What 3 Things You Should Know About CPR Training

Cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency procedure which has been used for more than seven decades. Although the principle of CPR has pretty much stayed the same throughout the years, there have been several improvements made to the technique. Read below to find out what CPR training nowadays is all about.

• Hands-Only Resuscitation:

For a very long time, the protocols regarding efficient CPR were very strict: cycles of 30 chest compressions followed by 2 artificial breaths. However, recent advances in the medical field and various studies have prompted international organizations to change recommendations regarding the CPR protocol.

Nowadays, emphasis is put on performing efficient chest compression (at least 4-5 cm deep and at a rate of 100 per minute) rather than concentrating on the artificial respirations. The hands-only resuscitation is certainly the preferred method where there is only one rescuer.

While in most cases the general consensus is to first start the chest compressions, in newborns it is still considered important to begin by clearing the airway and performing artificial respiration and only afterwards worry about the compressions. This is because, many times, the artificial breaths are more than enough to restore the baby's state.

• Different Protocols for Children and Adults:

During CPR training, you will learn that the resuscitation protocol has to be adjusted according to the age and size of the victim. While for adults, 30 chest compressions and 2 artificial respirations are considered standard, in children the preferred ratio is 15:2. Also, in children younger than 7, the rescuer is advised to use only one hand so as not to apply too much pressure on the young victim's chest. In newborns, the recommended ratio of chest compression and artificial respirations is 3:1 and the rescuer is advised to use only two fingers (the index and the middle finger) when doing the compressions.

CPR training courses use different sizes mannequins in order to simulate the resuscitation for an adult, a child, and a newborn. In this way, trainees can get accustomed to the amount of pressure they need to apply in each case.

• The Use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs):

In today's society, the use of defibrillators for restoring a victim's heart rhythm is not reserved only for hospitals or medical professionals. AEDs can be found in subway stations, schools, and other public places and are easy to use by someone who has undergone a minimum of CPR training. All the rescuer has to do is place the AED's pads on the victim's chest and let the device do all the work.

Although not all cardiac arrests can be shocked using the AED (the defibrillator is efficient only for certain heart rhythms) the use of these devices has significantly increased the number of successful resuscitations.

CPR training has been constantly evolving and improving and it is important for the average citizen, not only for the medical professional, to keep up with all of the changes. The information presented above represents the most important things you should know about modern CPR training.

What 7 Things You May Not Know About the Aseptic Techniques Training Course

In the US, hospitals and other healthcare facilities have their specific credentialing requirements, which may differ from institution to institution. However, there are a few training courses, including the aseptic techniques module, which are mandatory regardless of the medical facility. Following you will find some things you may not know about these techniques training courses.

• Aseptic techniques training modules offer background information, general recommendations, and procedures on matters such as hand hygiene, surgical scrubbing, aseptic techniques, sterile techniques, and sterile gloving techniques.

• Depending on the credentialing requirements you need to achieve, you can choose to attend these techniques course alone or you can take this course as part of a bundle including other credentialing training courses. Healthcare training companies offer standard bundles, with 5 to 8 common courses, but you can also personalize the list of courses you need to attend.

• Most of these techniques courses are available online and are compatible with laptops, PCs, mobile phones, and tablets; all you need is a working Internet connection. This gives you the freedom to complete the training course at your own pace, whenever you want and from wherever you can. No need to adhere to a strict schedule or waste valuable hours of your time in a crowded classroom.

• The cost of these techniques training course can vary according to the company that is offering it, so research a little before deciding on one. Non-profit organizations, university students, or larger groups are usually offered discounts so make sure you consider all of the available options.

• If you are the manager of a healthcare facility, it would be a great idea to enroll all of your employees in the aseptic techniques program at once, because this gives you the opportunity to supervise the training course and your workers' performance.

• Upon completion of an aseptic techniques training program, which typically involves passing a multiple questions test, you will be given a certificate that attests you have an adequate level of knowledge in this field. You can even reprint your certificate any time you wish to, in case you lose or misplace it. Administrators can print multiple certificates at once, from a single location, for all members of the group that have passed the training course. They also have the option to track statistics and print compliance reports to see how the group is doing.

• The length of an aseptic techniques course depends on how quickly or slowly you can go through the material and fully understand it. There is no rush to finish it rapidly as you can spend as much time as you need to. Also, you can retake the final exams as many times as you wish to, which further alleviates any pressure the trainees might feel.

These are the most important things one should know about aseptic techniques training courses before deciding to attend one. This type of course is offered by any major credentialing company, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding one.