BLS for Healthcare CPR/AED and First Aid Combo Course Online Certification

Get certified online with our CPR/AED and First Aid Combo Course—designed for healthcare professionals and covering Adult, Child, and Infant care. Complete it in just 1–2 hours for instant 2-year certification, unlimited quiz retakes, and a free mailed wallet card.

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Chapters	CE Credits	Validity	Cost	Duration	ECC	Exam Attempts	Wallet Card
25	6.0	2 Years	$36.95	1-2 Hrs	Compliant	Unlimited	Download/Print/Mail

Chapters25
CE Credits6.0
Validity2 Years
Cost$36.95
Duration1-2 Hrs
ECCCompliant
Exam AttemptsUnlimited
Wallet CardDownload/Print/Mail

Chapter 4: Adult CPR – Compressions

Before starting Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), make sure the scene is safe and use any personal protective equipment (PPE) available.

Initial Steps:

Tap and shout “Are you okay?” to check if the person is responsive.
- Occasional gasps (agonal respirations) are not normal breathing.
Call 9-1-1 or ask someone nearby to call and get an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Check for a pulse. Take no more than 10 seconds.
- For adults and children, check the carotid artery (in the neck).
- For infants, check the brachial artery (inside of the upper arm).
If there’s no pulse or you’re unsure, begin CPR immediately.

2021 Interim Guidance: During the COVID-19 pandemic, many lay responders may not have PPE. If that’s the case, use a face covering for yourself and the victim to help reduce the risk of virus transmission.

Performing Chest Compressions (Adult)

For CPR purposes, an adult is defined as anyone going through or past puberty.

Position yourself at the person’s side.
Make sure they’re lying flat on their back on a firm surface.
If they’re face-down and unconscious, roll them face-up while supporting the head, neck, and back.
Remove clothing from the chest.

Hand & Body Position:

Place the heel of one hand on the center of the chest (between the nipples).
Put your other hand on top and interlace the fingers.
Keep your fingers lifted off the chest.
Kneel down and position your shoulders directly over your hands. Keep your elbows locked and arms straight.

Compressions:

Push down at least 2 inches but no more than 2.4 inches.
Maintain a pace of 100 to 120 compressions per minute.
Allow the chest to fully recoil after each compression.

2-Rescuer Technique

If a second rescuer is available:

Have them call 9-1-1 and get the AED.
The first rescuer should begin CPR right away.
Once both rescuers are present, alternate compressions approximately every 2 minutes.
Remind each other to compress at the correct depth and allow full chest recoil.

This chapter is part of your BLS for Healthcare CPR/AED and First Aid Combo Course Online Certification, designed to prepare you with the skills needed to confidently respond during adult CPR emergencies.

BLS for Healthcare CPR/AED and First Aid Combo Course Online Certification

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Chapter 4: Adult CPR – Compressions

Performing Chest Compressions (Adult)

2-Rescuer Technique

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