Students taking emergency first aid courses with a credible provider must select a level of CPR training to be partnered with the course. CPR level “A”, the most basic level, comes standard with the course. Candidates do have the option, with most providers to opt for a higher level of CPR training such as CPR level “C” which includes CPR for adult, child, and infant victims. CPR training can be the most complicated portion of any emergency first aid course. This page is designed to give participants some helpful tips on how to do CPR. The material posted on this page is for information purposes only, to learn to do CPR take an emergency first aid course with a credible provider to receive hands-on experience and training. To find a credible provider near you visit our locations page or select your location from the menu. Emergency first aid courses in Edmonton are now available. Candidates can also find our training partners in Calgary, Vancouver, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg, Ottawa, Surrey, and Kelowna.
CPR Tips on how to do effective CPR Tips using the 2011 standards:
- Effective hand placement is extremely important for effective CPR. For adult and child CPR the hand should be placed on the center of the chest with the heel of the hand over the sternum. Rescuers should emphasize most of the force through the heel of the hand and not the palm and fingers. If a rescuer is using a second hand it should be placed over the top of the first hand and help to place force on the heel of the initial hand.
- Chest compressions are forceful. Candidates should place a significant amount of force into each chest compression for adult CPR. The rescuer should aim to push the chest down one-third to one-half the depth of the chest.
- Land-marking for chest compressions has changed significantly throughout the past two decades. The most effective method of land-marking is to expose the victim’s chest and land-mark between the patient’s nipples or in the center of the chest.
Candidates will learn to use key-chain pocket mask’s like the one posted above as effective barrier devices for CPR. - Chest compressions should be done quickly. The pace of compressions should be at least 100 compressions per minute. The rescuer should allow for the chest to fully recoil prior to compressing again. Chest compressions that are too quick and do not allow for the chest to recoil are not effective. Most providers promote rescuers to follow chest compression’s to the tune of “Staying Alive” by the Beegees. Pessimistic candidates or providers promote songs such as “Another Bites the Dust” by Michael Jackson.
- When ventilating, rescuers should be watchful of the victim’s chest. Once the rescuer sees that the victim’s chest begins to rise, he or she should stop the ventilation. Too much air can cause a number of complications including regurgitation which can make CPR difficult.
- Rescuers should minimize the time between chest compressions. The compressions are the most critical components of CPR and rescuers should attempt to minimize the time between sets.
- Candidates should practice using barrier devices on manikins and during class as placement and use are critical when doing CPR.
CPR Training Techniques
Students will learn a variety of techniques and skills for CPR when attending an emergency first aid course. A significant portion of time in the emergency first aid course will be spent practicing different techniques and complications for one rescuer CPR for adult and child victims.
Latest Video
Check out the latest video on cardiopulmonary resuscitation and AED usage below. The video shows the latest 2012 standards in CPR. The individual in the video is a trained workplace-approved emergency first aid and CPR instructor.