Kids Should Learn CPR Too

Most of us are aware that CPR can save a life, but few make the time to learn to administer it properly unless it's a job requirement.  Did you know that most cardiac arrests happen at home?  Did you know that kids have amazing memories and are far more likely to jump into action in an emergency situation than adults are?  There are so many stories of kids who watched a brief training class or read a informational poster in a cafeteria and then put that information to use months or years later with complete confidence...and success!

Sadly, though, a majority of people do not know it.  In fact, 70% of Americans feel helpless during cardiac emergency, according to the American Heart Association.  That's particularly scary given that 88% of cardiac arrests occur at home.  I've ready two stories of how teenagers have performed CPR on younger children and saved their lives.  (You can ready about them here and here.)  The teenagers all credit their quick, life-saving reaction and CPR skills to prior training.  (http://www.chicagonow.com/between-us-parents/2014/09/why-your-children-should-learn-cpr/)

How old do you have to be to earn CPR, you may ask?  Well, the AHA doesn't want to draw a hard line in the sand because individuals are so different.  The age of 12 is given as a general guideline; however, instructors are given the ability to judge the maturity level of the child to determine if they are capable of listening, applying the skills they are being taught, practicing those skills, and retaining those skills for later use.  In my years as an instructor, I would be lying if I didn't mention that I have met a few 15 year olds that couldn't get serious enough and listen and participate long enough to be certified, but I've also had many in the under 12 age range which I certified because they were certainly mature enough...I'd have no qualms with them performing CPR on me should the need arise, and that's really the bottom line here.

When a cardiac arrest happens, the earlier someone springs into action to get blood flowing between the victims heart and brain, the better the outcome.  That means if a family member starts CPR at home, that's far better than waiting for paramedics to arrive 5-10 minutes after collapse, even in the most ideal scenarios when 911 is called immediately.  

We can teach a family, group of friends, LifeGroup, study group, parenting group, or other group of six or more and let you choose the date and time.  We'll even bring training to your location within the metro if you like, with instructors working various shifts to accommodate just about any schedule.  We promise to make it fun and educational.  

Make learning CPR a family affair!  We have taught family groups that had recently purchased a pool and insisted that all kids that planned to play in it be trained first; we taught another that was made up of four generations of the same family.  What better way to bond and learn a skills that can change the destiny of your family?  Call us today and we'll get you on the road to learning the most important skill you may ever learn.

#kidslearn #trainthewholefamily #smallbusiness #cpr #aha

-Ginger Davis

Heartland CPR, llc

405-603-6666

www.HeartlandCPR.com