Tragedy can strike at any time. For academic institutions like schools and universities, medical emergencies can occur at random, and for this reason, it’s important for teachers and staff to know how to perform basic first aid and CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation).
CPR is an emergency procedure that utilises rescue breathing and chest compressions to reverse the effects of cardiac arrest. The purpose of CPR is to generate reoxygenated blood (which occurs when a person breathes) and kickstart its halted distribution to vital organs and body parts. This process reduces the chances of brain damage or death in a patient or victim. While CPR is unlikely to restart the heart, it may do enough for the patient or victim to help them until professional help, such as first responders, arrive on the scene.
CPR is performed through chest compressions at 100 beats per minute, combined with mouth to mouth resuscitations. Training courses will provide examples of situations in which CPR is needed, as well as educate the trainee on the proper posture, hand positioning, and pressure required for CPR to be effective. The procedure is only effective when administered within the first six to seven minutes after oxygenated blood has stopped flowing within the body. The goal of CPR is to prevent brain damage due to a lack of oxygen; because of this, making sure that airways are not blocked is also an important skill that’s learned when training for CPR.
Because of the diversity of persons and activities involved and present in schools and universities, knowing the basics of CPR can be beneficial especially when it comes to accidents that may occur on the premises of a school or university. Being able to perform CPR appropriately can be critical in saving a person’s life, especially when waiting for first responders to arrive.
Because of this, CPR training is available through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs) nationwide; the certification and training courses involved are nationally recognised. These courses come with prerequisite reading, while the CPR course proper can be administered in a single day, through face-to-face classes, with the certification available within ten business days of completing the course.
The ready availability of the courses means that teachers will be able to take up the course with convenience at any point in time as they so choose. There are many instances where a medical emergency arises, and there are no adults equipped to handle the situation, which can lead to grave conditions, such as brain damage or loss of life. Administering CPR during these crucial moments is vital.
The importance of having teachers and staff trained in CPR cannot be emphasised enough. While schools and universities are equipped with clinics and have medically licensed persons on board as staff, the static location of a clinic and the ratio of student/staff per medically licensed person means that relying on just the clinic and its staff will not be adequate in the event of an emergency. Having teachers trained in CPR – as well as other first aid skills – means that the responsibility is spread and that the school or university’s constituents are better covered in the event of a medical emergency.
Success Training Academy offers both CPR and first aid training. Learn more out the training courses through our website today.