OVERVIEW

According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death worldwide, accounting for about one-third of deaths. As our population ages, the prevalence of these diseases is expected to increase. This program will help prepare participants to handle these events and other related life-threatening incidents.

The primary focus of the CPR Health-Care Provider with First Aid (CPR: HCP) course is to develop cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills at the health-care provider (HCP) level. This includes one- and two-person CPR for adults, children and infants. Also included is locating a pulse or determining that one does not exist, which is an additional skill that sets apart the HCP level of care from entry-level CPR courses. During this course, participants will become familiar with the signs and symptoms associated with cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and respiratory arrest.

Because individuals taking this course may need a review of rudimentary first-aid skills that assist with preventing life-threatening conditions, this program covers essential skills such as management of choking and shock, control of external bleeding, bandaging and splinting. More in-depth first-aid training is available in the Basic Life Support: CPR and First Aid course.

Successful completion of the CPR: HCP course includes demonstration of skill competency and passing a final knowledge assessment.

First-Responder Roles and Responsibilities

First aid is providing initial care for an injury or illness. The three key aims of first aid are to (1) preserve life, (2) prevent the condition from worsening and (3) promote recovery. All skills performed in an emergency should be within the scope of one’s training.

Reading this module without instruction and skill practice will not make someone competent to provide CPR or first-aid assistance.

Prerequisites

There are no course prerequisites for participation in the CPR: HCP course.

Retraining

Since emergency-response skills deteriorate with time, retraining is required every two years to maintain CPR: HCP provider certification. In addition, regular practice is encouraged, when possible, to retain skill proficiency.

Continuing Education

Continuing education is encouraged in the form of taking additional training courses, participating in supervised practice sessions, reading current literature and undergoing refresher training. Your instructor can provide information about these programs.

How To Use The Course Content

Each chapter in this student handbook contains two distinct features.

  • The beginning of each chapter has a list of learning objectives. This is the information you should look for as you read the material, watch the video and participate in class discussions.
  • Boxes labeled “Note” provide explanations that are important for understanding the material just presented.

This module may include video content that will have sound. Please adjust your audio accordingly.

Terminology

The CPR: HCP student handbook introduces medical terms that may be unfamiliar to some readers. Familiarity with basic medical terminology will enhance the quality of communication with emergency and health-care workers. A glossary of terms is thus provided.

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