New changes in Red Cross CPR and First Aid training

 

American Red Cross programs and products are designed based on the most up-to-date science available on first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillation (AED and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC).

 

Every 5 years, dozens of international organizations and experts in the field of first aid and emergency care work together to review and evaluate scientific research on these subjects. The goal is to determine if any new discoveries affect the way CPR is delivered and emergency cardiovascular care, and other emergency care, is treated. This collaborative effort involves hundreds of scientific research articles and studies.

 

There are two scientific evaluations occurring at the same time: CPR and ECC, and First Aid. The scientific evaluation of CPR and ECC is coordinated by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and sponsored by the American Heart Association (AHA). The scientific evaluation of First Aid is done by the American Red Cross and AHA. The Red Cross and AHA co-founded the First Aid Science Advisory Board for the purpose of reviewing and evaluating peer-reviewed, published First Aid science.

 

Both evaluations included a conference that occurred in January 2005. At the conference nationally- and internationally-recognized experts in CPR and ECC, and First Aid discussed the science and treatment recommendations.

 

From these treatment recommendations and guidelines, the Red Cross will update the content of its training programs. It is the goal of the Red Cross to release revised Health and Safety programs and products in early spring of 2006.

 

Some of the changes you will see include new optional modules that can be added easily to better meet customer needs:

 

1. A 1-hour Epinephrine Auto-Injector Training Module is ideal for coaches, teachers and childcare providers.

This module teaches individuals how to correctly administer an epinephrine auto-injector to a person who is suffering from a severe allergic reaction.

 

2. A 45-minute Asthma Inhaler Training Lesson is also a smart choice for coaches, teachers and childcare providers or for anyone who needs to know how to correctly administer an asthma inhaler to a person who is having an asthma attack.

 

Remember that the current training methods for CPR are not incorrect nor harmful, but improved methods, based on new scientific evidence will make it easier to learn CPR and other life saving skills and your current certificate is still good until expiration date on your card.