CPR classes generally focus on the theory of Cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the necessary skills and techniques to effectively execute the technique. However, CPR classes target different candidate groups, hence the diversity of CPR class types. The classes for medical people and bystanders who want to learn the basics are different. There are different levels of CPR curriculums to suit the needs of the candidates. But what do you learn in CPR classes?
In this article, we’re discussing in depth what you can expect from the classes, what they cover, and where you can find reliable classes in Augusta, Georgia. But, before that, we will establish the differences between the types of CPR classes.
So, without further ado, let’s get to it!
Types of CPR Class
CPR classes are organized to suit the individual needs of the candidates. Some candidates only need to know how to respond in critical situations in the case of an adult victim, while others need CPR on children and infants. There are also CPR classes for medical personnel which are completely different than those for office workers, for example.
Of course, there are other types of CPR classes, and we provide the entire description below.
Adult CPR Classes
The Adult CPR Classes teach how to provide CPR to adults or people over 8 years old. The curriculum of this class typically involves studying the technique by appropriately positioning the hand on the victim’s chest to do the chest compressions.
CPR training centers are aware that some of the candidates are afraid to take the initiative and need help finding the rhythm of compressions which is highly relevant for the exercises to work. Instructors help the attendees with learning how to stay on beat.
Additionally, you will learn how to tell when it’s time to stop trying and when you need to try again. More importantly, you will learn when you should not give CPR to an adult. Ultimately, most Adult CPR classes also involve practicing and learning the automatic external defibrillator, or AED for short, as a complementary feature in the CPR technique.
Infant and Children CPR Classes
As the name implies, these classes are focused on performing CPR on children and infants or anyone below 8 years. You can find these classes under “pediatric,” too.
These classes teach candidates when and how to respond in case of a child’s cardiac arrest, what techniques to use, and when you need to use these techniques. The difficulty in these classes is the physique of the baby or child that is still developing. As a standard, the proper usage of an AED is also included as part of the class.
Basic Life Support CPR Class
Basic life support, or BLS, is a type of class that includes Adult and Pediatric CPR in the curriculum. These classes are advanced in the way that they involve extended material, while the learning curve is pretty similar to the individual classes.
However, in BLS classes, apart from the CPR exercises, candidates will also learn how to relieve airway obstructions. These classes are intended for first responders or medical personnel.
What Each Class Covers Within a Curriculum
Now that we’ve established the main CPR class types, it’s time to reflect on the curriculum structure and what you can expect from the class you’ve signed up for.
In a nutshell, every class aims to develop your rescuing skills, deepen your knowledge and boost your confidence. For that reason, CPR providers have an exact plan to follow so the candidates can be ready to rescue more lives.
Expand Your Knowledge Based on Facts
The purpose of the CPR classes is not merely to teach you the technique but how to tell when a person needs CPR. If a person fails to recognize when a person actually needs CPR and still provides it – the situation may become worse and even fatal.
Therefore, at the beginning of these courses, you will learn when and how to provide CPR to a victim, then what are the benefits of CPR and how it improves the situation. Additionally, the instructor will point out some of the main self-precations and the importance of personal safety. Then you will learn how to assess and determine the unresponsive person and, more importantly, how to tell what caused the cardiac arrest in adults, children, or babies.
If you’ve taken a first aid class, then you have extra chapters to learn. Predominantly, first aid focuses on difficult emergencies that require medical attention. Therefore, know that you will learn how to respond to injuries like open wounds and assess the person’s responsiveness.
Develop Your Skills
The second aim of the CPR classes is to help candidates develop their skills and prepare them for administering real CPR.
Initially, the instructor will first demonstrate the CPR techniques, including hands-only CPR and CPR with rescue breaths, and how to use an AED properly. The instructor will present CPR to adults, children, and babies with mannequins.
Practicing the Skills
If you signed up for a CPR class in a hybrid or in-person format, then you will have the opportunity to practice the skills on a mannequin.
This part of the CPR class is probably the most important as it allows the candidates to practice what they’ve learned during the theoretical part. Many find it difficult at first and not how they imagined it to be, but they find a way to execute the CPR correctly. Therefore, many CPR training centers insist on taking the classes in person instead of online classes because they will get the opportunity to test their skills and get feedback from a certified instructor on the spot.
The same goes for people taking BLS classes. They will have to practice relieving obstructed airways and providing the proper care to the victim. The instructor will follow the technique of the candidate and correct them on the spot.
Building the Confidence
Last but not least, the final component of the CPR classes is building confidence. Apart from knowing the basics of CPR on adults, children, or babies, the steps of executing the CPR, or practicing with a certified instructor, confidence is probably one of the most important steps a candidate has to pass before they get a certificate.
In reality, when a cardiac arrest case occurs, the bystander must not panic during the situation but look for ways to focus and apply their knowledge and skills. During the CPR Classes, the instructor might show you real cases and ask questions about your response prioritization. This will help you build your confidence and allow you to focus simply on providing the necessary help.
Otherwise, the exercises where the instructor asks fast questions are the final component of the CPR classes and a mini preparation for the examination.
What Do You Learn in CPR Classes: Conclusion
To close the question of “What do you learn in CPR Classes?” let’s revise the main points of the article and draw a conclusion.
Initially, CPR Classes are divided into several categories or types. That is adult, pediatric, or BSL. Also, all CPR Classes are taught online, in person, or a combination of online and in-person.
During these classes, the candidates will gain more knowledge about the importance of CPR, but at the same, they will be coached by a certified trainer. The instructor shows the skills on mannequins and later asks the students to repeat the step. Afterward, candidates will practice until they become independent in their skills and boost their confidence to the fullest.
We hope this article answered your questions and that it helps you understand the importance of providing CPR.