CPR, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation, can be learned in a variety of ways. This life-saving technique can be learned through books, videos, websites, and even interactive demonstrations. Many people, however, believe that the best way to learn CPR is in a classroom setting where students can witness a demonstration and receive hands-on instruction from a teacher.
CPR is a life-saving technique that can be learned online, in a class, or by watching a video. When someone uses this technique, she breathes into the person’s mouth while compressing his chest. This technique is used to keep air circulating through a victim’s body when he is unable to breathe on his own and to keep oxygen-rich blood flowing in a person’s body when his heart has stopped beating on its own.
When learning CPR, a person will learn how to perform rescue breathing by placing her mouth over the victim’s open mouth and blowing air into the victim’s lungs. The rescuer will usually place one hand over the other and repeatedly press the victim’s chest after giving two breaths in this manner. Thirty chest compressions are performed, followed by two additional breaths of air from the rescuer. This breathing cycle is repeated until emergency medical assistance, such as an ambulance or a physician, arrives. The brain cannot survive for long periods of time without oxygen, so keeping the breathing and compression cycle going is critical.
When it comes to CPR, another thing to learn in a class, book, or video is when to use it and when to stop. This technique should be used whenever a person’s heart and breathing have stopped. If a person has had a heart attack or stroke, had an object block his airway, come dangerously close to drowning, or suffered a back or neck injury, this may be necessary. It may also be required if a person is subjected to a severe electrical shock or has a severe allergic reaction.
CPR classes that take place in person frequently result in certification for the person who has just learned the technique. It is frequently recommended that the person take a refresher course every couple of years. While books and websites can help you learn CPR, the problem with this method of instruction is that there is no one to tell you if you’re doing something wrong. Also, with this type of learning, there is usually no certification. However, learning CPR from a book or online may be preferable to receiving no training at all.