CPR Academic

Course overview

Each year approximately 250,000 people die of sudden cardiac arrest in the United States. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to victims thought to be in cardiac arrest. During cardiac arrest, the heart stops pumping blood, blood pressure falls to zero, and the pulse stops. Within 10 seconds a victim may lose consciousness and become unresponsive. CPR helps circulate blood that contains oxygen to the brain and other vital organs and can help "buy time" until help arrives. This course highlights how to recognize the signs of cardiac arrest, how and when to perform CPR, and how to use an AED to help a person in cardiac arrest. This course is meant to supplement CPR training conducted by the American Heart Association. It is not to be used as the primary guide for patient care. Please contact the American Heart Association for the hands-on class information.