First Aid/AED/CPR Certification

This weekend I completed the American Red Cross First Aid, AED, and CPR training conducted by the Focus Health Corporation. In their online training modules, I learned the proper protocol for different emergent situations like heart attacks, choking, drowning, bleeding, and more. These courses showcased the correct hand placement for each first aid situation and explained how to execute each technique. Then, I attended the in-person class to practice the skills I learned online. This group atmosphere was perfect for getting hands-on practice. We started with the tap-and-shout method to determine if the subject is conscious. Next, we practiced giving CPR at 100-120 chest compressions per minute and giving 2 breaths after 30 compressions. We also got experience with handling choke by giving back blows and sternum thrusts. This was a great simulation to understand the proper positioning and safety measures to ensure you can handle any problems. Lastly, we explored how to stop bleeding and apply tourniquets. This included keeping constant pressure on the wound, how to apply a roller bandage, properly using gauze, and more! The best way to handle a scary situation is to be prepared for the different possibilities. This certification has helped me to feel more confident on what to do in an emergent situation and will undoubtedly aid me to remain calm during these situations.