For all Detroit area families, consider all adults and children in their teen years to get first aid and CPR training. As parents, we understand the need to protect and provide for our families. We want to be there for our children, and to maximize the chances they will have in life. To help do so, getting first aid training can go a long way to being able to provide assistance to a loved one while medical professionals are en route. From CPR, to bleeding, to choking incidents, or a myriad of other issues, getting training in how to be a first responder to these situations can literally make the difference between life and death.
Recently, I took first aid, CPR, and AED training from the American Red Cross. The course was 8 hours for all three topics (and was in actuality SIX different certifications!) and was about $60. There are classes near you all the time, and can be found using their website’s course locator.
The first aid portion of the class covered topics including:
- Bleeding
- Broken bones
- Burns
- Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
- Hypothermia
- Head, neck and back injuries
- Poisoning
- Shock
The CPR (CardioPulmonary Resuscitation) portion covers how to provide breathing and heart functions for a victim that cannot do so for himself for whatever reason. Without this type of intervention, the victim risks dying before medical responders can arrive. This portion of the class covers:
- Emergency breathing
- Obstructed airways
- CPR
- Adult, child, and infant considerations
The AED (Automated Electronic Defibrillator) is a device that monitors the heart's rhythm and can administer an electrical shock to "reboot" the heart and cause it to start operating normally. The class stressed that each minute an AED is withheld in a CPR situation lowers the victim's chance of survival by 10%. This, knowing AED operation and application is vital. This portion of the class covers:
- How to use the AED
- How to apply CPR in conjunction with AED use
- Adult and child considerations when using an AED.
The class is a good blend of hands-on practice and instructor training, with hypothetical situations and role playing scenarios depicted to practice the skills taught. The CPR portions are all taught with thorough cleaning of the practice CPR dummies, as well as “breathing barrier” devices to help ensure a sterile environment to practice on.
Every adult and teen member of the family is encouraged to get this training and stay current on it. The eight hours spent every two years in training can result in months or even years of a loved one’s continued presence in your family.
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