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CPR

Actor Says CPR, AED Saved His Life

When actor Bob Odenkirk collapsed on the set of his television show “Better Caul Saul” in the summer of 2021, his co-stars immediately called for help. The show’s health officer rushed over and began performing CPR. In interviews a few months later, Odenkirk credited that quick response, the use of an AED, and his recent physical activity for saving his life.

actor saved by CPR
photo credit: @mikhail-nilov accessed 4/10/22 via CC0

Actor Credits CPR For Saving His Life

Odenkirk says he suffered a “heart-related incident” and collapsed on set in July 2021. The on-set health officer performed CPR for 12 minutes. She then asked another person to take over, while she retrieved and administered an AED, or automated external defibrillator.

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Odenkirk had to be shocked with the AED three times before his heart resumed its rhythm. His representatives later told the media that he was in stable condition.

In interviews, Odenkirk credits the quick action of his co-stars and the health officer in immediately starting CPR and using the AED when appropriate. He also says that he had recently increased his physical activity and stamina while training for a movie role. Not only did this improve the health of his cardiovascular system, but it made CPR more effective. He believes it also made recovery easier.

Read: What’s the Easiest Way to Prevent Heart Disease? Physical Activity

Odenkirk is fortunate that he had someone on set who was trained in CPR and AED use. The majority of people who suffer a cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting don’t fare so well. This is why CPR training is so important. You could save a life! Register for a HeartCert CPR course today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, babysitter training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Introducing a Private CPR Training Option

HeartCert is excited to introduce a new, one-of-a-kind CPR training option. Our private CPR course allows you to choose a time that works for your schedule. CPR certification has never been easier!

Why We Launched Our Private CPR Course

There’s no question that CPR saves lives. According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting every year. Only about 10% of people who experience cardiac arrest in a non-medical setting survive. But if CPR is performed immediately, the chances of survival double or even triple.

Read: What’s the Difference Between Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest?

Unfortunately, bystander CPR is performed on fewer than half of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests. By offering CPR training courses that are easy and accessible, we’re hoping to change that number.

How Does Private CPR Training Work?

When you enroll for our private CPR certification course, you’ll be able to choose a time that works for your schedule. You’ll receive immediate access to online training materials and videos. When you’ve completed the coursework, you’ll have access to our Eagan, MN headquarters at your scheduled time.

Then, an instructor will connect with you virtually to take you through the final steps of the CPR certification process. You will receive an American Red Cross CPR certification, which is valid for two years.

See how it works:

We’re offering two options for private CPR training: Basic Life Support (BLS) and Adult/Child/Infant CPR/AED with First Aid.

Learn more and register here, and contact us with any questions.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, babysitter training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Are You Eating Enough Fiber for Heart Health?

Dietary fiber is an essential part of a healthy diet. It protects the body against a wide host of conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and other digestive ailments. It can also lower cholesterol and help with weight management. But the majority of Americans don’t consume enough fiber, and therefore aren’t seeing those benefits.

According to a 2017 analysis, 95% of American adults and children consume less than the daily recommended amount of fiber. Although recommendations differ based on age and gender, the average American adult should aim for about 28 grams of fiber per day. According to the American Heart Association, the average fiber intake is only 14 grams – half the RDA.

enough fiber
photo credit: @polina-tankilevitch accessed 3/10/22 via CC0

Why is it Important to Eat Enough Fiber?

Fiber can’t be broken down by the digestive system, so it passes through the body undigested. Along the way, it helps move other food through the digestive system, improving regularity and overall well-being. Fiber has many benefits, including:

  • Lowers glucose levels
  • Lowers blood cholesterol
  • Reduces risk of heart disease
  • Reduces risk of metabolic syndrome
  • Prevents and relieves constipation
  • Reduces risk of certain cancers
  • Helps with weight loss and weight management
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How Can I Eat More Fiber?

The good news: you can increase the amount of fiber in your diet with a few easy modifications.

First, choose whole grain bread, pasta and rice over their white and processed counterparts. Brown rice and whole grain carbohydrates generally have higher amounts of fiber. Second, add more servings of fruits and vegetables to your diet. Incorporate them into snacks and find creative ways to add them to meals. Eat fruit instead of drinking fruit juices. Third, swap out meat for high-fiber beans or legumes, such as lentils, chickpeas, black beans or others a few times per week.

Making these small changes can help you get enough fiber – and improve your heart health.

Protect the hearts of those you love with a HeartCert CPR training course. We’re offering virtual and in-person options to meet your needs. Sign up today!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid,, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Celebrate American Heart Month by Learning CPR

February marks American Heart Month, an annual period to shine the spotlight on heart disease, risk factors, research, prevention tips and more. To mark the 58th annual event, the American Heart Association (AHA) is reinforcing the importance of physical and mental well-being after two difficult years of the pandemic.

The History of American Heart Month

American Heart Month was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson, who had personally suffered a heart attack, in 1964. Since then, U.S. presidents have designed February as American Heart Month every year.

American Heart Month
photo credit: @ryanoniel accessed 2/3/22 via CC0

Taking Control of Heart Health

This year, the AHA is urging all Americans to “reclaim your rhythm.” Many of us adopted unhealthy coping mechanisms during the pandemic, so consider February a time to reset and find new heart-healthy patterns.

The AHA has a few suggestions for improving heart health:

Reclaim Your Rhythm Through CPR Training

Protect the hearts of those around you by learning the rhythm of hands-only CPR. Did you know that about 70% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in the home? Or that CPR can double or triple the odds of survival, especially if performed immediately? Improve your odds by signing up for a CPR certification course with HeartCert. Virtual CPR training options are available!

Register for a Class

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid,, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

4 Reasons to Offer CPR Training to Employees

Many employees have returned or will soon head back to the office. After nearly two years away, your team will probably need some refreshers. How does the coffee maker work? Where’s the conference room? And how do you perform CPR if a coworker goes into cardiac arrest?

Yes, that final question is more serious than the first two. But it’s a real possibility. Because we spend a good deal of our time in the office, there is a significant likelihood of cardiac arrest at work. This is why it’s important to ensure that your team is prepared.

Why Employees Should be Trained in CPR

employees
photo credit: @thirdman accessed 11/29/21 via CC0

CPR Increases the Likelihood of Survival

CPR keeps blood circulating until an ambulance arrives. Not only does this increase the odds of survival, but it can minimize the negative impacts of cardiac arrest.

Hands-Only CPR is Less Invasive

Many employees think that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is part of CPR, but this isn’t the case. Hand-only CPR is the standard now, which is much less invasive.

Read: CPR Training for OSHA Compliance

Help Your Coworkers – And Your Career

Knowing how to perform CPR will make you a valuable asset in the office. You can even add it to your resume!

HeartCert Makes it Easy to Learn CPR

HeartCert offers on-site CPR training to train all employees at once. Portions of the training can be completed online in advance, making the time commitment more flexible.

Do you have questions about office CPR training? Give HeartCert a call today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2018.

CPR Training Improves Survival Rates on Airplanes

In 2004, the Federal Aviation Administration issued a requirement that all U.S. commercial airlines be equipped with automatic external defibrillators, or AEDs. Since then, the cardiac arrest survival rate has been higher on airplanes than in the general public, according to a new study from the American Heart Association.

cardiac arrests on airplanes
photo credit: @skitterphoto accessed 10/7/21 via CC0

Specifically, the study looked at cardiac arrests that occurred on airplanes and in airports between 2004 and 2019. The records were taken from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Researchers looked at a total of 143 cardiac arrests, 34 of which occurred on an airplane. The other 109 took place at the airport.

Of the 34 on-airplane cardiac arrests, 15% survived to hospital discharge. In comparison, 44% of the in-airport cardiac arrests survived to discharge.

Cardiac Arrest Survival Rates Higher on Airplanes

While a 15% survival rate may not seem especially high, it is higher than the national cardiac arrest survival rate – less than 11%. Researchers say this points to the value and importance of early intervention, bystander assistance, AED availability and CPR training.

Airplane passengers or bystanders who see someone become unresponsive should immediately alert an employee or flight attendant. If you’re in an airport, perform CPR as needed until help arrives. In the air, however, always follow the direction of the flight crew.

The data is clear: bystander CPR saves lives and improves outcomes. Sign up for CPR training today and learn how you could be a hero.

Sign Up for a Virtual CPR Course

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid. We offer classes in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

CPR Training for OSHA Compliance

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration, or OSHA, mandates CPR and first aid certification training in several industries and organizations. No matter the size of your company, maintaining OSHA compliance is a big task – but HeartCert is here to help!

Easy OSHA Compliance with HeartCert

HeartCert offers convenient American Heart Association and American Red Cross courses to keep your company compliant with state and federal CPR certification requirements. Our knowledgeable team handles all employee certification tracking, expiration notices and other administrative procedures.

In addition, we also offer convenient and affordable AED and safety products. Check out our online CPR equipment store for pricing and availability.

HeartCert offers several options for CPR and first aid training for businesses:

  • In-person certification training
  • Online certification training
  • Virtual certification training

Not sure which training option would be the best for your organization? Contact us to discuss your situation and unique needs.

HeartCert has helped more than 500 businesses provide CPR training and certification to their employees or stakeholders. Whether OSHA requires your employees to become CPR certified or not, get in touch to learn more about our easy, convenient CPR training for organizations!

Note: About half of U.S. states follow the federal OSHA guidelines, while the other half operate their own OSHA-approved programs. Visit the OSHA website or contact your state labor department to learn about additional CPR requirements.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Four Things to Know About High Blood Pressure

If you’ve ever sat in a doctor’s office and had a routine blood pressure reading – and not fully understood the results – this blog post is for you. Especially if you have a family or personal history of high blood pressure.

Blood pressure is more than just a number. It’s an important indicator of your overall cardiovascular health, and a potential sign of health issues to come. High blood pressure, or hypertension, impacts all of your internal organs – not just the heart.

high blood pressure
photo credit: @pavel-danilyuk accessed 9/2/21 via CC0

Here are four important facts about high blood pressure from the American Heart Association.

Four Things You Should Know About High Blood Pressure

Don’t Wait Until It’s a Problem

High blood pressure is defined as a systolic pressure (the top number) of 130 or below, or a diastolic pressure (the bottom number) of 80 or above. These numbers must stay elevated over a period of time for a diagnosis of hypertension. Understanding and monitoring your blood pressure will allow you to notice changes and take proactive action – before it becomes a problem.

Sodium Matters – and So Does Potassium

We know to monitor the amount of sodium in our diets. But the balance between sodium and potassium also matters to blood pressure. Many processed foods are high in sodium and low in potassium.

Blood Pressure Affects the Brain

Hypertension affects the blood vessels in the brain, increasing the risk of stroke. But researchers now believe that high blood pressure can also affect cognitive function and lead to dementia.

For Better Blood Pressure, Start with Small Changes

You don’t have to lose weight, quit smoking, lower sodium intake, and exercise more all at the same time. Focus on one risk factor, and start with small changes. Once you have a habit under control, move on to the next. You’ll be healthier before you know it.

What’s the best way to protect the hearts of those you love? Learn CPR! HeartCert CPR is offering virtual and safe in-person CPR training courses. Find a class today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Why Should I Learn CPR?

Life is busy. If you’re struggling to juggle work, home, family and other obligations, the thought of adding another task to your to-do list can be overwhelming. But all of those obligations, and the people you interact with through them, make it even more important to learn CPR.

The good news: HeartCert CPR is now offering hybrid and virtual CPR courses! You can complete some or all of your CPR training from home, when it fits into your schedule. Check out our full course schedule and contact us to learn more.

Still need a push? Here are five reasons to make CPR training a priority in the coming months.

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Four Reasons to Learn CPR

4 reasons to learn CPR
photo credit: @splitti accessed 7/2/21 via CC0
  1. Bystander CPR is Underperformed: More than 325,000 people go into cardiac arrest outside of a medical setting in the U.S. every year. When CPR is performed immediately, their odds of survival are more than doubled. Because it takes time to get emergency responders on the scene, it’s vital for bystanders to know and be ready to perform CPR.
  2. Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home: We’ve all been spending a lot more time at home in the last year. Did you know that more than 85 percent of cardiac arrests happen in the home? Knowing CPR could save the lives of your loved ones.
  3. CPR Does Not Require Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation: Hands-on CPR became the approved method of bystander CPR in 2010. No mouth-to-mouth contact is needed.
  4. CPR Can Save a Life: Every year in the U.S., 475,000 people die of cardiac arrest. If more people were trained in CPR, that number could be significantly decreased.

Are You Ready to Learn CPR?

Don’t wait another day. Register for a HeartCert CPR training course today!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available. We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2019.

HeartCert CPR Now Open in Wabasha

HeartCert CPR is excited to announce the grand opening of our newest location in Wabasha, MN. With this expansion, we will bring our American Heart Association and American Red Cross-certified CPR training courses to essential workers and lay responders throughout southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin.

cough cpr in Wabasha

Located halfway between Red Wing and Winona, and on the Mississippi River and Wisconsin border, our new Wabasha location will allow us to serve residents and workers throughout the region. Both BLS courses for professionals and CPR/AED/First Aid courses for non-healthcare lay responders will be offered in Wabasha. We will also offer on-site training for workplaces, teams and organizations in the area.

Would you prefer to learn CPR from the comfort of your own home and on your own schedule? Register for a virtual CPR training course from HeartCert CPR!

HeartCert Wabasha is located at 611 Broadway Avenue Suite 220, Wabasha, MN 55981. Visit our website to see our CPR training schedule, or contact us for more information or with questions.

HeartCert CPR is a fully licensed and certified safety company servicing the Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota. All CPR/AED, First Aid, and BLS courses are taught by experienced professionals who make each course exciting, fun, and convenient. We also offer virtual and blended courses to fit your schedule and keep you safe.

Protect the hearts of those around you: register for a CPR training course today!

Register for a CPR Course

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

What is the Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival?

When a person goes into sudden cardiac arrest outside of a health care facility, there is a specific sequence of events that, if performed fully and efficiently, can significantly improve their chances of survival and recovery. This is known as the Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival.

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According to the American Heart Association, there are six steps in this process. Each is vitally important to a cardiac arrest patient’s survival. It’s important to understand the chain and what role you might play, should you encounter someone in sudden cardiac arrest.

The Six Steps of the Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival

out-of-hospital chain of survival
image c/o American Heart Association

  1. Recognition of cardiac arrest, and activation of the emergency response system (calling 911)
  2. Performing CPR as quickly as possible, with an emphasis on chest compressions
  3. Defibrillation with an AED
  4. Resuscitation and advanced care performed by emergency medical responders and health care providers
  5. Additional care performed after the cardiac arrest
  6. Recovery treatment, rehabilitation or observation as needed

A Bystander’s Role in the Chain of Survival

The first three steps of the chain must often be performed by bystanders, whether or not they know the patient. If nothing else, it’s vital to understand when a sudden cardiac arrest is taking place, and to call 911.

But performing CPR as soon as possible is key to improving outcomes. According to data from 2014, almost 45 percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of health care settings survived when bystander CPR was performed. And because about 70 percent of cardiac arrests take place in the home, the life you save may be that of a family member.

Ready to get started with CPR? Schedule a CPR training course today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Why Women Are Less Likely to Receive CPR

February marks both American Heart Month and Go Red for Women. This makes it the perfect time to discuss overall heart health and the impact of heart disease, and related biases, on women. For example: did you know that women are less likely to receive CPR from a bystander than men? This was the finding of a recent survey, and it translates to greater impacts for women of all demographics.

According to a 2018 survey discussed by the American Heart Association, 45% of men received bystander CPR, compared to 39% of women. Overall, men had a 23% higher likelihood of survival than women.

women receive CPR
photo credit: @giulia_bertelli accessed 2/3/21 via CC0

To ensure better outcomes for women suffering from cardiac arrest, here are a few ways to promote and encourage performing bystander CPR on women.

Why Are Women Less Likely to Receive CPR Than Men?

Survey respondents gave three primary reasons for their reluctance to perform CPR on women.

  1. Fear of being accused of inappropriate physical contact or sexual assault
  2. Fear of harming the victim
  3. The misconception that women don’t have cardiac arrests or are being overdramatic

For men, the first reason is the most prevalent, and the second is most prevalent for women.

How to Encourage Bystanders to Perform CPR on Women

Education is one of the easiest and most effective ways to dispel myths and encourage bystanders to perform CPR on women. For example, there is a very small probability of injuring someone by administering CPR on them. If that is more widely known and understood, there might be less hesitance.

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In addition, greater education about the necessity of performing CPR could help, especially when helping people overcome fears of sexual assault accusations. When a woman is in medical distress, help is necessary, even if it feels inappropriate at the time.

Training more people on how to perform hands-free CPR could significantly reduce this disparity. Consider hosting a CPR course for your workplace, or register for a virtual class.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

What’s the Difference Between Heart Attack and Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Many people associate CPR with heart attacks. However, because heart attacks usually don’t cause the heart to stop beating, CPR is not often needed following a heart attack. In contrast, a sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly, without warning, and stops the heart from pumping blood. This is when CPR is needed to save the patient’s life, and to preserve brain and organ function.

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What are other differences between heart attack and cardiac arrest? We turned to the American Heart Association for more information.

What is a Heart Attack?

When a blocked artery prevents oxygen-rich blood from reaching a section of the heart, that part of the heart begins to die. If the blocked artery is not reopened, damage can be severe.

Because of the gradual nature of a heart attack, symptoms often begin and build slowly, over the course of several hours, days, or even weeks. And symptoms vary, especially between men and women. It’s important to know and be able to recognize symptoms and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

sudden cardiac arrest
photo credit: @averey accessed 12/2/20 via CC0

What is a Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Unlike the slow build of a heart attack, a sudden cardiac arrest occurs with little warning. The effects are immediate. Cardiac arrest is triggered by an irregular heartbeat (also known as arrhythmia). This disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body.

Without CPR performed by a bystander or medical professional, the patient will lose consciousness and die in a matter of minutes. Even if the patient survives, the lack of blood and oxygen to the brain and organs could cause permanent damage. This is why it’s vitally important for bystanders to know CPR – and be ready and willing to perform it when necessary.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

American Heart Association Issues New CPR Guidelines

In the new CPR guidelines recently issued by the American Heart Association, the importance of bystander CPR was re-emphasized. “Cardiac arrest is a life-or-death situation,” the AHA committee chair said. “When every second counts, it’s important for lay people to be ready and willing to start CPR.”

The new guidelines recommend that bystanders CPR even if they aren’t sure whether the victim is in cardiac arrest. The risk of harm from CPR is low – especially when compared to the potential risk of cardiac arrest.

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New CPR Guidelines Focus on Recovery

CPR guidelines
photo credit: @shvetsa accessed 10/30/20 via CC0

In a change, the new CPR guidelines add recovery to the “chain of survival.” The chain of survival is a series of actions that determine how and to what extent a patient will recover from cardiac arrest. Those actions include calling 911, performing CPR, and using an automated external defibrillator (AED).

The new recovery phase includes treatment, surveillance and rehabilitation, which includes monitoring and treating depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress caused by the cardiac arrest and heart disease treatment.

Expanding Bystander CPR

The new guidelines also included efforts to encourage bystander CPR. The AHA suggests leveraging mobile phone technology to alert bystanders of a nearby cardiac event. In addition, there is a need for bystander training tailored to specific racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic populations that traditionally have lower rates of bystander CPR.

Ready to learn CPR? HeartCert is here to help. We’re offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

What is CPR and Why Is It Important?

At HeartCert CPR, we talk a lot about the lifesaving importance of CPR. But we realize that, for those who don’t work in the medical field, CPR may not be so familiar. So we’re going to get back to basics: what is CPR, and why should everyone be able to perform it? We turned to the American Heart Association for help breaking it down.

what is cpr
photo credit: @karolina-grabowska accessed 10/3/20 via CC0

What is CPR?

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is performed when the heart stops beating, with the goal of keeping the blood flow active, even partially, in order to continue the flow of oxygen throughout the body.

Why is CPR Important?

CPR that is performed immediately after cardiac arrest can double or triple the chances of survival. Every year in the United States, 475,000 people die of cardiac arrest. If more people were trained and ready to perform CPR, that number could be significantly decreased.

How to Perform CPR

There are two standard ways to perform CPR:

  1. Hands-Only CPR. This is commonly performed by laypeople or bystanders who witness someone in cardiac distress. Hands-only CPR is what it sounds like – performing CPR chest compressions, without mouth-to-mouth breaths.
  2. Conventional CPR. This involves chest compressions in conjunction with mouth-to-mouth breathing. It is most commonly performed by healthcare providers and emergency medical workers.

Anyone who performs CPR should focus on these five critical components:

  • Ensure appropriate hand placement
  • Maintain consistency in chest compressions
  • Make sure compressions of are an adequate rate and depth
  • Don’t lean on the patient between compressions
  • Avoid excessive ventilation

 

CPR can help you save a life. Ready to learn? HeartCert is offering virtual CPR training options to keep our students safe. Contact us to learn more.

Register For a CPR Class

 

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR and First Aid in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Certified Nursing Assistant training. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

 

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications! Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.