In 2015, the CDC claimed that 357,000 Americans died from cardiac arrest. Only a handful of these people were treated in the hospital. The reasons for these deaths is because no one was there to perform CPR or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It is very easy to learn how to do simple CPR, since there is minimal effort involved. Just a few hours of time can save someone’s life. Now, you can learn how to do CPR online and earn a license by doing so.
CPR is a life-saving procedure done when someone stops breathing or their heartbeat has stopped. This procedure may be used after a heart attack or after someone has drowned. The National CPR Foundation’s website allows anyone to learn the basics of this procedure and take a short test to qualify for the license. Once the test is completed, a license card is mailed to the examinee’s home. The course has a total of seven modules and the test follows right after. There are unlimited attempts on the exam, so those seeking a CPR license can still try again even if they fail on their first try.
Each module explains how to perform CPR on adults, adolescents, and infants. The first step to take before doing CPR on someone is to figure out if they are conscious. Checking their pulse will take too much time, so just call out, “Are you okay?” If no answer follows, call 911 first and then start the procedure. By using the C-A-B tactic, one can ensure that they are doing CPR correctly. The “C” stands for circulation, which is when you put your hands on the patient‘s chest and push repeatedly. Next is “A”, which stands for airway. This step is performed after circulation so that you can check if the patient has started to breathe again. Finally, “B” stands for breathing. If the person is still unresponsive after the first two steps, you must use mouth-to-mouth.
Rosalia Park, who recently earned her license, explains, “The opportunity to earn a CPR license through an online program was very beneficial and easy to use. I liked that the process was very simple, as all you need to do is study and learn about CPR while watching videos, taking a short quiz, and finally having the license mailed to you. I believe that this experience is something that many teenagers can try out as well because not much education is needed.”
No matter how old you are, CPR is something that is both crucial and useful, and that anyone can learn. Now, those willing can learn through the internet, which is even more time-saving since an in-person class is not needed. Through this online program, more people will be able to save lives even if they are not doctors or nurses.
Christina Park, 8th Grade
Rosemont Middle School
