Security guards are often the first responders in emergencies, such as when someone collapses unexpectedly. They need to be prepared to act quickly and effectively to save lives. That’s why security guards should consider taking CPR training for guards through the CPR online course from American HealthCare Academy. This course will teach them how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) on adults, children, and infants. It will also provide them with a nationally accepted certification that is valid for two years.
The importance of CPR for security guards
Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time and for various reasons. An estimated 450,000 Americans decease from cardiac arrest each year. That’s more than the number of deaths from car accidents, fires, guns, drowning, and drug overdoses combined.
Shockingly, only about 10% of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside of a hospital survive. However, if CPR is started within three to five minutes of collapse, it can double or triple the chances of survival and reduce the risk of brain damage.
Security guards are often in a position to witness or respond to cardiac arrest incidents. They may work in places where there are large crowds, such as malls, stadiums, airports, or schools. They may also work in places where there are high-risk individuals, such as elderly homes, hospitals. They may encounter situations where someone has a heart attack, an overdose, an allergic reaction, a choking episode, or a traumatic injury that causes cardiac arrest. Hence, being CPR certified for security guards is highly necessary.
In these situations, security guards have a responsibility to act as quickly as possible and provide CPR until professional help arrives. By doing so, they can make a difference between life and death for the victim. They can also demonstrate their professionalism and competence as security guards.
How to perform CPR?
CPR is a simple but effective technique that anyone can learn. It involves three steps: compressions, airway, and breathing (C-A-B). Here is how to perform CPR on an adult:
- Check for responsiveness and call for help. Tap the person’s shoulder. Ask loudly and clearly if they are okay. If they do not react, call 911 immediately or ask someone else. If an AED is available, get it or ask someone else.
- Start chest compressions. Gently put the heel of one hand between the nipples, i.e., the center of the chest. Place your other hand firmly on top of the first hand kept on the chest. Now, interlock your fingers. Keep your arms straight. Your shoulders should align straight over your hands. Push hard and fast on the chest, at least two inches deep, and 100 – 120 times per minute. Allow the chest to recoil fully between each compression.
- Give rescue breaths. After 30 compressions, open the person’s airway by gently tilting their head back and lifting their chin. Pinch their nose shut. Now bend over and seal your mouth over theirs. Blow into their mouth for one second and watch for their chest to rise. Give two rescue breaths after every 30 firm compressions.
- Continue CPR until medical help arrives or the person shows signs of life. For example, gentle or bleak movements, breathing or coughing.
To perform CPR on a child (age 1 to puberty) or an infant (under 1 year), follow the same steps as above, but with some modifications:
- For a child, use one or two hands for chest compressions, depending on the size of the child. Compress the chest at least one-third of its depth, about two inches for most children.
- For an infant, use two fingers for chest compressions, just below the nipple line. Compress the chest about one and a half inches deep.
- For both child and infant, give smaller breaths, enough to make the chest rise visibly.
The benefits of CPR education for security guards
Taking a CPR online course from American HealthCare Academy can provide many benefits for security guards, such as:
- Learning CPR skills that can save lives in emergencies
- Gaining competence and confidence in performing CPR
- Earning a nationally accepted certification that is valid for two years
- Meeting the requirements of many employers and clients who prefer or mandate CPR training for security guards
- Enhancing their resume and career prospects as security guards
- Accessing a convenient and affordable online course that can be completed at their own pace and schedule
Conclusion
CPR is a vital skill that every security guard should have. It can make a difference between life and death for someone who suffers a cardiac arrest. Security guards can learn CPR online from American HealthCare Academy, a trusted provider of online medical certification courses. By taking this course, security guards can improve their knowledge, skills, and confidence in performing CPR. They can also earn a certification that is recognized nationally and internationally. They can also enjoy the convenience and flexibility of an online course that fits their busy lifestyle. Security guards who want to be prepared for any emergency should enroll in a CPR online course from American HealthCare Academy today.
