CPR training

Defibrillators Improve Survival in Kids

A new study has found that automatic external defibrillators, or AEDs, improve survival rates for children who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting. Specifically, the study found that children who were treated with an AED by a bystander had a survival rate of just over 29 percent. To compare, children not treated with an AED had a 23.7 percent survival rate.

The study also found that older children are more likely to receive AED treatment than infants and preschoolers. Experts believe this is because older children more commonly go into cardiac arrest at places with defibrillators, like schools. In addition, bystanders may be afraid to perform CPR or use an AED on small children for fear of harming them.

AED Use Can Save Lives

Automatic External Defibrillators — *photo credit: Pixabay,com accessed 08/20/2019 via CC0*

While the findings of this study may seem obvious, these are important facts to note and discuss. More than 350,000 Americans experience cardiac arrest outside of a hospital every year. About 7,000 of those are children. Raising awareness of the life-saving usefulness of AEDs may motivate more businesses to make them accessible, and more people to learn how to use them. In turn, more children will live past a cardiac arrest.

This research makes it clear: when bystanders use defibrillators on children in cardiac arrest, lives are saved. Our Minneapolis CPR/AED courses teach this life-saving skill to daycare providers, school teachers, parents and anyone who wants to be able to help people suffering cardiac emergencies.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in the Twin Cities and throughout Minnesota. We now offer online, night and weekend classes to fit your busy schedule! We offer a variety of courses, including CPR/AED/First Aid and CPR/AED, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Emergency Medical Responder – First Responder (EMR).

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Study Links Dental Hygiene to Heart Health

6 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Although heart disease is often a product of genetics, there are many easy lifestyle changes that we should all make to improve our heart health. A new study has uncovered a largely unknown tactic to lower your heart disease risk: improve your dental hygiene.

In the study, researchers analyzed the health data of nearly 250,000 healthy Korean adults, using information from a national health registry. At the start of the data collection, all participants underwent a screening of their oral health. None had any known heart disease.

Researchers looked at how many times per day the participants brushed their teeth, and how often they visited the dentist. Then, those findings were compared against the reported incidents of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and death by heart-related causes.

The study found that brushing teeth one extra time each day lowered the risk of heart disease by 9 percent. In addition, going to the dentist at least once per year lowered the risk by 14 percent, compared to participants who never went to the dentist.

How Does Dental Health Affect the Heart?

It’s clear that there is a link between good dental care and heart health. However, researchers aren’t exactly sure why that link exists. One common theory is that poor oral health causes inflammation in the mouth. This could, in turn, lead to inflammation in the arteries. It may also be reversed – that inflammation caused by heart disease could contribute to oral health issues.

Whatever the reason for the connection between oral hygiene and heart health, it’s clear that brushing teeth every day and seeing the dentist regularly is an important step in caring for your heart.

Help protect the hearts of your loved ones by making dental hygiene a priority in your home – and by becoming certified in CPR. Register for a course at one of HeartCert CPR’s convenient locations in the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Why “Cough CPR” Is Not Useful or Effective

6 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

If you’ve done any research on CPR, you’ve probably come across a method called “cough CPR,” in which a person suffering from a heart event can maintain blood flow and consciousness through repetitive coughing. However, the American Heart Association urges patients and laypeople not to learn or use “cough CPR” in any setting. Not only is it ineffective, but it could also make the patient’s condition worse by delaying life-saving treatment.

What is “cough CPR?”

When a person experiences a sudden arrhythmia, or abnormal heart rhythm, they may be able to cough repetitively and forcefully enough to maintain sufficient blood flow and remain conscious until the arrhythmia is able to be treated.

Why doesn’t “cough CPR” work?

There’s one caveat that makes “cough CPR” ineffective: the patient must be conscious. Unresponsiveness is usually the trigger that causes attention from bystanders. Therefore, the opportunity for laypeople to perform it will most likely not arise.

Why could “cough CPR” be dangerous?

Any delay in restoring blood flow and oxygen to the brain could have lasting repercussions. So by attempting to perform an ineffective form of CPR – instead of calling emergency responders and performing traditional CPR until they arrive – could cause brain damage, or worse.

If you want to be able to provide lifesaving care at work, home or in any situation, the best option is to take an American Heart Association-authorized CPR/AED course, such as those offered by HeartCert CPR. Register for a course today.

Find your CPR class at any of our convenient Twin Cities locations, including our new headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Five Reasons to Learn CPR in 2019

6 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Did you set New Year’s resolutions for 2019? Perhaps you want to eat better, sleep more, get more exercise, or budget your money more wisely. Whatever your resolutions, we have one to add to your list: learn CPR.

Learning CPR is fast, easy and inexpensive – and it could make you a hero. Check out our full lineup of CPR, AED and first aid courses, and read on for five great reasons to learn CPR in 2019!

CPR Can Save a Life

More than 300,000 people suffer from cardiac arrest every year in the U.S. When this happens, time is of the essence – the longer the body stays in arrest, the lower the chance of survival. CPR helps the blood circulate until help arrives. In fact, research shows that the likelihood of surviving a cardiac arrest more than doubles when CPR is performed.

More CPR is Needed

Bystander CPR is performed in less than half of cardiac arrests in the U.S. – between 15 and 30 percent, in fact. The most common reason given for not performing CPR is a lack of training.

CPR Does Not Require Mouth-to-Mouth Resuscitation

In 2010, the guidelines for performing CPR were changed. Now, only people who are trained and feel comfortable performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should do so. For the rest, hands-only CPR is an excellent, life-saving option.

Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home

More than 85 percent, in fact. You may need CPR to save the life of your parent, spouse, sibling or child. What better motivation is there?

CPR is Easy to Learn!

CPR classes are readily available, affordable, and take just a couple of hours. That’s a small trade-off for learning how to save a life.

Ready to learn CPR in 2019?

Check out the HeartCert CPR class offerings and sign up today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations, including our newest location, HeartCert CPR Eagan:

We also partner with Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

2 New Classes You Won’t Want to Miss!

7 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

In our continued effort to offer you the best selection, we’re unveiling 2 new class offerings. Don’t miss these new opportunities to learn!

IPAs and AEDs – February 13

We’re teaming up with Urban Growler Brewing Company in St. Paul for a one-of-a-kind learning experience. Learn how to save a life while enjoying a cold beer and tasty food.This event is open to the public. Registration will include a free pint of beer and access to a food special offered by Urban Growler. At the end of the course, you’ll be CPR and/or First Aid certified through the American Heart Association.

Choose the skills you’d like to learn:

CPR/AED with First Aid: Register Here (Our recommended class!)
CPR/AED Only: Register Here
First Aid Only: Register Here

Duluth Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Blended Certification – February 21 and March 21

New to our Duluth location, we’ll be offering special courses of our Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Blended Certification courses in February and March. This is the first time we’ve been able to offer this class at our Duluth location! Chose the month that works best for you.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Know CPR? Join Our Team as a CPR or First Aid Instructor

8 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Here at HeartCert, we firmly believe in ensuring accessible training for all. That’s why we offer classes in over 10 cities in Minnesota, as well as classes in Wisconsin and Alaska. We’ve been floored by the positive responses our instructors have received and the overwhelming support by our students.

But now we need your help to grow. HeartCert is actively looking for new locations and partners.

Join Our Team

Are you a current, new or potential CPR Instructor? Interested in a rewarding and fulfilling position that teaches others how to save a life and make a difference in the community? You’ve come to the right place! HeartCert is proud provider of American Heart Association ECC Training which means we offer the highest quality of training. We offer initial and renewal training for: Heartsaver (lay), BLS, ACLS and PALS Provider/Instructor courses each quarter. Please contact us for details on the process.

Top notch instructor training courses, Manikin rental services, Teaching space assistance, Training updates and certification tracking, Easy electronic roster submission, Business support, teaching assistance, employment opportunities and MORE!

Apply Here

Suggest a Location

Want HeartCert to come to your city? Let us know where you are and we’ll do our best to come to you. If you’re interested in becoming an instructor, please let us know on your submission form if you’re interested in partnering with us to bring HeartCert classes to your location.

Contact Us for More Information

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for First Aid and CPR in Minnesota. Find your CPR Class, PALS Class, BLS Class or ACLS Class at any of our Minnesota locations:

We also partner with Duluth, Mankato, Rochester, Appleton and Anchorage for select classes.

Four Silent Heart Attack Symptoms in Women

8 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Do You Know These Hard-to-Recognize Heart Attack Symptoms in Women?

Every February the American Heart Association celebrates Go Red for Women month, highlighting issues around women’s heart health. One of the most basic issues is knowing the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and how those symptoms can differ in women and men. Read on for details on four silent heart attack symptoms that women should most definitely be aware of, brought to you by the American Heart Association.

women heart attack symptoms — Image Credit: American Heart Association

Well-known heart attack symptoms can include chest pain and radiating discomfort in the left arm. But, as Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum explains, there are several other ways your body may tell you when something isn’t quite right, potentially with your heart.

Shortness of breath

According to Steinbaum, director of The Heart and Vascular Institute at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, women often struggle to breathe a few weeks before experiencing a heart attack.

“If you are used to doing a certain amount of activity and then, all of a sudden, you can’t get enough air, that is when I get concerned,” says Steinbaum.

Back pain

Irregular pain in the lower or upper back can indicate stress to the heart muscle, Steinbaum says.

Jaw pain

“I had one patient who would feel her jaw start to hurt every time she got on a treadmill,” Steinbaum says. “But once she stopped, her jaw pain would go away. She went to a dentist, but there wasn’t anything wrong with her teeth.”

This discomfort continued until the woman experienced a heart attack. When she came into Steinbaum’s office after the event, it was evident that the jaw pain was directly linked to what was happening in her heart.

“Sometimes the heart isn’t able to give a good signal and, instead, the pain can radiate to the neck, jaw and back,” she says.

Nausea

Flu-like symptoms are often reported weeks and days before a heart attack. In fact, as Steinbaum explains, TV personality Rosie O’Donnell reportedly regurgitated a few times before she experienced a heart attack in early 2012.

Advice: Trust Your Gut

If you aren’t feeling normal or are experiencing any of the symptoms above, head to you local emergency room. It is better to take care of yourself and prevent damage to your heart, in the event you are having a heart attack.

“A women’s intuition is a very strong thing; don’t ever discount it,” Steinbaum says.

“Ninety percent of my women patients who’ve just had a heart attack tell me that they knew it was their heart all along. That they just had a feeling.”

Learn more about your risk for heart disease as well as factors that increase your risk on Go Red For Women.

Learn More

Fast action can save lives. It’s a good idea to know what to do if someone experiences a heart attack or cardiac arrest. HeartCert offers CPR and First Aid classes for all skill sets and levels of experience. Whether you are an experienced Healthcare Professional or a new parent just wanting to learn ‘the basics’, we have a class for you! We can teach a convenient one-on-one CPR or first aid training session, or we can certify a large group on-site depending on your needs. Visit our Home page to get started.

Snow Shoveling Safety

8 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Tips for Preventing a Cardiac Injury While Snow Shoveling

Winter has officially arrived in Minnesota, with snow storms the past two weekends forcing residents state-wide to pull out our shovels and fire up our snow blowers. Clearing our driveways and sidewalks is an added duty that we all have to tackle each winter and although it may be tiring and inconvenient, it can also be dangerous. A study conducted by US Nationwide Children’s Hospital found that every winter, almost 100 people in the United States die from cardiac-related injuries associated with snow shoveling.

Whether it is a few inches or a whole foot of snow, there are things to remember when going to clear it all out. Snow can be heavy and pushing it around with a shovel and throwing it onto your snow banks is exhausting, whether you have been doing other physical activity or not. Here are some tips for safely shoveling snow:

Do not shovel after eating or while smoking
Take it slow and stretch out before you begin
Shovel only fresh, powdery snow; it’s lighter
Push the snow rather than lifting it
If you do lift it, use a small shovel or only partially fill the shovel
Lift with your legs, not your back
Do not work to the point of exhaustion
Stay hydrated
Wear warm, breathable layers

If you are tackling a huge snowfall’s worth of snow, take frequent breaks, clearing your driveway in sections. If possible, get out and shovel while it is snowing to take it out layer by layer, before it gets too heavy or compacted.

If you are currently or have recently been facing lung or heart problems, consult a doctor first. At any feelings of tightness in the chest or dizziness, stop immediately. Always take your health into concern before worrying about shoveling your driveway. You are more important. If possible, shovel with someone else in your household or when a neighbor is shoveling as well so that you can monitor each other. If possible, keep your cell phone on your so that you can use it if need in an emergency.

Are you prepared to provide life-saving care in case of a snow-related cardiac emergency? HeartCert provides affordable, quality training to improve the quality of care and chance for survival in case of emergency. Plan your next on-site group training or attend a session at one of our convenient locations; click here to get started.

The Difference between a BLS and a Heartsaver Course

8 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Which Course Should You Be Taking?

Whether you are looking to sign-up for a course for yourself or a group of people, there are a few things to consider. Why are you looking to take a First-Aid or CPR course? What level of skills are you looking to obtain? We offer various types of instruction that pertain to your needs and certifications. The following are the differences between our Basic Life Support (BLS) and Heartsaver courses.

Are you a Nurse, Doctor, Hospital/Clinic Personnel or Dental Assistant? If you said yes, than you are looking for a BLS course. This four-hour long course will train you on recognizing and responding to various life threatening emergencies. You will practice providing 1 and 2 rescuer CPR for adults, children and infants, as well as using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). You will also learn and practice how to relieve choking.

Find a Location Near You

If you are an individual with little or no medical training, looking for a course completion for another job such as in a day-care or school, then you are looking for the Heartsaver course. Here, you will be taught the basics of First-Aid, CPR, AED and how to provide assistant safely and timely in an effective manner. In addition, we will show how to recognize cardiac arrest and be able to help until EMS assistance arrives.

There are also other specific courses such as learning how to protect yourself and others from blood borne pathogens, prevention of disease transmission, infection control and pediatric care.

Determine which course best fits your needs and certifications and connect with us to sign up at a location near you. With the assistance of our certified trainers, you will learn the different ways to effectively aid in the safety of another person and build the confidence in providing life-saving skills.

HeartCert is the smart choice when you’re looking for affordable, quality training to improve the quality of care and chance for survival in case of emergency. Plan your next on-site group training or attend a session at one of our convenient locations; click here to get started.

Defibrillators Improve Survival in Kids

AED Use Can Save Lives