CPR Certification?

[xnfs93hy]

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How would I go about getting this?

Also, what other types of certifications could I earn as a 17 yr old? And how would I go about obtaining them?

Feel free to add, and use this thread as a future reference.

 

[DrYoda]

I got certified in CPR, AED(not sure why certification was needed for this one), oxygen administration, first aid and preventing disease transmission when I was a lifeguard. Got the job and they trained and certified you in those things(As wells as some other like waterpark safety) for free.

Many community colleges also have classes to certifiy in CPR and other things. My highschool actually ran a course and certified in CPR, but I don't know if that's common or not.

 

[Depakote]

Most people can be CPR/AED and First Aid certified. This is just good overall knowledge for everyone. I'm not sure what other certifications you'd need.

The American Heart Association is the way to go for CPR/AED training, btw.

 

[Depakote]

How to find a CPR class:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3012360

 

[PainRN]

How would I go about getting this?

Also, what other types of certifications could I earn as a 17 yr old? And how would I go about obtaining them?

Feel free to add, and use this thread as a future reference.

CPR can usually be obtained throught your local Red Cross or AHA chapter. Most hospitals also offer regularly scheduled CPR/AED courses. Another great cert to get is EMT. Usually offered through local community colleges or through local fire departments/ambulance/rescue stations. It's approximately 140hrs long but is a great way to wet your appetite for more of the same. It also helps you to get many summer jobs or a great way to do some community service volunteering your time. My personal feeling is that this course should be a required part of every American high school for graduation. It could easily be worked into the "health" requirement of a single year and in the even of large scale natural disasters or terrorist events we would have scores of people in the general population with some medical training to assist the professional rescuers. Well just my $0.02.

 

[nlax30]

Peter Griffin certified CPR!

 

[WatchMeRise]

I'm not sure if they are always different, but it seems like the AHA and Red Cross have different opinions on how to execute emergency assistance such as CPR. I thought CPR for infant, child and adult is done the same way for both AHA and RC, but I guess not.

I have been certified for CPR/AED and the sorts with AHA, but I am also in an EOP program with kaiser, and they had us get CPR/AED and first aid certified today by a person from the red cross. All I know is, the instructor for the red cross showed us outdated methods, and other nuances I don't care to mention.

Maybe the instructor was mediocre and knew only out of date stuff... idk.
But we didn't even cover two person CPR, bag valve mask usage, we didn't thoughroughly cover the full spectrum of choking, or use of the AED (which is a no brainer anyway). Not only that, but she didn't even test us on the skills (learned in one day).

That Red Cross instructor basically handed out those CPR and first aid cards like candy.

Which is sad.

 

[xnfs93hy]

I'm not sure if they are always different, but it seems like the AHA and Red Cross have different opinions on how to execute emergency assistance such as CPR. I thought CPR for infant, child and adult is done the same way for both AHA and RC, but I guess not.

I have been certified for CPR/AED and the sorts with AHA, but I am also in an EOP program with kaiser, and they had us get CPR/AED and first aid certified today by a person from the red cross. All I know is, the instructor for the red cross showed us outdated methods, and other nuances I don't care to mention.

Maybe the instructor was mediocre and knew only out of date stuff... idk.
But we didn't even cover two person CPR, bag valve mask usage, we didn't thoughroughly cover the full spectrum of choking, or use of the AED (which is a no brainer anyway). Not only that, but she didn't even test us on the skills (learned in one day).

That Red Cross instructor basically handed out those CPR and first aid cards like candy.

Which is sad.

That is sad. I want a the piece of paper (certificate) and I want something to put on an app. However, at the same time I also want to actually know all of this so that I can actually USE IT. For example, there was one time where this guy needed CPR or mouth to mouth and I had no idea what to do so I grabbed a nurse down the hall and it was taken care of. But they said last year that if someone is not breathing, you CAN take action, or choose to get someone. Just saying, it is good knowledge to have and may come in handy some day.

 

[Depakote]

I'd love it if everyone was taught basic first aid, CPR and knew how to operate an AED... but I really don't think this is anything that's going to be worth putting on an application.

 

[Salvorix]

I'd love it if everyone was taught basic first aid, CPR and knew how to operate an AED... but I really don't think this is anything that's going to be worth putting on an application.

👍

I remember hearing some statistics on how Seattle, Washington has some of the highest cardiac arrest survival rates in the country due to increased access to AED's or something like that.

While it's a great thing to know it won't help on your app for college Jeff unless you actually put your training to practical use - as in you use it as a stepping stone to get a job like a lifeguard or babysitter, or...by some act of god, you actually have a chance to perform CPR on somebody in the Supermarket and your efforts save this person's life...in which case you would probably have a great topic to write an essay from. 😀

 

[Styria]

👍I remember hearing some statistics on how Seattle, Washington has some of the highest cardiac arrest survival rates in the country due to increased access to AED's or something like that.

While it's a great thing to know it won't help on your app for college Jeff unless you actually put your training to practical use - as in you use it as a stepping stone to get a job like a lifeguard or babysitter, or...by some act of god, you actually have a chance to perform CPR on somebody in the Supermarket and your efforts save this person's life...in which case you would probably have a great topic to write an essay from. 😀

In Seattle, CPR is a requirement for graduating high school. Their survival rates are higher (maybe at 10%? - most don't make it regardless) because there are so many lay people who know it and get the chain started. AEDs are probably secondary to that.

 

[Styria]

How would I go about getting this?

Also, what other types of certifications could I earn as a 17 yr old? And how would I go about obtaining them?

Feel free to add, and use this thread as a future reference.

In New York, EMT Basic is available if you'll turn 18 before the test. CFR (certified first responder) is available at 16, but they keep deprecating stuff at that level, like taking away blood pressures, which are easy to obtain. Even for agencies that don't transport, an EMT still has to be in charge of patient care.

It's a good way to volunteer. But much better to do it for your own community than to run on a university campus, where you'll see five-eight pre-med EMTs pack into an ambulance for one drunk student.

(Five is nice for a CPR where everything is going well (i.e., successful intubation, IVs, etc.) - 2 ALS, 2 BLS, and someone to write.)

 

[Salvorix]

In Seattle, CPR is a requirement for graduating high school. Their survival rates are higher (maybe at 10%? - most don't make it regardless) because there are so many lay people who know it and get the chain started. AEDs are probably secondary to that.

Thanks for clarifying, I remembered their high survival facts but couldn't recall the reason 🙂.

In New York, EMT Basic is available if you'll turn 18 before the test. CFR (certified first responder) is available at 16, but they keep deprecating stuff at that level, like taking away blood pressures, which are easy to obtain. Even for agencies that don't transport, an EMT still has to be in charge of patient care.

It's a good way to volunteer. But much better to do it for your own community than to run on a university campus, where you'll see five-eight pre-med EMTs pack into an ambulance for one drunk student.

(Five is nice for a CPR where everything is going well (i.e., successful intubation, IVs, etc.) - 2 ALS, 2 BLS, and someone to write.)

Same with Massachusetts, although I got mine at 17 due to a waiver as part of a program at my High School. You have one year (again in my state) after you complete the test to pass the practical exam, and you have three tries to pass the practical before you move onto the written. If you turn 18 sometime during your senior year Jeff, preferably in the first half of the year, this might be a good option. The more time that elapses between when you finished the course and when you take your practical, obviously the harder it will be. The written portion, which (in my state) can be taken up to 6 months after passing the practical, is pretty easy with a few hours of study.

I'd say getting an EMT-B cert is a great way to learn more about health care and gain some valuable volunteer experience. Since you're interested in medicine Jeff I think you'll enjoy it. Some of the concerns I have though are:

1) It can be expensive ($500-1500 depending on where you go)
2) Will you be age eligible in your state to take the state exams after you complete the course?
3) Will you have time? You already said that you plan to learn Calculus or some other math subject over the summer.

Edit: Check with local fire stations/CC's for summer courses. Register ASAP if you decide to do this as an option. I'd highly recommend it! 🙂 😀

 

[ACSurgeon]

Most people can be CPR/AED and First Aid certified. This is just good overall knowledge for everyone. I'm not sure what other certifications you'd need.

The American Heart Association is the way to go for CPR/AED training, btw.

I think the red cross also offers certification classes.

 

[Depakote]

I think the red cross also offers certification classes.

They do. I was just saying that most people in the know (physicians and first responders) that I've discussed the issue with endorse the AHA's certification classes over the Red Cross'. I believe the AHA guidelines are evidence based. I do not know if the Red Cross guidelines are or not.

 

[Styria]

I'd say getting an EMT-B cert is a great way to learn more about health care and gain some valuable volunteer experience. Since you're interested in medicine Jeff I think you'll enjoy it. Some of the concerns I have though are:

1) It can be expensive ($500-1500 depending on where you go)
2) Will you be age eligible in your state to take the state exams after you complete the course?
3) Will you have time? You already said that you plan to learn Calculus or some other math subject over the summer.

Edit: Check with local fire stations/CC's for summer courses. Register ASAP if you decide to do this as an option. I'd highly recommend it! 🙂 😀

In New York, it's the state that pays the EMT instructors, so as long you're a member of a fire department, or an emergency squad will 'sponsor' you (say you'll be a member when you're done), the class is free. The only thing you're responsible for is the books, and a good emergency squad will provide them or reimburse you. And they'd probably let you ride along and start gaining experience before you're done, even though you can't run alone yet. The class is taught at the county level in NY, and might be dual-listed as a college-level class, available for credit, even though it's a county instructor. In other states, well, you're up against current squad members who had to pay their own way, which is all the justification they need to not have their squad pay for you. A volunteer fire department seems more likely to do so, but they might make you take Firefighter I (mine didn't). If you're interested, definitely shop around. There are interesting fire classes available too, like low-angle rope rescue or pump operations, etc., that let you help out without requiring you to enter burning buildings if that's not your thing.

 

[baylor2lsu2013]

How would I go about getting this?

Also, what other types of certifications could I earn as a 17 yr old? And how would I go about obtaining them?

Feel free to add, and use this thread as a future reference.

some hospitals offer classes, maybe check with them

 

[Local]

Ah my school offers first responder, and emt-b classes. For emt-b they've changed the rules regarding age for national registery. You can now take the written(computer) test and practicals at 17 upon completion of your class. The only catch is you have to wait to your 18 to recieve your scores, and have to pay a 30$ holding fee. So atleast now you don't have to worry about forgetting everything before you take the exam.
As far as different certifications you get, there is a bunch of them. I'm finishing the year with around 17, colleges dont care much about most of them. The emt-b, first responder, and pharm tech help with getting better paying jobs than mickey d's though. 🙂

 

[Salvorix]

Ah my school offers first responder, and emt-b classes. For emt-b they've changed the rules regarding age for national registery. You can now take the written(computer) test and practicals at 17 upon completion of your class. The only catch is you have to wait to your 18 to recieve your scores, and have to pay a 30$ holding fee. So atleast now you don't have to worry about forgetting everything before you take the exam.
As far as different certifications you get, there is a bunch of them. I'm finishing the year with around 17, colleges dont care much about most of them. The emt-b, first responder, and pharm tech help with getting better paying jobs than mickey d's though. 🙂

Quite true, just don't expect to find a paying job as an EMT-B. EMT-B's are already so easy to come by, combined with the economy, and job prospects for just a summer EMT-B job after being certified are very slim. And if you do it will probably be for a transport service like Patriot. Only one senior EMT-B in my high school last year found a summer job working as an EMT before college (and she got into the BS/MD program as Brown so she's basically a genius).

Volunteering at a Fire Station is much more possible, not to mention that they will frequently reimburse you for the course, and your calls will be MUCH more interesting (911 vs. transport). 😉

 

[Styria]

Volunteering at a Fire Station is much more possible, not to mention that they will frequently reimburse you for the course, and your calls will be MUCH more interesting (911 vs. transport). 😉

If you're lucky, you can watch one of the neighboring rural fire departments roll a car back over with the patient still in it and with someone inside trying to hold head stabilization.

Sigh, I joined about a month too late for that one. 😉

 

[Tots]

The emt-b, first responder, and pharm tech help with getting better paying jobs than mickey d's though. 🙂

I was paid more at Disneyland than the EMTs I did my ride along with were paid. And I wasn't far over minimum wage 🙁

Being an EMT helped get me a research position as a freshman, however. It was the weirdest thing ever, the doctors I was interviewing with were extremely impressed even though I made it clear I never actually worked as an EMT and simply had certification. They even said it made me more trustworthy and is why they decided to interview me.
Whatever works..I got the research spot. 🙄