The Importance of Regular CPR Training
The importance of regular CPR training cannot be denied.
Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation – CPR is a life-saving procedure anyone can learn. According to Ambulance Victoria – “ Each year across Australia, as many as 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCA) occur”
That’s 30k+ people who will need someone trained in CPR to assist them until an AED or, the Ambulance, arrives.
Are you able to provide CPR to someone if they suffer a cardiac arrest?
If not you should undertake a CPR course and acquire the skills. If you are trained in CPR then you have the skills to assist.
Why do CPR Skills Need Regular Refreshing?
Like any skill, if you don’t use it regularly your ability to do the skill effectively is reduced. CPR is no different. Unless you are exposed to cardiac arrests and are using CPR regularly, you will need to practice CPR.
To keep your skills current.
In fact, keeping your CPR and First Aid skills current is so important that Safe Work Australia Code of Practice for First Aid recommends that “First aiders should attend training on a regular basis to refresh their first aid knowledge and skills” This includes CPR.
Regular exposure to training also ensures your skills are up-to-date and current regarding new methods or techniques.
How Often is regular CPR Training.
What is the time frame?
Good question.
Safe Work Australia advises a formal CPR update every twelve months. This ensures you learn any new techniques or stop doing any outdated ones.
Just because they say every 12 months, however, doesn’t mean that’s the only time you should practice. Practice anytime.
Regular CPR Skills updates provide improved:
- Muscle memory – pressing down on the chest to the correct depth, rhythm of compressions, 100 to 120pm, maintained without thinking.
- CPR Techniques – Pistol grip, head tilt and mouth seal for rescue breaths
- Confidence – confidence in your abilities to perform CPR
The last dot point is very important. Increased confidence in CPR skills reduces the hesitation to act. When cardiac arrest occurs, time is critical. The faster we act, the better the odds of success.
The Benefits of Regular CPR Training
We have already covered some of the benefits – Muscle memory, improved technique, greater confidence and keeping up to date with any changes.
Another benefit is improved response time i.e. your ability to act faster.
Remember time is of the essence here. For every minute that passes without CPR and defibrillation, the chance of survival for a casualty decreases by 7 to 10 per cent.
People can hesitate to respond for several reasons.
- Fear of a lack of confidence in how to provide cardiac arrest first aid. – this will change with practice.
- Fear of causing more harm. – There is a risk of breaking a casualty’s rib. If this happens advise 000 but continue with CPR.
- Shyness – Confidence will come with practice.
- Fear of being sued – Good Samaritan act has you covered. Make sure you stick to your First Aid training.
- Fear of contracting a disease. – Use a face shield or face mask to protect yourself. Or do not do rescue breaths only do compressions.
All these fears can be addressed through regular practice and a CPR knowledge refresh. The more you practice the more comfortable you will be with the whole CPR process. You will then have a better chance of saving a life.
What happens during a CPR Update Course?
A CPR Update course consists of some online learning and a practical skills session.
There are videos to watch for the online part and a knowledge test to complete.
The practical session is conducted in the classroom. There you will get the opportunity to demonstrate your CPR skills in the presence of a First Aid instructor. They are there to assess your skill level to ensure ensure you can perform CPR to the required standard.
They are also there to demonstrate the skills for you, guide you and give advice. This is so you can see how it’s done and have the best chance of success.
How Long Does a CPR Refresher Course Take?
The online part takes around about 2 to 3 hours to complete. You can do the online part in your own time so take longer or shorter time. It’s up to you.
The practical, in-class session runs for 45 minutes. During this part, you will perform 2 minutes of uninterrupted CPR on an adult and infant manikin and use a defibrillator.
Staying updated with CPR Guidelines
Most people do not know this, but CPR guidelines are reviewed and updated regularly. ASQA – the Australian Skills Quality Authority in consultation with industry will determine if any changes need to be made to the current training package for CPR.
New training packages will be developed to replace the now out-of-date ones. The new training packages are then delivered by the training organisation.
The ANZCOR (Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation) guidelines provide those involved in resuscitation education and practice with recommendations based on scientific evidence.
Your workplace policies and procedures should also reflect any CPR updates or changes.
Refresh your CPR skills TODAY with Life Saving First Aid
Life Saving First Aid runs CPR courses 7 days a week at seven locations around Melbourne including Pakenham and Geelong.
It’s an easy process to get on a course. Simply go to our website and select your required location, date, and time then book and pay. You will be sent, via email, all the information you need to complete the online component and attend the practical session.
The Importance of Undertaking Regular CPR Refresher Training cannot be understated. So, get onto it now!
Well, that’s that. Until next time… Stay safe.
Adrian
