If you are stuck in the same position at work, it may be due to a lack of up-to-date, practical skills. Many healthcare roles now expect professionals to be aware of the latest resuscitation techniques and respond calmly. Therefore, you should try enhancing your skills with a BLS certification course in Martinez. It prepares you to confidently handle all types of life-threatening emergencies. Continue reading as we explore what BLS and CPR certification courses include and their benefits!
What is a CPR and BLS Certification Course in Martinez?
Both a CPR and BLS certification course in Martinez trains you to provide emergency care to the victims of a cardiac arrest and breathing issues. You learn to perform chest compressions, use an AED, and clear obstructed airways. The courses aren’t extensive; rather, you can easily complete them within 2 to 4 hours, especially if you enrol online. Before we get into the details of key skills, here’s an overview of the right candidates for these courses:
- BLS is suitable for healthcare professionals and students who want to advance in their careers and save lives both in and out of the hospital.
- CPR is for the general public and caregivers who are looking to handle unfortunate incidents until advanced medical help arrives at the scene.
CPR for All Age Groups
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation is a core BLS and CPR skill that helps deliver blood and oxygen to the body’s vital organs. This prevents permanent damage or any disability in the patient. Let’s see how your instructor will teach you to perform CPR during the BLS certification classes:
- Check the scene for safety and immediately reach the victim. Tap the person’s shoulder and ask, “Are you okay?”
- If they are fully or partially unresponsive, get someone to call 911 while you kneel beside the patient to give CPR.
- Place your hand in the center of a person’s chest, and place your other hand on top of it, fingers interlocked.
- Start pushing quickly at approximately 100-120 chest compressions per minute, and the depth should be at least 2 inches for adults.
- Allow the chest to return to its original position before the next compression. Also, give two rescue breaths after 30 compressions and keep doing so until professional doctors arrive.
Use of AED
Sudden cardiac arrests can happen anytime, and if unattended, they may cost hundreds and thousands of lives. Another key skill that you learn in the BLS certification course in Martinez is the use of an AED. An Automated External Defibrillator restores a normal heart rhythm by delivering an electric shock. The following are the steps to use it:
- Get your hands on the nearby AED and turn it on.
- Remove all the clothing from the person’s chest and place the electrode pads.
- Make sure no one is touching the patient; you can also say “Clear” and let the AED analyze the heartbeat.
- If there’s any deviation, the device will ask you to deliver the shock. Press the shock button and immediately begin CPR.
Clearing the Airway for Smooth Breathing
Well, airway obstruction refers to the blockage of air in and out of the lungs. The reason behind this can be anything from swelling to mucus and even foreign objects. When you enrol in a BLS certification course, you get to learn the techniques to clear the airway for peaceful breathing. Here are some of them:
Abdominal Thrusts
Stand behind the victim and wrap your arms around their waist, right under their ribcage. Next, put the side of your fist above the patient’s navel in the center of their belly. However, don’t push the lower part of their sternum. Now take your other hand, hold the first hand, and hit forcefully into the patient’s abdomen and up towards their chest. Keep on performing these thrusts until the obstruction is relieved. However, know that this option isn’t viable for pregnant ladies.
Back Blows or Chest Thrusts
For unresponsive infants who have suffered choking, back blows, or chest thrusts are ideal. You carefully hold the infant in your lap and put them with their face down and their head lower than their chest. Place your forearm on your thigh and rest the infant there.
Support their head and neck with your hand and don’t put pressure on their throat. Now, using your other hand, deliver five back blows between the shoulder blades of the infant. Turn the infant face up and use your fingers to give five downward chest thrusts over the lower half of their breastbone.
Conclusion
Getting a Martinez BLS certification is ideal for healthcare workers who want to grow in their professional careers. If you’re wondering which location is right for you to get the card, contact Safety Training Seminars today! We are accredited and provide you with the best, latest BLS and CPR content at an affordable price.
