People rarely expect an emergency. Many often go through life with the subconscious thought that “it could never happen to me” and then wonder why they never took the time to prepare in advance if they do end up facing such an event. Regret comes from being unprepared, never from being prepared.
New parents are often encouraged to learn CPR before bringing an infant home from the hospital. Teachers, coaches, or anyone working with groups of people may find it helpful to learn first aid in case someone in their care gets hurt. But being trained in CPR should not be limited to certain types of occupations or seasons of life. No one is guaranteed to be spared from encountering an emergency, and being prepared can be a real service to your community.
Why should I learn CPR?
If someone is hurt, shouldn’t I just wait for an ambulance to arrive? How could I possibly help? I’m not a medical professional!
According to the Bermuda Red Cross, “While calling 911 is crucial, emergencies can happen anytime, anywhere, and professional help may take several minutes to arrive. CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of survival if performed immediately.”
With training, your actions could mean the difference between life and death because you become that critical first response.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, or CPR, can help save a life during cardiac arrest, which is when the heart stops beating or beats too ineffectively to circulate blood to the brain and other vital organs. When the heart stops, the body no longer gets the oxygen-rich blood it needs, which can cause brain damage in a matter of minutes. CPR helps keep blood flowing to the brain and other organs in that critical time before medical professionals arrive. CPR is administered with chest compressions and breaths as well as using the help of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) if there is one available.
It only takes a few hours to learn CPR, but it can change a life forever. When accidents happen, emergency medical treatment staff are normally at the very least several minutes away. Because brain damage can occur in just minutes after the heart stops, performing CPR until the professionals arrive could meant the difference between life and death for someone in trouble.
“Peace of mind is a superpower,” said Bermuda Red Cross Executive Director Ann Spencer-Arscott. “Knowing what to do in an emergency relieves fear, anxiety, and panic. You become a source of stability – in your home, at work or in public. That’s a quiet kind of confidence that changes how you walk through the world.”
How can I learn CPR?
You don’t have to be in the medical field or part of any specific organization to become CPR certified.
One local resource is The Bermuda Red Cross, who are committed to providing adult, infant and children CPR, AED and first aid training to the community. They first began teaching the American Red Cross Community First Aid and Safety Programme in 1993, which came about because of unique agreement with the American Red Cross.
The organization offers both in-person and online blended learning courses to cater to your needs and preferences, for anyone at least 13 years old, whether you are an individual seeking certification or a private or corporate group.
CPR classes focus on teaching participants how to respond to cardiac and breathing emergencies, such as cardiac arrest or choking, with hands-on practice with mannequins. There are two types of courses available – the blended learning course and the completely in-person course. Courses are interactive and combine video instruction, instructor guidance and real time practice.
The blended learning course, recommended for either first-time certification or re-certification, is completed in two parts – one part online and the second part in person. Once a participant books a course date, the online portion is to be completed on your own computer before the in-person training session. Then you will attend the 3-hour practical skills portion to practice and reinforce what you have learned.
Some may be more comfortable in a classroom setting or perhaps they don’t have access to a computer. If that’s the case, you can opt for the traditional in-person instructor-led course. This course consists of two in-person sessions, four hours in length each day.
Whether you opt for the blended or in-person session, those who complete their course will be issued a wallet-sized certificate valid for two years.
Students between the age of 12 and 16 can also learn first aid and CPR by enrolling in the babysitting course.
And like many things, if you do not use your skills frequently, they are easy to forget. A handbook is issued to participants after completion of CPR courses to refer back to. And recertification is recommended every two years to refresh your skills and memory.
The Bermuda Red Cross has trained over 25,000 individuals in AED, first aid and CPR using an average of 14 instructors. And since 1997 they have trained almost 2,000 students in the babysitting course.
Founded in 1950, the organization provides health and social services to the community. Supported through general donations, service fees and sponsorship and staffed by dedicated personnel, the Bermuda Red Cross has created a supportive and caring network for Bermuda and a means for the community to provide assistance around the world.
Leroy Haynes of Bermuda Red Cross teaching first aid classes
You can book courses or inquire about dates, availability or group bookings by visiting bermudaredcross.com or by calling 236-8253. Bermuda Red Cross Headquarters is located at 11 Berry Hill Road, Paget.
