Tip of the Day- Register for a CPR Course

by Alison Palmer | More from this Blogger

03 Feb 2007 09:56 AM

It only takes a few minutes to register, a couple hours out of your week and usually less than $50.00 out of your pocket. It's definitely worth both the time and monetary costs.

You can take the courses at your home with family and friends, with a group from your community or on your computer. It's important to learn a little bit about how to save a life and what to do in an emergency. Statistics tell us that 80% of all heart attacks will happen in the person's own home. So the number one reason for knowing CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) is to help someone you love.

I'm extremely grateful for the 911 emergency system. Those people are trained to help you in a stressful situation. It's so much less stress and so much more helpful to be able to say: "OK, I can do this" or "I remember this part" rather than feeling completely helpless and admitting "I don't know what to do". Sometimes the emergency is so shocking and you feel so helpless that you can't recover. The person on the other end of the line may know what to do, and he or she may be trying to tell you. However, because it is completely new and foreign, you're mind and body can't communicate to create a helpful response. That's not a "what if" I'd wish on anyone.

Knowledge is definitely power when it comes to emergencies.

When you can respond to an emergency appropriately, you double that person's chance of survival. Knowing CPR and getting help fast are the most important keys for helping someone survive a heart attack.

A CPR course can actually be kind of fun. You get to meet new people and play with cool toys. Ever watched them "shock" someone on TV? Well, you'll learn how they do it, why they do it, and how to do it yourself with an AED (automated external defibrillator). Pretty cool if you ask me!

No, CPR training does not involve watching bloody films that will make you squeamish. The instructors can be very frank, but they're not there to provide you with a horror show.

Yes, there will be a test. Again, the goal is not to put undue stress on you. The environment is very supportive but passing the test gives you the privilege of carrying "the card". A card in your wallet for successfully completing a CPR course should be more valued than your credit card.

If you've never taken a course, or if it's been more than 2 years since your last class (the course and technique have been updated in recent years), it's time to sign up.

Visit the American Heart Association to find the best option for you.

Related Articles:

Tip of the Day- Make an Emergency Medical Card

Safety: What You Should Teach

Advantages of Learning CPR and First Aid

Give the Gift of Safety

Heart Attack Warning Signs

Learn more about Alison Palmer

Writing is Alison's favorite past time, but you can also frequently find her reading, playing piano, cooking, taking long walks, sewing, or playing with her family.

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