Learn CPR
Boston EMS encourages anyone and everyone to learn CPR. By knowing this life-saving technique, you will have the power to save a life. And with hands-only CPR it is now easier than ever to learn.
What is CPR?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to victims thought to be in cardiac arrest. When cardiac arrest occurs, the heart stops pumping blood. CPR can support a small amount of blood flow to the heart and brain to "buy time" until normal heart function is restored.
Why is learning CPR important?
According to the American Heart Association (AHA), approximately 80% of cardiac arrests occur at home and about 92% of sudden cardiac arrest victims die before they get to the hospital. Getting help right away is crucial to survival. If more people knew CPR, more lives could be saved. Statistics show that immediate CPR can more than double a victim's chance of survival.
Boston EMS has one of the highest cardiac arrest survival rates in the country, but to achieve even greater success we need your help. Bystanders who are able to recognize a medical emergency, quickly call 9-1-1 to summon emergency help, and begin CPR have the power to be life-savers.
If you want the power to save a lie, learn CPR.
- 80% of heart attacks occur at home;
- Anyone can learn CPR;
- Learning CPR take less than 1 hour;
- CPR is a life-saving skill—parents, babysitters, teachers, coaches and other professionals should learn CPR;
- Classes that teach CPR, First Aid and AED (automated external defibrillator) are often taught together
Who should learn CPR?
The short answer is ANYONE and EVERYONE. In particular, Boston EMS especially encourages parents, babysitters, caregivers, teachers, coaches and other professionals to learn CPR. The more people who know CPR, the better.
What is Hands-Only CPR?
Hands-only CPR is CPR without mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths. Hands-only CPR involves calling 9-1-1 and pushing hard and fast on the center of the chest.
Hands-only CPR is recommended for use on adults who suddenly collapse. The AHA recommends conventional CPR for all infants and children, for adult victims who are found unconscious and not breathing normally, and for any victims of drowning or collapse due to breathing problems.
What is CPR Anytime?
CPR Anytime is a tool developed by the AHA that teaches the core skills of CPR in 22 minutes. Think of it as CPR training in a box. Through the use of a kit containing a personal inflatable mannequin and instructional materials, adults and young people can easily learn CPR. Even better, they can pass along their knowledge to family and friends through the CPR Anytime kit.
How long does it take to get certified?
Most CPR courses last a few hours and teach adult and infant CPR, some basic First Aid and how to use an AED.
How can members of my business or community organization learn CPR?
Boston EMS offers CPR courses to both businesses and community organizations. In 2010, Boston EMS taught thousands of people CPR, including more than 2,400 Boston Public School students through the CPR Anytime program. Boston EMS also offers CPR courses geared toward the Spanish speaking population.
Boston EMS does not currently teach CPR on an individual basis. We do offer numerous CPR courses to fit your organization’s needs. For more information on how to arrange a course, please call 617-343-2367.
For individual courses:
American Heart Association
Phone: 1 877 242 4277
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4479
American Red Cross of Massachusetts Bay
Phone: 617-274-5200
www.bostonredcross.org/
YMCA of Greater Boston
Multiple locations
Phone: 617 536 7800
www.ymcaboston.org/