What’s Included in a Self-Paced Online CPR Course?

Today, learning needs to fit into busy schedules more than ever. The American Red Cross reports that nearly 3.8 million people take First Aid, CPR, and AED training each year. Many now choose CPR certification online because they are more convenient and easier to access.

Research shows that online CPR training works just as well as traditional in-person classes. A study by Boise State University found that people who took online CPR courses performed just as well as those who attended in-person classes. Online CPR courses offer help you choose the right training for you.

What is a Self-paced Online CPR Course?

A self-paced online CPR course is a flexible, web-based training program that teaches individuals how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation without requiring them to attend in-person classes or adhere to fixed schedules. Learners can easily pursue this CPR certification online to acquire life-saving skills like chest compressions, rescue breathing, and automated defibrillator (AED) usage at their own convenience, anytime, anywhere.

Participants can start, pause, and revisit lessons as needed, which makes the self-paced course ideal for busy professionals, healthcare staff, teachers, or parents. It usually includes interactive modules, instructional videos, and assessments. Once completed, learners often receive a CPR certification, which may be valid for one to two years depending on the training provider.

Hence, a self-paced online CPR course is the most accessible and efficient way to learn key emergency response skills at your own pace.

Topics Covered in a Self-paced Online CPR Course

Despite the importance of CPR in emergencies, the overall annual participation level of CPR certification in the United States is estimated at only 2.4% of the adult population. This highlights the need for more accessible learning formats, like self-paced online courses, to increase participation and preparedness across various segments of the population.

On that note, here is an overview of what you can learn in a self-paced CPR certification online:

CPR Guidelines

You will learn the latest up-to-date guidelines for performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an online class. The self-paced course teaches you the proper way to perform CPR skills such as rescue breathing and chest compressions. This also involves learning special techniques and guidelines to perform adult, child, and infant CPR.

Your class will cover the basic physiology and anatomy of the respiratory and cardiac systems and how an immediate intervention can work to support victims in emergencies.

How to Use an AED

CPR classes also teach you the proper way to leverage an AED. This knowledge of the machine will help you save a life in the event of a cardiac arrest in a public area. Note: AEDs must be available on-site to assist the victim immediately.

You will also learn how to access the machine, the steps to place and apply the defibrillator pads, and the tips for safely using the device.

Sometimes, the training provider offers you a wallet card that proves your certification to use an AED.

Identify the Signs of Cardiac Arrest

Your self-paced course materials will include instructions on correctly identifying the signs of cardiac arrest. This involves learning and understanding how CPR increases the chance of survival from an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

The benefits of recognizing cardiac arrest in victims and being able to take action immediately are also taught specifically in an online CPR course.

Steps to Help a Person Who is Choking

You will learn how to help an individual who is choking while pursuing a self-paced CPR course. Its curriculum covers the details of identifying the signs of choking and the proper method of performing the Heimlich Maneuver when needed. It is a first aid technique used to dislodge foreign objects from a person’s airway.

If your CPR class includes instructions on child and infant CPR, you will also learn alternatives to the Heimlich Maneuver that may be more appropriate for helping small children.

Basics of First Aid

The basic first aid do’s and don’ts are a key part of self-paced online CPR courses. A few more advanced courses may also include details associated with basic life saving (BLS) skills, which cover skills like effective chest compressions, AED use, and basic team response.

Here are a few things that you will learn as a part of your first aid curriculum:

Trauma

A CPR course will help you learn the steps to follow in the event of a fall, a broken bone, a car accident, or another traumatic event. You will also learn how to help victims in the event of an amputation, injury to the neck or head, and more.

Bleeding

The course teaches you different ways to help someone who is bleeding. This may include learning when and how to apply direct pressure and other techniques to prevent excessive blood clots. Your course may also discuss bloodborne pathogens, which are infectious microorganisms in human blood that can cause diseases. It will guide you on how to protect yourself while providing aid and the proper use of protective gear to minimize exposure.

Animal Attacks

You will learn the basic ways to help victims in case of an animal attack such as dog bites, spider bites, bee or wasp stings, snake bites, or other wild animal attacks. This involves cleaning the wound, controlling bleeding, and identifying signs of infection or allergic reactions.

Burns

You will be introduced to basic first aid for burns in an online, self-paced CPR course. It will teach you how to identify the degree of burn, and how to intervene appropriately when someone suffers from a first, second, or third-degree burn. The course will explain how to cool the burn, protect the area with clean coverings, avoid using harmful substances, and recognize signs of severe burns that need immediate medical attention.

Poisoning

You can also learn how to identify and help in the case of poisoning when pursuing a CPR certification online. For instance, accidental ingestion and chemical events are common causes of poisoning. Hence, the CPR course will teach you how to recognize the symptoms, such as nausea, dizziness, and confusion.

How to Help in Medical Emergencies

Helping people in medical emergencies is one of the primary things that you will learn in an online CPR course. It allows you to be prepared with high-quality information and course materials so that you stay calm in the face of any medical emergency.

Part of this is knowing when and how to call for help when assisting a victim. The self-paced course will teach you when to call for help and how to closely follow the directions of medical personnel. It also discusses when it is safe enough to leave someone who is sick or injured.

Upskill Yourself with a Self-paced CPR Course Now!

A CPR certification is the best way to learn basic first aid and other relevant skills to help people in emergencies. However, you may not have the time to pursue a course with rigid timings because of a busy schedule. So, the best thing to do is to pursue a self-paced CPR certification online. It teaches you all the basics of CPR and other ways to contact emergency medical personnel to seek further assistance for a victim. You can pursue this course at your own pace because it has no time limit for completion. So, go ahead, upskill yourself with the self-paced course, and become a certified professional now!