Did you know that nine in ten people who have cardiac arrest outside the hospital die? My uncle was one of the nine, and I was there when it happened.  

I called 911 and the first responders came within five minutes of calling, but nonetheless, he passed. They arrived just ten seconds after hearing his last breath and performed CPR immediately. I learned that every minute without CPR decreases the survival rate by 10 percent.

When I heard that ASI Campus Recreation offers an FA/CPR/AED blended learning course at an affordable price for students, I knew I had to take this opportunity and register.

Image via UC Davis

The 2021 Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED blended learning course equips students to recognize and care for a variety of first aid breathing and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children, and infants. Not only is it designed for students who need a certification that satisfies OSHA workplace or other regulatory requirements, but it is also open to any students interested in learning. This class covers how to recognize and respond to an emergency, skills needed to provide CPR, choking, bleeding, and automated external defibrillator (AED) for both adults and children.

This class is taught in a blended learning format and the online portion (accessed via mobile, desktop or tablet) must be completed prior to attending the instructor-led skills session. Upon successful completion a valid two-year digital certificate for Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED is issued.

This Red Cross Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED course consists of seven modules:

1. First Aid, CPR, AED Foundations
2. Adult CPR and AED
3. Pediatric CPR and AED
4. Choking
5. Sudden Illness
6. Life-Threatening Bleeding
7. Injuries and Environmental Emergencies

Still unsure if you want to take the FA/CPR/AED blended course for Lay Responders? Here are three facts I learned which highlight the importance of the class:

1. Bystander CPR improves survival.  

Image via Omnibus

The phrase “not all heroes wear a cape” is a perfect phrase which explains why you should take this course. Whether you think so or not, everyone is capable of being the hero and saving a life. There’s a perception that only nurses or firefighters should learn CPR. CPR certification is not a job-limited qualification. The skills learned in this course can be needed anywhere! What if there are no nurses or firefighters around during an emergency? Who is going to be the hero to save a life then? The more people who are equipped with this knowledge, the better.

2. Nearly 1,000 people each day suffer from cardiac arrest – 90% of which are fatal.  

Image via Sudden Cardiac Arrest Foundation

An average of 900 people die from cardiac arrest each day. Cardiac arrest can occur at any age and can happen when least expected. These severe emergencies can happen anywhere from home to a classroom to a grocery store. Learning these skills could save the life of a stranger, co-worker, friend, or even a family member. CPR improves the odds of survival.

3.   70% of Americans feel helpless during a cardiac emergency. 

Image via VeryWell

Not only does this course teach students how to perform CPR, but it also provides them with confidence and demonstrates how to act during emergency situations. Most people do not anticipate the worst, but when it arises, it is important for them to remain calm and follow procedures which can lead to saving the patient.

If you are interested in taking this FA/CPR/AED for Lay Responders course with ASI Campus Recreation, register for the program here! The spring 2023 dates left include: 3/18, 4/22, 4/23, 6/24, and 6/25. Registration closes one week before class. In just a few hours, you can learn how to be a hero in emergency situations.

Be sure to stay up to date with more safety courses like this by following @ASICPP on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and @CPPCampusRec on Instagram!