notice these symptoms.
Stay Prepared – Sign Up for First Aid and CPR/AED Training
Things happen unexpectedly in life. Therefore, it’s important to stay prepared. You can make a big difference through training programs for CPR/AED training and first aid. It only takes a small amount of time. Just a small amount of time for a life saved.
For years Girl Scouting has been providing girls in kindergarten through high school an opportunity to meet new people, experience new things, and provide community service in a fun and, most importantly, safe environment. Troop leaders are required to complete several hours of training before taking charge of a troop. Once a troop is formed, safety is not forgotten. Up until recently, “Safety-wise” was the name of the information that would be consulted before an outing to ensure the girls’ safety. In 2010, “Safety-wise” was replaced with Safety Activity Checkpoints.
Available online through the Girl Scouts of America website or your local Girl Scout council, Safety Activity Checkpoints provide an overview of what needs to be taken into consideration for an outing as well as specific information for about 45 different activities. The introduction states different categories that will be covered in each topic if it is applicable, such as where to do the activity, how to include girls with disabilities, how to prepare in advance for the activity, and what to do on the day of the activity.
Because January is Girl Scout Cookie month, let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the Safety Activity Checkpoints given for selling Girl Scout cookies. When girls are selling cookies door-to-door, Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors (grades K-5) need to be accompanied by an adult. Older girls are required to carry the phone number of an adult who will be available immediately if necessary. All girls should only sell in neighborhoods that are familiar to them and should do so during daylight hours. Homes of strangers should never be entered, and large amounts of money should not be carried when delivering cookies and receiving payment. If the troop has organized a cookie booth in a public place such as a mall, shopping plaza, or grocery store, an adult must be present at the booth at all times.
If a girl decides to sell cookies online, she should use a secure site provided by the Girl Scouts. Only her first name, troop number, and council should be signed at the bottom of the email. Phone numbers or personal email or home addresses should not be included.
Girl Scouting can be a fun and rewarding way for girls to spend their school years as long as it is done safely. If you are involved with a Girl Scout troop, whether as a leader, co-leader, or parent, please consult the Safety Activity Checkpoints before embarking on your next adventure.
Whether you’re a lifeguard or an adult caring for children who are swimming, knowing CPR is an important skill to have around swimming pools. CPR is used for both cardiac arrests and respiratory failures, and it’s a life-saving skill. Here at In-Pulse CPR, we are proud to offer a wide range of CPR training and certifications, and if you’re looking to learn how to confidently perform CPR, browse our CPR classes. Everyone needs this training, and it’s especially important during pool season!
Accidental Drowning
One of the most common ways that children drown is through an “accidental” or “confidential” drowning. This happens when a child falls into a pool or other body of water and is not immediately noticed. They may struggle for a few moments before sinking below the surface, and by the time someone realizes they’re missing, it’s too late.
This is why it’s so important to have someone who is CPR certified on hand at all times when children are swimming. If a child does accidentally drown, having someone who knows how to perform CPR can mean the difference between life and death.
Respiratory Failures
Another common reason that CPR is necessary around swimming pools is due to respiratory failures. This can happen for a variety of reasons, but it often occurs when a child swallows too much water and begins to choke. If they are not able to expel the water from their lungs, they will eventually stop breathing altogether.
How to Perform CPR on Someone Who Is Drowning
If you find yourself in a situation where someone is drowning, it’s important to act quickly and decisively. Every second counts when someone is without oxygen, so the sooner you can start CPR, the better.
First, notify a lifeguard. If there is no lifeguard, remove the person from the water and start performing CPR on your own. If you are not CPR certified, now is the time to start chest compressions. Push hard and fast in the center of the person’s chest, and make sure that you’re pressing down at least two inches with each compression.
Once the person is out of immediate danger, you’ll want to call for medical help. Even if they seem to be doing better, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and let a professional take over.
Learn How to Administer CPR from In-Pulse CPR
CPR is helpful in all kinds of situations, including at a swimming pool. If you’re looking to learn the skills to save a life, consider taking one of our CPR courses. Find a CPR class today!
CPR recertification is necessary if you want to keep your CPR card in force. Therefore, you’ll need to schedule a refresher CPR class. Consider CPR a lifelong skill, as you’ll need to stay current on lifesaving methods.
CPR recertification involves safety training
CPR Recertification and Refresher CPR Courses
The American Heart Association (AHA) has set the standard in this respect. Refreshing your CPR skills is essential to staying up-to-date with life-saving innovations. By taking this approach, you can provide CPR, at a moment’s notice, with complete confidence.
Just like anything else, if you don’t use your skills, you’ll get rusty. How can you improve a person’s chances for survival if you allow this to happen? That is why taking a refresher course and CPR recertification go hand in hand.
Medical professionals are gaining new insights about administering CPR every day. That is why renewing a CPR card is not just about the renewal. It’s also about your present knowledge about CPR. Are you staying in step with what’s happening in CPR techniques?
Also, if you work in a job, such as a lifeguard, you don’t want your certification to lapse. Keep on top of things by checking the date for expiration and finding a class to renew your skills. The best way to make sure you’re doing things right is to attend an onsite program.
CPR Class Instruction
What is great about attending a class is that your teacher is usually a CPR expert. This hands-on training method uses various learning techniques. It is also more personalized. When you listen to live instruction, you’ll be able to adapt what you learn in various ways.
That’s because the instructor presents the information comprehensively – making sure everyone understands what he or she is saying. You can attend a full day of onsite training.
Scheduling a full-day class is well worth your time and investment. Classes are held in the evenings as well so you can arrange a time that is ideal for you.
CPR/AED Updating
Your combined CPR/AED recertification involves taking a refresher course some time before you need to update your card. Therefore, you need to allow enough time to take the course so you can keep your card current
The expiration is good to the end of the month when the course was originally completed.
Important CPR Changes to Note
One of the CPR updates that students need to learn anew are the skills involved with compressions, breaths, and airway management. For example, the original protocol involved the acronym, ABC – airway, breath, and compressions.
CAB is the New CPR protocol
However, the acronym is now taught as CAB – compression, airway, and breath. Also, the number of compressions and breaths have changed. Researchers now find CAB is more effective.
Keep Your Memory Refreshed
Your memory, too, is good for only so long. Keeping updated on how CPR works also restores your confidence. Because CPR, thankfully, is not used frequently, you need to stay on top of the latest steps. If you don’t use it, you’ll lose it – especially when it comes to CPR. You don’t want to struggle to remember what to do in a crisis.
As noted, it is important to plan ahead. You cannot enroll in a renewal course if your certification card has been void for over 30 days. You’ll need to take a new course. Keeping certified will help you prevent any possible legal repercussions or problems if you’re required to be CPR trained for work.
Are You Emergency Ready?
Just because you receive training once does not mean you’re emergency-ready. Keep current on CPR/AED and first aid training.
When disaster strikes, you have to react fast. Therefore, you need a plan of action. Preparing an emergency first aid kit is one way to stay ready. It’s also important to take a first aid course. By taking the course, you’ll know how to respond in an emergency.
What to Keep in a First Aid Kit
You can add hundreds of items to a first aid kit, but keeping it simple works best. You might want to start with items, like a first aid manual or a flashlight. If you’re using the kit on the job, you might want to add an automated external defibrillator (AED).
A kit prepares you in case of a serious emergency or natural disaster. You may need it after a tornado, lightning storm, or similar weather extreme.
It also enables you to be of service in case of a cardiac arrest, a heart attack, or stroke.
At work, a kit gives you the supplies you need to care for an injured employee. Kits come in handy when treating injuries from slip-and-falls or even electrical shock.
Kits, when carried in a car, are also helpful in case you’re involved in a car crash or you need to offer this type of help.
How Much Should You Keep in Your First Aid Kit?
You’ll have to decide for yourself how many first aid supplies you’ll keep on hand and how much you’ll store.
You’ll need to replace certain supplies, like bandages, as they wear out faster. If you stock a small first aid kit, you’ll have to replace the supplies often. You won’t have to restock as much if you maintain a larger kit.
At home or at work, keep your first aid kit in a place that is known to everyone. That way, they’ll have easy access to the supplies during an emergency.
Decide on your kit’s contents
Add items to your kit, such as the following:
A First aid manual
Non-prescription medicines, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and antacid tablets
Medications prescribed by a doctor, such as antibiotics to treat infections and painkillers for injuries (Make sure to save a copy of the prescriptions.)
Extra identification, such as a copy of your state ID card or driver’s license, and important phone numbers
Adhesive tape for applying bandages
Elastic wrap bandages.
Rubber tourniquet.
Nonstick sterile bandages or roller gauze in various sizes
Eye pads or shields
A large triangular bandage that may be used as a sling
Gloves and eye protection
CPR pocket mask
A flashlight
A blanket
Know the Basics of First Aid and Emergency Care
CPR is an important part of first aid, but it’s also a lifesaving skill. During an emergency, having CPR may be all that separates you from death or a serious injury.
Take a CPR course and practice with family members and friends. Practice the steps until they come naturally.
Along with learning CPR, training in first aid gives you the info you need on infection control. Make sure you wash your hands frequently and don’t touch your eyes after touching your face.
First aid training also gives you the basics on wound care. It will teach you how to properly clean and dress cuts or abrasions.
Having first aid training keeps you aware of doing what is required to keep healthy and safe Therefore, the best way to stay safe during an emergency is to prepare. Make sure you have a first-aid kit on hand and you know how to use the items in the kit.
Always Play It Safe
Staying safe is essential to the health of your family and co-workers.. By learning CPR and taking first aid training, you can make a difference in the quality of your life and in the care you give to others.
Unintentional Injuries are a major public health problem. In the United States alone, preventable injuries account for over 3 million non-fatal injuries and 150,000 deaths per year. Globally the number of people dying from unintentional injuries is around 5 million deaths per year. The important thing to appreciate is that many of the injuries can be prevented with already available and inexpensive tools, such as helmets and seat belts.
In the US nearly 55 million people sought medical attention because of non-fatal preventable injuries. Drug overdoses are at an all-time high and risky behavior continues to be a pandemic. People continue to speed, drive while drunk, not wear seat belts, or take selfies from dangerously high elevations. And for those who survive non-fatal injuries, there is the cost of medical care and rehabilitation which can be enormous. Hence it is important to avoid preventable injuries by doing the following:
Warm-up: Workout injuries can happen at any time and include muscle sprain, shoulder injury, wrist sprain, tendinitis, etc. A simple way to reduce the risk of workout injuries is to first warm-up and cool down prior to any exercise. The warm-up increases your heart rate and loosens your joints and muscles. You may warm up by riding an exercise bike or jog for 5-10 mins. Cold down after the warm-up. Another option is to perform stretching exercises before the workout. Stretching will increase joint mobility and flexibility. Finally do not overdo it and overuse just one set of muscles or it can lead to overuse injury such as tendinitis.
Wear a helmet: if you love to bicycle, or play contact sports like ice hockey or football, you must wear a helmet. These instruments can protect your brain and face from severe injuries. Head injuries are a very common cause of long-term disability.
Avoid midday sun: If you want to avoid skin cancer, then it is important to avoid the sun from 10 am to 3 pm. If you do decide to go outdoors, wear sunscreen, a hat, and appropriate garments.
Seatbelt: Whenever you get inside a motor vehicle use the seat belt as it is known to save lives and prevent serious injuries. The use of seatbelts is the law across the nation. And if you drive, do not overspeed or text because both are known to result in thousands of motor vehicle accidents each year.
Exercise regularly: Even simple walking every day for 45-60 mins is considered to be a good form of exercise. Walking can help you lose weight, allows you to enjoy nature, clears your mind, and is free. And best of all the benefits of walking will echo until you reach old age.
Discontinue smoking: If you smoke you should quit ASAP. Smoking not only causes lung cancer but it causes premature heart disease and the risk of stroke. There are no effective aids to quitting smoking- go cold turkey as it is the most effective.
Install proper lights: if you have elderly folks at home, install proper lights in the hallways and corridors. Falls are one of the most common causes of severe injuries in the elderly. At the same time remove all loose rugs and obstacles.
Smoke and CO alarms: Every year a significant number of people die from smoke and carbon monoxide poisoning. Thus, it is vital to install both smoke and CO alarms in the home.
Get adequate sleep: all adults need at least 8 hours of sleep. Hence developing good sleep hygiene is essential as it will improve the quality of your life.
Depressed: If for any reason you are sad or depressed, visit a healthcare worker. Today there are effective treatments for many mental health disorders including depression.
Eat healthy: Finally, eat a healthy diet that is more plant-based than meat. Foods that you should eat include whole wheat, fruits, vegetables, nuts, fish, and legumes. Eat meat in moderation. For cooking, use unsaturated oils. Limit the calorie intake to less than 2000 per day.
Final Point
Unintentional injuries are a major burden both to the victim and the government. Even mild injuries can lead to short-term disability and loss of a job. Hence, be proactive and take steps to change your lifestyle to minimize the risk of these injuries. In the end, it will also save you thousands of dollars from healthcare bills.
Many people do not realize until it is too late that staying healthy can be life-saving. But it is never too late to start a healthy approach to life. We live in a fast-paced world where everyone is very busy and there is little time devoted to the body. Plus with all the distractions it is not easy to make healthy choices. However, rest assured, the benefits of a healthy lifestyle are not only immediate but will echo for many decades with a sound mind and body. So if you want to remain healthy, here are a few tips:
Become physically active: one of the best ways to remain healthy is to remain physically active. Do some type of exercise regularly. Even walking for 45-60 minutes every day is a great exercise. Other exercises that you can do include swimming, cycling, jogging, or aerobics- the key is to be regular. Finally, select an exercise you like so that you will continue doing it.
Eat a healthy diet: Today it is recommended that one adopt a diet that is more plant-based rather than meat. The key is to eat everything in moderation. Fruits, vegetables, whole wheat, nuts, fish, and low-fat dairy are recommended. At the same time minimize the use of saturated oil, sugar, and salt in the diet.
Avoid injury When playing sports, wear the appropriate safety gear. Use the seat belt every time you are in a motor vehicle. Ensure that the home has carbon monoxide and smoke detectors. We live in a world where random crime is common so always be on your guard when outside the home.
Discontinue smoking: If you are a smoker, you should quit today. Nicotine has no health benefits and is a costly social habit. By quitting smoking, you will reduce your risk of developing cancer, premature heart disease, and stroke. Even though there are many aids to help people quit smoking, none of them works reliably; cold turkey is still the best approach.
Limit the intake of alcohol. Even though there is a lot written about the benefits of drinking wine, these health benefits are minor. Instead of drinking wine, you can walk for 30 minutes. If you are adamant about drinking alcohol, adult males should drink no more than 2 glasses of wine per day and adult females should limit themselves to just one glass of wine per day.
Addiction: Drug and alcohol addiction affects millions of people eventually leading to social, economic, and legal issues. If you want to enhance the quality of your life, seek help for the addiction. Today there are effective treatments for addiction that can help you toward the goal of a healthy lifestyle.
Practice safe sex: To help prevent sexually transmitted infections including HIV, use a condom regularly when you have a sexual encounter. While condoms are not 100% foolproof, they do lower the risk of acquiring an STD.
Limit exposure to the sun: Even though it is nice to have a nice looking bronze tan, it is important to understand that the rates of skin cancers have steadily been increasing. Today the number one risk factor for skin cancer is prolonged exposure to the sun. Hence avoid sun exposure between 10 am to 3 pm when it is the most intense, and always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you go outdoors. Wear sunglasses that can block most of the sun’s rays.
Depressed: If you feel sad, anxious, or depressed on more than one occasion for no apparent reason, seek help. Today mental health disease affects more than 1% of the population and it can have a significant negative impact on the quality of life. People with mental health issues need to seek help because there are effective treatments that can significantly improve their quality of life. If you feel suicidal call the hotline 1800 273 8255; there are staff 24/7 to help you with your immediate crisis.
Keep in touch; One of the ways to ensure that you are safe is to always keep in touch with your family and friends.
Become involved in the community and volunteer at the local food bank or hospital- it will greatly enhance your self-esteem and confidence.
Stress: Learn to recognize stress and manage it. Unmanaged chronic stress can have a negative impact on life. To reduce stress, practice yoga and/or tai chi, meditate, start deep breathing exercises, read, listen to music and get adequate sleep.
Finally, regularly see a healthcare provider; if something happens to your health, the healthcare provider is in the best position to know how to help.
Basic Life Support (BLS) training covers a series of guidelines that healthcare providers follow to give care during emergencies.
The goal of providing care, according to BLS guidelines, is to ensure that patients receive medical treatment with less risk. If you want to become, for example, an EMT or Paramedic, you need to prepare for your upcoming BLS certification exam.
You can study effectively and pass your exam on the first try by learning some key tips. The following info gives you everything you need to know about BLS training and certification. This includes an update on new BLS exam goals, access to study resources, and tips for passing your BLS test.
Updated Guidelines for BLS Training and Certification
The American Heart Association (AHA) offers BLS training similar to a CPR course. However, it’s directed more to healthcare workers. Therefore, the material expands on basic CPR training by covering CPR in the medical setting.
The course covers realistic scenarios, animations, and simulations of rescuers performing CPR. It also includes instruction in AED. Course participants learn how to use oxygen masks and control bleeding. Although the training is delivered online, the course may require an appointment with a BLS instructor. Participants take part in the hands-on portion of the training for this section of the course..
The Chain of Survival
The course is structured so it also includes the chain of survival for CPR patients. Chain of survival starts with CPR and ends with post-resuscitation and recovery.
Training includes the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) as well. Instructors teach students how to provide sufficient ventilation through different barrier devices. Course participants also learn how to remove airway obstructions in children and adults to provide clear respiration.
The Emphasis is Placed on Team Rescue
Classes focus on team rescue situations and how responders can perform their role more effectively. Like other CPR/AED or first aid training modules, students receive the necessary study materials.
Once you complete the training and pass the test, you’ll receive a BLS card that is good for two years. Therefore, you’ll need to take the training to renew your certification every two years.
Who Usually Needs to Take BLS Training Certification?
Because BLS training places a priority on using CPR for advanced life support training, students who receive certification typically work as:
Medical employes, including nurses, paramedics, and EMTs
Lifeguards
Police officers
Safety managers
Bus drivers
Firefighters
BLS training is also a prerequisite for organizations or institutions that want to upgrade their CPR training. Therefore, daycare providers, coaches, teachers, and construction managers also take the training.
How Long Does BLS Training Take?
Usually, you will spend 4 hours on training.
Study Resources
The new BLS certification exam features a new syllabus, new objectives, and new questions. Therefore to learn basic life support, you’ll need to do the following:
Brush up on your medical terminology and knowledge of anatomy
Use flashcards
Take practice tests
View videos
Pass Your Test the First Time You Take It
Don’t cram for your exam the day before you test. Instead, take your time to make sure you understand what you’ve read. Learn the concepts, terms, and scenarios that you’ll see on the exam.
Memorize key facts, but don’t overthink it. When you study for the BLS exam, focus on the core concepts of the test.
Practice taking the test under timed conditions. Choose a quiet place with nothing distracting you. Get acquainted with the test format and learn from your mistakes. While the test is not timed, you can use these tips to improve your score.
Final Words
You need to remember a lot of details when preparing for a BLS certification exam. However, if you prepare for the exam, you won’t have too much trouble passing.. You need to score 84% on the exam, so you can only give four incorrect answers.
Follow the above tips, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming certified. With a little preparation and commitment, you can pass the test or even ace it on the first attempt.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) supports bloodborne pathogens training. It is used to prevent the spread of bloodborne pathogens or viruses. The main pathogens include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Bloodborne pathogens training is not limited to healthcare workers. Therefore, anyone who works with or around patients can benefit from the program.
What to Expect from Bloodborne Pathogens Training
When you take bloodborne pathogens training, you will learn about the risks of the related diseases. You will also focus on preventing transmission. The training covers exposure to blood and other bodily fluids. You’ll also go over the use of protective devices.
If you work in a medical setting, you should take the training
Working Conditions and Risks of Healthcare Settings
If you’re in close contact with patients each day, your risk for getting ill increases. That is why you should receive bloodborne training. If you want to help others, you have to help yourself as well.
Infection Control and Safety Practices
A bloodborne pathogens training course will teach you everything you need to know about infection control. You’ll learn the proper safety practices to follow to protect yourself from bloodborne diseases.
Bloodborne pathogens are spread through direct contact with an infected individual. Therefore, you can contract the microorganisms from bodily fluids, surfaces or items. Avoid direct contact as much as possible.
An Overview of Common Bloodborne Pathogens Diseases
Infection with the hepatitis B virus triggers HBV. Symptoms may include jaundice, exhaustion, abdominal distress, or joint pain. Children, with HBV, may experience chronic illnesses. A chronic HBV infection can lead to cirrhosis (liver scarring) or liver cancer. Doctors can prevent hepatitis B by administering vaccinations.
Infection with the hepatitis C virus causes HCV. Drug users who use needles often contract the disease. If you receive a transfusion of unscreened blood, you’re also at a higher risk for getting sick. However, the majority of those with HCV do not display symptoms at all. Therefore, doctors may find it difficult to make a diagnosis.
A chronic hepatitis C infection may cause severe liver damage. Researchers have not discovered a cure for HCV. However, they can use drugs to treat the liver and improve immune activity.
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. It is spread mostly via the blood or bodily fluids. Unprotected sexual activity or the use of unsterilized needles increase risk. People who receive transfusions with infected blood may also become infected.
AIDS has no vaccine. However, doctors can treat patients who have the virus.
Safeguarding Yourself and Others
Besides learning more about the signs of bloodborne diseases, you need to know how to keep yourself safe. This is especially important if you are in a high-risk job in healthcare.
Therefore, you need to avoid coming into direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, and contaminated surfaces or items. Wash your hands often. Avoid sharing food, drinks and utensils with others. Use barriers when treating patients. Wear masks, gloves or gowns to stay safe.
Conclusion
You may find working in healthcare fulfilling. However, it also increases your risk of getting sick. Therefore, taking a bloodborne pathogens training course is one smart move to make.
In general, universal precautions do not apply to nasal secretions, feces, sweat, sputum, urine, vomitus, and tears unless they contain visible blood or have obvious signs of an infection.
Who requires training for bloodborne pathogens?
Any individual, irrespective of whether he or she is a healthcare worker, who is at risk for exposure to blood-borne pathogens needs to undergo training and pass the bloodborne pathogens test module. In general, the following professionals should undergo the bloodborne pathogens test:
Healthcare workers including nurses, doctors, phlebotomists, lab technologists, etc
First responders, EMTs, paramedics
Fireman and law enforcement
Researchers
Medical laboratory personnel
Nursing home staff
Dentists and dental assistance
Janitorial staff, housekeeping, cleaners
Blood bank personnel
School nurses, and all other school employees
Funeral home employees including morticians
Tattoo parlor personnel
This is not a complete list but in general, anyone who will come into contact with blood and body fluids should undergo the bloodborne pathogen module test.
Post-exposure treatment
Despite the best efforts and closely following safety precautions, accidental exposure to blood-borne pathogens does occur. Data show that doctors and nurses will suffer at least one needle stick at least once in their lifetime. And healthcare staff who work in the emergency room and operating theaters will suffer a needle or sharp injury one or more times in their career.
After exposure to a patient’s blood or body fluids, pathogens, the key is to act quickly. Every one in the workplace should follow the post-exposure protocol. OSHA requires that all employers offer FREE post-exposure and follow-up appointments to their employees who have been injured from a needlestick at no cost.
After a needlestick or a sharp injury, the first thing to do is immediately wash the area with soap and water. If the blood or body fluid has involved the mucus membrane amounts of water or saline. Do this for at least 10-15 minutes
After the initial cleaning, seek prompt medical attention either at the emergency department or the workplace occupational and health safety department
According to the workplace policy, your injury should be documented and/or photographed.
Blood work
Depending on the severity of your needlestick injury and/or exposure to mucous membranes, your baseline blood work will be done to determine your hepatitis B, C, and HIV status. The blood work will also help determine if you have any protection against hepatitis B.
Treatment
Hepatitis B: If you have already been previously vaccinated against hepatitis B, no further treatment is required. However, if you have never received the hepatitis B vaccine or lack immunity to hepatitis B, you will be offered hepatitis B immune globulin and started on the hepatitis B vaccine.
Hepatitis C: There is no vaccine for hepatitis C but there are currently some very effective treatments to prevent the progression of hepatitis C and even obtain a cure. However, the treatment duration may vary from 1-6 months.
Tetanus: Although tetanus is not a blood-borne infection, you will be asked about your tetanus status if the injury has penetrated the skin. Tetanus vaccine is usually necessary for wounds from dirty objects or when the injury is deep. For only minor injuries, the recommendation is a booster if your tetanus shot was more than 10 years ago. If the wound is from a dirty needle or is a deep puncture wound, a booster is necessary if it has been more than 5 years since the last booster dose.
Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV
The decision to prevent HIV infection will depend on the type of injury, severity, patient preference, and the HIV status of the source. In most cases, an infectious disease expert will be present to determine the need for treatment. In some cases, the consultant may start you on antiretroviral therapy and then discontinue it as more blood work data becomes available. But it is important not to delay post-exposure prophylaxis. Ideally, for HIV, post-exposure prophylaxis should start within 2 hours after exposure. Patients are normally have too take a 28-day course of antiretroviral medications.
Repeat blood test
Irrespective of the type of blood-borne organism suspected, repeat blood work is usually necessary because in some cases, some infections may show up late. For example, hepatitis B and C can take up to 3-6 months to show up in blood and HIV may take even longer. One must follow up with a healthcare provider for repeat testing until all the tests are negative.
Prevent infection transmission in the post-exposure period.
It is vital that you undertake precautions to prevent the spread of infections in the post-exposure period. This means that for the next 6 months, you will have to live life assuming you have an infection. During this window period, you should:
Use a condom
Practice safe sex
Avoid getting pregnant
Refrain from donating blood
Avoid sharing personal care products with others like toothbrushes, razors, nail clippers, etc.
Follow the above precautions until your healthcare provider recommends that it is no longer necessary.
Blood-borne pathogens spread when an infected individual comes into contact with an uninfected individual. But what type of contact and how much contact is necessary for actual transmission to occur?
The two main methods of transmission of blood-borne pathogens include sharing of hypodermic needles (eg illicit drug use) and sexual activity. In addition, one can also acquire infection by contact between the mucous membranes of the eyes, mouth, nose, and genitals. Finally, infected mothers can also transmit certain infections to their babies during pregnancy and delivery.
How are healthcare workers exposed to blood-borne pathogens?
Needlestick injury is quite common
Inhalation of aerosolized particles generated during coughing, speaking, sneezing
Suffering a puncture wound from a sharp object like a scalpel blade or needle
Accidental blood exposure or contact with the mucous membrane of an infected person
In all cases, the risk of acquiring blood pathogens is lowest when the skin is intact and healthy. Secondary staff including cleaners and garbage collectors often get stuck with sharp objects during the cleanup of blood, body fluids and removal of sharp containers.
In most healthcare workers, the primary mode of transmission of blood-borne pathogens is direct contact with infected blood. Besides sharing needles, drawing blood from individuals and handling dirty needles are also common causes of transmission. In general, the highest risk of acquiring an infection is after contact with fresh blood. But most blood borne pathogens can live for 5-7 days outside the body. What this means is even dry blood can also transmit hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and HIV.
Preventing bloodborne pathogen infections
The ideal way to prevent the spread of blood-borne pathogens is to follow universal precautions.
Universal precaution steps
Continuous education and seminars; All employers must provide regular training and education to their healthcare workers about blood-borne pathogens. In addition, the employer should provide seminars on the safe handling and disposal of blood and other biological agents
Frequent Hand washing; employers should make available clean washroom facilities with water, soap, and disposable tissues.
Use of personal protective equipment (PPE);
Employers should provide protective eyeglasses and a mask when an employee is going to be working with blood, body fluids, or feces.
Further, gowns or aprons must be available and worn when there is a high probability that clothing is likely to come into contact with body fluids.
Employers should also provide masks and gloves for all employees that are at risk for exposure to biological fluids.
The employer should train employees on how to use PPE and ensure that all PPE are in working order.
Sterilizing and cleaning of contaminated areas;
Should always wear gloves during cleaning
The use of disposable towel is recommended to wipe away body fluids
Always decontaminate the area with household bleach (1:100 solution) or a germicide approved for hospital use
After use, thoroughly rinse, wash and disinfect all medical equipment.
Hand Washing
Must be a priority for all healthcare workers
It is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections
Hands should b washed after contact with a contaminated surface or any type of bodily fluid
Wet hands with water and then use soap for at least 10 seconds
Wash and scrub the fingernails thoroughly with a brush
Hands must be clean and dry before contact with another patient
Gloves
Employer should provide both vinyl and latex gloves for all employers who have the potential to come into contact with bodily fluids, and fecal material
Dispose all gloves after use
Wash hands thoroughly after removing the gloves
.Resuscitation Equipment
To reduce the risk of exposure during emergency mouth to mouth resuscitation, the employer should prove disposable mouth and nose pieces
Safe handling/disposal of contaminated material
All healthcare workers should know how to handle biological waste. Employees who are responsible for handling biological waste should wear puncture-resistant gloves and take precautions to prevent body contact. Biological waste should never be mixed with regular waste. Further, all biological waste should be considered potentially infectious.
In-Pulse CPR is an American Heart Training Center leader. We are the largest and most respected provider of community based classes in Minnesota. Learn to be an instructor from the best!
Why take an American Heart Instructor Class with us? In-Pulse CPR has trained over 125 thousand students since 2009 . Our instructors are passionate about teaching and it shows. We have thousands of reviews from students on Google and reviews.io that rave about our classes. Do your research, you won’t find a better taught class in the state.
Please note: We limit our instructor classes to only 2 a year. Our next class is on:
American Heart Association AHA BLS Healthcare Provider Instructor Training HeartSaver CPR Instructor Certification Red Cross ARC CPR Instructor Classes
“Why would I want to be a CPR Instructor?”
5 reasons why you should Easier than you think – View the steps below Frequently asked questions
Starting a new career as a CPR instructor is affordable and can be very rewarding. The demand for more community taught classes is growing. You could help fill that need.
5 Reasons Why you should become a CPR Instructor
Work for yourself
Upcoming Instructor class dates in Minnesota are listed below.
Becoming an American Heart Instructor: You believe in the tremendous importance of CPR classes, and you have learned a lot by participating in these courses. If you are passionate about training and helping others, now is a great time to consider taking the next step and becoming an American Heart instructor. Once you complete your training, you’ll be able to take advantage of attractive benefits. Here are some of the reasons why becoming an American Heart instructor could be the perfect fit for you.
You can set your own schedule.
Flexibility is an important benefit to today’s job seekers, and working as a CPR instructor offers the schedule flexibility that you’ve been searching for. Once you are a certified instructor, you can choose the location, dates, and times of your classes. Teach classes on weekday evenings for busy parents, or schedule sessions during the day in corporate environments.
Get support and guidance from your Training Center
You can add impressive experience to your resume.
You want to give yourself every advantage in today’s competitive job market. If you are already working as a health professional, your current and potential employers will appreciate seeing the American Heart Instructor certification on your resume. This certification does not only mean that you are a CPR expert; it also shows that you have experience in teaching, speaking in front of a group, and instructing a class. Employers in a wide range of settings value these skills.
You set your own schedule
You can enjoy networking opportunities.
As we chat with those who are currently working as American Heart instructors, we find that many of them have made valuable connections through their classes. CPR certification is a requirement for all medical professionals, so you’ll have students from medical facilities throughout our local area. Whether you are looking for a new job now or sometime in the future, it’s helpful to have connections with medical professionals from a variety of specialties.
You can enjoy extra income.
Organizations ranging from schools to recreation departments realize the importance of providing quality CPR training for their employees. As they pay for these courses, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefit of extra income. Even if you only teach for part-time hours, you can earn additional funds for vacations, holiday gifts, and more.
You can make a life-changing difference.
We’ve saved the most important benefit of working as a CPR instructor for last. The process of teaching is rewarding, and it is even more so when the methods you are sharing can change lives. You’ll love seeing students leave your classes feeling empowered to act confidently in emergency situations. As your students go out into their families, work places, and communities, they have the power to save lives thanks to your careful instruction.
Steps Needed to Become an CPR Instructor
Instructor class are affordable
The steps are simple – get started today!
Approval to align with a local American Heart Training Center – The American Heart requires this. The good news is In-Pulse CPR is an AHA Training Center (TC) and is currently accepting instructor alignments in Minnesota.
Have a non-expired valid BLS and / or HeartSaver CPR certification before you attend an instructor class. Register Here! (Must be an American Heart certification)
Sign up, attend, and successfully complete the classroom Instructor Course. Call us at 763-262-4776 for information about our next class or visit the link at the top of this page to register online.
Successfully be monitored teaching your first course within six months of completing Instructor Course. Training Center Coordinators can require additional monitoring.
FAQ’s New CPR Instructors Ask
What does it cost to become an American Heart Instructor? A new instructor should be prepared to spend a minimum of about $600-$800 to get started. As you grow, you can add to your inventory with more supplies and equipment as needed. The more equipment you have to teach with the larger your classes can be. A few of your startup costs include: -The Instructor course, alignment fee, and monitoring ($300-$500) -Manikins (a functional manikin can be purchased for around $120) Most instructors / teachers have multiple manikins. -AED trainers (start at about $100 each) -Additional training supplies and start up costs ($ varies) -Marketing / Website ($ varies) You may be able to help cut initial costs by finding used equipment to start out with.
Who do I train? Some people you might initially train are your family and friends, your church, or past employers. As you grow your business you may want to reach out to small to medium medical clinics, dental offices, daycares, and schools. There are thousands of people within your community who need this training. Many need CPR/ BLS training as a requirement for their job. This training needs to be completed every two years. BLS stands for ‘Basic Life Support’. It is often synonymous with CPR, more commonly refers to the medical side of CPR training that includes other life support functions like dealing with choking, assisted breathing, AED use, etc. As a BLS Instructor , you can teach healthcare CPR classes, as well as, laymen CPR (commonly known as HeartSaver CPR).
Where can I teach? Geographically speaking, you can teach anywhere. There are some restrictions on handing out a certification to someone outside the country though.
Once I take this class and start teaching CPR, who is my employer? This depends. Is an employer paying for your class and startup costs? Then they are probably your employer. If not, you are self employed. Being a self employed independent CPR instructor has many advantages. See 10 Benefits of Being Self-Employed.
Do I need a Healthcare background or public speaking experience to be a CPR instructor? The short answer is No, anyone can become a CPR instructor regardless of their background. That being said, having past experiences helps. If you are planning on teaching CPR to healthcare workers, it is hard to develop a rapport with your students if they have a medical background and you don’t. If you are only planning on teaching to non-healthcare students like that found at your church, warehouse staff, daycares, teachers, and similar, than a medical background is not important. Likewise, if you have public speaking experience and are an effective communicator, you may be skilled enough to establish a repour with many different types of audiences. Most new instructors have a few fears at first. The more often you teach, the more you can sharpen your communication skills and become a better instructor and communicator. The better you can connect with your students helps develop that trust your students are seeking. Having a good rapport with your students is huge; it is the difference with them giving you repeat business and passing referrals, to never doing business with you again.
When you attend an INSTRUCTOR CLASS with In-Pulse CPR, we will cover many of these questions within the course.
In-Pulse CPR is an American Heart Training Center leader. We are the largest and most respected provider of community based classes in the area. Learn to be an instructor from the best!
Why train with us? In-Pulse CPR has trained over 150 thousand students since 2009 . Our instructors are passionate about teaching and it shows. We have thousands of reviews from students on Google, Trustpilot and reviews.io that rave about our classes.
Do your research, you won’t find a better taught class in the state.
Please note: We limit our instructor classes to only 3 a year. Our next class is on:
American Heart Association AHA BLS Healthcare Provider Instructor Training HeartSaver CPR Instructor Certification
Equivalent Red Cross ARC CPR Instructor Classes
“Why would I want to be a CPR Instructor?”
5 reasons why you should Easier than you think – View the steps below Frequently asked questions
Starting a new career as a CPR instructor is affordable and can be very rewarding. The demand for more community taught classes is growing. You could help fill that need.
5 Reasons Why you should become a CPR Instructor
Work for yourself
Becoming an American Heart Instructor: You believe in the tremendous importance of CPR classes, and you have learned a lot by participating in these courses. If you are passionate about training and helping others, now is a great time to consider taking the next step and becoming an American Heart instructor. Once you complete your training, you’ll be able to take advantage of attractive benefits. Here are some of the reasons why becoming an American Heart instructor could be the perfect fit for you.
You can set your own schedule.
Flexibility is an important benefit to today’s job seekers, and working as a CPR instructor offers the schedule flexibility that you’ve been searching for. Once you are a certified instructor, you can choose the location, dates, and times of your classes. Teach classes on weekday evenings for busy parents, or schedule sessions during the day in corporate environments.
Get support and guidance from your Training Center
You can add impressive experience to your resume.
You want to give yourself every advantage in today’s competitive job market. If you are already working as a health professional, your current and potential employers will appreciate seeing the American Heart Instructor certification on your resume. This certification does not only mean that you are a CPR expert; it also shows that you have experience in teaching, speaking in front of a group, and instructing a class. Employers in a wide range of settings value these skills.
You set your own schedule
You can enjoy networking opportunities.
As we chat with those who are currently working as American Heart instructors, we find that many of them have made valuable connections through their classes. CPR certification is a requirement for all medical professionals, so you’ll have students from medical facilities throughout our local area. Whether you are looking for a new job now or sometime in the future, it’s helpful to have connections with medical professionals from a variety of specialties.
You can enjoy extra income.
Organizations ranging from schools to recreation departments realize the importance of providing quality CPR training for their employees. As they pay for these courses, you’ll be able to enjoy the benefit of extra income. Even if you only teach for part-time hours, you can earn additional funds for vacations, holiday gifts, and more.
You can make a life-changing difference.
We’ve saved the most important benefit of working as a CPR instructor for last. The process of teaching is rewarding, and it is even more so when the methods you are sharing can change lives. You’ll love seeing students leave your classes feeling empowered to act confidently in emergency situations. As your students go out into their families, work places, and communities, they have the power to save lives thanks to your careful instruction.
Steps Needed to Become a CPR Instructor
Instructor class are affordable
The steps are simple – get started today!
Approval to align with a local American Heart Training Center – The American Heart requires this. The good news is In-Pulse CPR is an AHA Training Center (TC) and is currently accepting instructor alignments in Florida.
Have a non-expired valid BLS and / or HeartSaver CPR certification before you attend an instructor class. Register Here! (Must be an American Heart certification)
Sign up, attend, and successfully complete the classroom Instructor Course. Call us at 813-343-4024 for information about our next class or visit the link at the top of this page to register online.
Successfully be monitored teaching your first course within six months of completing Instructor Course. Training Center Coordinators can require additional monitoring.
FAQ’s New CPR Instructors Ask
What does it cost to become an American Heart Instructor? A new instructor should be prepared to spend a minimum of about $900-$1200 to get started. As you grow, you can add to your inventory with more supplies and equipment as needed. The more equipment you have to teach with the larger your classes can be. A few of your startup costs include: -The Instructor course, alignment fee, and monitoring ($300-$500) -Manikins (a functional manikin can be purchased for around $160) Most instructors / teachers have multiple manikins. -AED trainers (start at about $120 each) -Additional training supplies and start up costs ($ varies) -Marketing / Website ($ varies) You may be able to help cut initial costs by finding used equipment to start out with.
Who do I train? Some people you might initially train are your family and friends, your church, or past employers. As you grow your business you may want to reach out to small to medium medical clinics, dental offices, daycares, and schools. There are thousands of people within your community who need this training. Many need CPR/ BLS training as a requirement for their job. This training needs to be completed every two years. BLS stands for ‘Basic Life Support’. It is often synonymous with CPR, more commonly refers to the medical side of CPR training that includes other life support functions like dealing with choking, assisted breathing, AED use, etc. As a BLS Instructor , you can teach healthcare CPR classes, as well as, laymen CPR (commonly known as HeartSaver CPR).
Where can I teach? Geographically speaking, you can teach anywhere. There are some restrictions on handing out a certification to someone outside the country though.
Once I take this class and start teaching CPR, who is my employer? This depends. Is an employer paying for your class and startup costs? Then they are probably your employer. If not, you are self employed. Being a self employed independent CPR instructor has many advantages. See 10 Benefits of Being Self-Employed.
Do I need a Healthcare background or public speaking experience to be a CPR instructor? The short answer is No, anyone can become a CPR instructor regardless of their background. That being said, having past experiences helps. If you are planning on teaching CPR to healthcare workers, it is hard to develop a rapport with your students if they have a medical background and you don’t. If you are only planning on teaching to non-healthcare students like that found at your church, warehouse staff, daycares, teachers, and similar, than a medical background is not important. Likewise, if you have public speaking experience and are an effective communicator, you may be skilled enough to establish a repour with many different types of audiences. Most new instructors have a few fears at first. The more often you teach, the more you can sharpen your communication skills and become a better instructor and communicator. The better you can connect with your students helps develop that trust your students are seeking. Having a good rapport with your students is huge; it is the difference with them giving you repeat business and passing referrals, to never doing business with you again.
When you attend an INSTRUCTOR CLASS with In-Pulse CPR, we will cover many of these questions within the course.
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.