The American Heart Association (AHA) is the leading organization providing CPR and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC) training to both healthcare providers and the general public.
American Heart Association CPR training teaches you how to perform high-quality chest compressions, provide rescue breaths, and use an AED during a cardiac arrest. Prompt bystander CPR can double or even triple someone’s chance of survival, making it vital to learn.
This article outlines the various American Heart Association CPR and first aid course options from the AHA, along with reasons why their training makes a difference.
Key Takeaways
- The American Heart Association sets the global standard for CPR and first aid education based on ongoing research.
- They offer in-person and online training options to suit different schedules and learning preferences.
- Taking an AHA CPR or First Aid course provides lifesaving skills to potentially help someone in a medical emergency.
- Course options range from basic community CPR to advanced provider programs for healthcare professionals.
- Bystander CPR can double or triple the chance of survival for cardiac arrest victims.
- However, only 46% of those who suffer cardiac arrest outside hospitals receive CPR from a bystander.
Why Learn CPR and First Aid from the American Heart Association?
The American Heart Association is the publisher of the official CPR and ECC guidelines followed by healthcare providers and training centers globally. They offer science-based training that adheres to the latest resuscitation research and treatment recommendations.
Reasons to learn from the American Heart Association CPR:
- Gold standard CPR education: Their training reflects the most up-to-date, peer-reviewed resuscitation science to give you skills that can help save lives.
- Flexible training options: Choose from in-person, online, or blended CPR and first aid courses.
- Worldwide acceptance: AHA CPR certification cards are valid for two years and recognized internationally.
- Giving back: The AHA invests proceeds from courses into cardiovascular disease and stroke research.
By taking an AHA CPR or first aid class, you get access to the latest research data and techniques intended to improve emergency response and patient survival rates.
AHA CPR and First Aid Course Options
The American Heart Association offers several training courses, from basic CPR to advanced cardiovascular life support.
Options include:
CPR/AED and First Aid Training
- Heartsaver CPR AED Course: Ideal for schools, businesses, and the general community, this course teaches core skills of CPR, AED usage, and relief of choking for adults, children and infants.
- Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Course: In addition to the above, learn how to manage illness and injuries in the critical first few minutes until professional help arrives.
BLS and ACLS Courses
- BLS Provider Course: Designed for healthcare professionals, teach skills like 1- and 2-rescuer CPR, use of bag mask devices, and safe defibrillation procedures.
- ACLS Provider Course: Build on BLS skills to lead resuscitation teams in advanced cardiovascular life support scenarios. Learn comprehensive ECC algorithms for adults.
Instructor Training
- Heartsaver or BLS Instructor Course: After completing the Heartsaver CPR AED course or BLS Provider course respectively, take an instructor-led class to teach those courses to others.
For expected course competencies and information on finding an in-person or online class, visit the AHA’s CPR & ECC Courses webpage.
Key Features of American Heart Association CPR Training
Some key components that make AHA CPR and first aid training impactful include:
Science-Based Approach
As the leader in resuscitation science, AHA courses reflect the latest research and treatment guidelines to give you the skills to help improve survival rates. This includes emerging techniques like hands-only CPR for untrained responders.
Blended-Learning Options
Choose self-directed online training reinforced with essential hands-on practice with an instructor. Blended courses provide flexibility while ensuring competence in required skills.
AHA Certification
Successfully completing a course earns an AHA eCard credential for 2 years. Cards can be accessed from student profiles or pulled up quickly with the CPR Verify App.
CPR Facts and Statistics
Here are some key statistics which highlight the ongoing need for CPR awareness and training:
- Over 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside hospitals each year in the U.S.
- CPR can double or triple chances of survival but only 46% of cardiac arrest victims receive CPR from a bystander.
- Effective bystander CPR given immediately after sudden cardiac arrest can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.
- High-quality CPR improves blood flow to the heart and brain. More people leave the hospital for every minute CPR happens.
Despite national awareness campaigns, too few bystanders intervene when someone needs CPR. There are still major gaps in participation rates and delivery quality.
Take an AHA CPR or First Aid course to give yourself the confidence and competence to provide potentially lifesaving assistance while emergency responders travel to the scene.
| Situation | Recommended Response |
|---|---|
| Adult suddenly collapses near you | 1. Check for responsiveness<br>2. Have someone call 911 if unresponsive <br>3. Begin chest compressions |
| Infant or toddler suddenly stops responsive breathing | 1. Perform 5 cycles of CPR (15:2 compressions:breaths)<br>2. Call 911 after initial CPR cycles <br>3. Continue CPR cycles until help arrives |
| Choking person unable to breathe/speak | 1. Get consent then perform abdominal thrusts <br>2. Call 911 if still choking after attempts to clear airway |
| Severe bleeding from traumatic injury | 1. Call 911 <br>2. Apply pressure on wound with cloth <br>3. Keep pressure until paramedics arrive |
| Person having seizure | 1. Clear area to prevent injury <br>2. Cushion head if possible <br>3. Call 911 once seizure ends |
When to Give CPR
Witnessing an adult or teen suddenly collapse without normal breathing can be a terrifying situation. Taking swift action in providing hands-only CPR buys precious minutes until an AED and emergency personnel arrive.
Follow these steps if you see a teen or adult collapse:
- Check for responsiveness by tapping their shoulder and shouting “Are you OK?”
- If no response, call 911 or ask someone to alert emergency responders.
- Begin cycles of 30 hard and fast chest compressions in the center of the chest, allowing the chest to fully recoil between pushes.
- Continue compressions until an AED is available or emergency responders arrive to take over.
Doing something is better than doing nothing at all. Even if unsure, chest compressions alone can triple the chance of survival versus no assistance. Take CPR training to gain confidence should an emergency arise.
How to Find an American Heart Association CPR Class
Ready to register for CPR training in your area? Here are some options:
- Use the AHA’s Find a Course tool: Search for AHA Training Centers offering in-person or blended classes by location and course type.
- Check with your employer or community groups: Many workplaces, schools, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations arrange occasional AHA CPR training sessions. Inquire internally first before the public search.
- Contact your local hospital or fire department: Healthcare centers and fire departments often provide community classes or host special CPR event days. Reach out for schedules.
Can’t attend an in-person session? The AHA also offers several online-only courses with skills exam videos for home self-evaluation. While nothing replaces hands-on training, eLearning enables wider access for initial awareness.
someone in need.
FAQs
What is the difference between BLS and Heartsaver AHA courses?
BLS courses teach CPR skills for healthcare professionals while Heartsaver courses are for non-medical responders.
Do I get a certification card after completing training?
Yes, successfully passing an exam earns an AHA eCard credential valid for 2 years.
Can I take an online-only CPR course?
Yes, the AHA offers several eLearning course options to learn techniques though in-person skills practice is still vital.
Conclusion
The American Heart Association offers gold-standard CPR and first aid training programs that teach lifesaving skills to both healthcare providers and the general public.
Consider getting certified—you have the power to help improve survival rates by delivering prompt, high-quality care until emergency responders arrive. Prepare now so you can act fast when seconds count.
