Earlier this year, a neighborhood in El Paso, Texas, got an unfortunate reminder of how crucial it is to know how to react during a medical emergency when a 14-year-old boy experienced cardiac arrest in his home. Luckily, his father jumped into action and started giving him CPR while waiting for the EMTs.
A few months later, on a hiking trail in North Texas, a woman trained in CPR saved the life of a man having a heart attack by putting her life-saving knowledge and skills to good use. Stories like these point out the importance of having basic CPR training and certification. They can also inspire entire communities across the US to come together and look after each other during medical emergencies.
Every community needs guardians of the block, and if you want to join their ranks, you can invest in CPR training and even become CPR-certified.
How CPR Training Benefits Communities
CPR education and training give people the knowledge and skills to react when it matters most. They can show people how simple CPR is, make them confident in their ability to respond appropriately during situations that need it, and start performing CPR while waiting for the EMTs.
That is especially important for historically underserved populations in the US. El Paso has a majority Hispanic population, and the bystander CPR response in this community has been statistically low. Another demographic that is less likely to receive CPR in public and private settings is women because of the fear of getting accused of inappropriate contact with a victim.
Why Some Are Reluctant to Help
There are many reasons why some people may feel reluctant to help during an emergency where CPR is needed. They may not recognize the need to perform CPR or don’t know how to do it. Some fear any potential legal ramifications for their actions because they’re unfamiliar with the Good Samaritan laws in their state.
That is why CPR training and education are imperative. When more people know how to give CPR, the stigma gets lifted from this life-saving technique, and a more diverse range of demographics will benefit.
Hence, having a neighborhood watch trained in CPR benefits the whole community. Namely, when people know there is this kind of neighborhood watch that is fully capable of saving their lives or the lives of those closest to them, regardless of the circumstances, it instills a general sense of security.
Individual Benefits From CPR Training
While CPR training for the neighborhood watch has large-scale advantages, being CPR-certified can also benefit you as an individual. Some of those benefits are:
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- Fulfilling potential job requirements
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- Acquiring a desirable work and life skill
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- Being calm during high-stress situations
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- Acting with speed and confidence during emergencies
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- Knowing during which situations to perform CPR
When to Perform CPR
There are several instances when it’s necessary to perform CPR, such as drowning, smoke inhalation, sudden loss of consciousness, and stopped breathing. The most common medical emergency requiring CPR is sudden cardiac arrest, and recent studies show that at least 60 Texans suffer from SCA every day.
In all the situations mentioned above, immediately calling emergency services and starting CPR can double or even triple the victim’s survival rate and decrease the chance of other permanent complications. Yet many people don’t feel confident enough to take the first step and start to save a life due to a lack of training or general knowledge regarding CPR.
What You’ll Learn During CPR Training
First aid and CPR classes will equip everyone in the neighborhood watch with the know-how and the essential skills they need to help save lives. Some of these practical skills include:
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- Recognizing medical emergencies – Attending first aid and CPR classes will teach you to recognize the first signs of someone in medical distress. You’ll learn to spot the beginning of a stroke, a heart attack, allergic reactions, signs of choking, and find a pulse.
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- Administering first aid – Once you identify the signs, it is time to take action and administer first aid. In these classes, you will learn how to use an epi-pen, treat mild burns, tie a tourniquet to stop bleeding, stop choking, and much more.
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- Giving chest compressions – When someone is experiencing SCA or their breathing has stopped, it’s important to keep the blood flowing to their vital organs. Classes will prepare you on how to perform and maintain chest compressions correctly.
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- Rescue breath training -= Perform chest compressions with rescue breaths for increased survival rates. When done properly, this keeps the blood oxygenated and decreases the chances of additional internal organ damage.
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- How to use an AED – Automated External Defibrillators are widely available in public spaces like airports, shopping malls, gyms, etc. These classes will teach you how to use them with compressions and rescue breaths to form a very effective resuscitation technique.
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- Infant and child CPR – Children and infants are delicate, so many people are reluctant to perform CPR on them. CPR classes will give you the knowledge and, more importantly, the practical skills to help a child in need.
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- React calmly and collectedly – One of the most important things you’ll learn during these classes is how to keep your composure and not panic in an emergency. Being level-headed and observant may make the difference between life and death.
CPR Training in El Paso, Texas
Getting your CPR certification in El Paso, Texas, is easy. If you want to be part of your neighborhood watch but feel that you need the additional step in security, the first thing you need to do is find providers that offer CPR courses. These need to comply with the guidelines set by the American Heart Association or the Red Cross.
That way, you’re guaranteed to receive high-quality training and certification that is recognized and accepted everywhere.
How to Book a Class
Booking a class is easy and can be done online. Check the provider’s calendar for availability and sign up. You’ll need to attend classes in person, and it will take several hours to complete, so pick a date and time that is convenient for you. Businesses and larger organizations can book CPR sessions for their employees at their offices.
Some providers also allow individuals to come to their homes and perform classes for as many participants as needed. This is a great option for neighbors who want to be prepared and form a neighborhood watch with CPR training for medical emergencies.
What to Expect From a CPR Class
Classes are led by highly trained professionals who will teach you hands-on demonstrations of chest compressions, rescue breaths, and other useful skills. The class can be completed in one day. After the learning section, participants will need to pass a written test and a practical demonstration. After that, they’ll be awarded CPR and First Aid cards on the same day.
How Long is CPR Certification Valid
In Texas, CPR certification is valid for two years, and to keep their certificates up-to-date and OSHA compliant, medical professionals must attend renewal classes. While it’s optional for individual citizens, attending renewal classes will serve as a refresher course and keep your skills sharp. Participants may even learn new techniques and boost their confidence with this new knowledge.
El Paso CPR classes offer initial certifications and recertification for anyone interested.
CPR Training And Safer Neighborhoods: In Conclusion
Knowing CPR is essential for any individual who wants to contribute to building a close-knit community and help keep their neighborhood safe. People will learn how to be calm and react during emergency medical situations and even natural disasters. Applying immediate first-aid and CPR procedures will increase survival rates across many demographics.
Encouraging citizens to attend CPR training can help build strong communities and allow their members to step up as guardians of the block and look after their friends and family.