So you've determined that a patient or victim is unconscious but they have a heart rate and they are breathing on their own. How do you know if it is cardiac arrest of respiratory arrest?
Respiratory arrest is a life-threatening situation in which immediate intervention is needed. However time is critical so  it is essential to understand the type of arrest the patient is experiencing and begin treatment as soon as possible. Let's look at what respiratory arrest is and causes and possible treatment. Additionally, an early assessment and recognition intervention is important. Further, knowledge and participation of CPR/AED/First Aid training will equip you with the answers to these questions.

​Respiratory arrest occurs when a patient has stopped breathing. During respiratory arrest, the body is no longer getting oxygen to the brain, heart, and other vital organs. Cardiac arrest almost always follows unless respiratory function is rapidly restored. Occasionally, the patient will have already been experiencing respiratory distress that has gone unidentified or untreated, ultimately developing into respiratory arrest.

A patient may experience respiratory arrest when the nerves and muscles cannot support respiration. There are many potential causes of this, including: 
1. COVID-19
2. Head, chest or other major injury
3. Drug overdose
4. Sepsis
5. Neuromuscular diseases such as ALS
6. Stroke
7. Pneumonia

Sometimes, respiratory arrest can lead to cardiac arrest, and other times the two can occur at the same time. In both respiratory and cardiac arrest, the patient will be unconscious and will not be breathing. However, the difference between cardiac and respiratory arrest is that in cases of respiratory arrest, the patient will have a detectable pulse as the heart is still functioning and pumping blood throughout the body. 
Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is when a patient is experiencing an electrical disturbance in the heart, which will interrupt the heart’s rhythm and potentially halt heart function, breathing, and consciousness. Blood flow will stop, and so during sudden cardiac arrest, the patient will not have a strong pulse.

The first responder should assess the emergency and begin an intervention once respiratory arrest is identified. Treatment should focu on supporting the patient while the lungs heal. The goal of supportive care is getting enough oxygen into the blood and delivered to your body to prevent damage and removing the injury that caused Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) to develop. Instead of administering CPR, you’ll want to follow basic life support (BLS) practices. 
The following are some of the steps that can be taken to help manage respiratory arrest:
1. Open the airway
2. Apply bag-mask ventilation
3. Prepare for an advanced airway
4. Use the head tilt/chin lift maneuver if there is no cervical spine injury
5. Use the jaw thrust maneuver if there is a potential injury to the cervical spine
6. Check that you are providing sufficient oxygenation
7. Avoid over-ventilation
8. Monitor the pulse for any signs of cardiac arrest

Any healthcare professional or laymen rescuer who might encounter a cardiovascular emergency at home or at their place of employment should participate in a  BLS Provider certification with Help-A-Heart CPR. The expert team here at Help-A-Heart CPR can help answer any questions you may have––because we’ve been out on the field treating respiratory arrest and more as EMTs, paramedics, and nurses ourselves. 

There are a few important numbers to remember when learning CPR. From the rescue breathing rate for infants and children to the CPR compression rate for adults, it’s important to know and understand the correct parameters.

There are a few key statistics on CPR ratio and CPR rate for adults, children, and infants that we will highlight. These numbers are based on the latest research from the American Heart Association (AHA) as of November 2021.

Adult:
1 or ​2 rescuers – 30:2

​Child/Infant:
​​1 or 2 rescuer – 30:2
2 or more rescuers – 15:2

Adult/Child/Infant:
​Deliver continuous compressions at 100-120 per minute
Deliver 1 breath every 6 seconds

Adult/Child/Infant:
​100-120 compressions per minute

Adult:
At least 2 to 2.4 inches
Child:
At least one-third of the chest diameter or about 2 inches
Infant:
At least one-third of the chest diameter or about 1.5 inches

Adult:
Place 2 hands on the patient’s chest (at the sternum)
Child:
Place 2 hands on the patient’s chest at the sternum (If the child is very small, 1 hand might be appropriate)
Infant:
1 rescuer:
Place 2 fingers in the center of the patient’s chest
2+ rescuers:
Place hands around the patient’s chest and use 2 thumbs at the center of the patient’s chest

Adult:
1 breath every 6 seconds
Child/Infant:
​1 breath every 3-5 seconds

Adult:
Alone with a cell phone: activate EMS, then locate an AED and begin CPR
Alone without a cell phone: leave the patient to activate EMS, locate an AED and begin CPR
Child/Infant: 
Was it witnessed?
If you witnessed the collapse, locate an AED
If you did not witness the collapse, give 2 minutes of CPR first, then locate an AED and activate EMS

Whether adult, infant, or child; keep any interruptions in chest compressions to under 10 seconds.

Would you like to learn more about compression rates and ventilation ratios? You can view Help-A-Heart CPR's training classes on our training registration portal. Whether you’re training to become a healthcare provider or you’re a laymen rescuer who’d like to discover a life-saving skill, the attainment of a CPR certification is an incredible way to help your community and learn something new.
Our CPR and First Aid instructors at Help-A-Heart CPR make learning CPR both informative and empowering. As nurses, EMTs, and firefighters, Help-A-Heart CPR has extensive experience with many interesting stories to share. With plenty of class times available at locations across Texas and beyond, it’s easy to fit training into your busy schedule. Give us a call today at (210) 380-5344.

Have you ever been in a situation where an individual became intoxicated or was unresponsive but breathing and you didn't know what to do next? For example, you called 9-1-1- but really didn't know what to do in the meantime. Intoxicated or unresponsive victims are more at risk of vomiting and choking and need assistance with being placed into the recovery position until emergency responders arrive at the scene.

The recovery position helps a semiconscious or unconscious person breathe and allows fluids to drain from the nose and throat so they they do not aspirate.
The recovery position places the victim in a position that keeps the airway open. If a patient is unconscious and vomits, they could choke. The recovery position helps prevent choking in these situations.
​By just repositioning the victim correctly, you can decrease the possibility they will choke on vomit or other fluids and keep them safer. However, do not use the recovery position if the person has a major injury, such as a back or neck injury.

​If the victim is breathing and does not require chest compressions and rescue breathing (CPR), the victim should be placed in the recovery position. To place the victim in the recovery position grab the victims leg and shoulder and roll them towards you.

1. Call 9-1-1.
2. Make sure the scene is safe and then assess the condition and responsiveness of the individual.
3. If the individual is unconscious and not breathing, then the victim/patient should not be placed in the recovery position. Further, the individual should then be placed flat on their back and CPR should be immediately administered.
4. On the contrary, if the individual is unconscious BUT seems to be breathing normally, this is an example of when the recovery position should probably be used.
5. To place the patient/victim in the recovery position, lay them onto their back and kneel down beside them.
6. Next, pull the arm closest to you out to a right angle, with the palm facing up.
7. Take their other arm and press it against their cheek on the side closest to you.
8. Using your other hand, take the patient’s knee on the side furthest from you and bend it to a right angle.
9. Hold the patient’s arm against their cheek, their leg at a right angle, and roll them towards you. They should land in a position where one hand is under the chin, their other arm is preventing them from rolling over, and their leg is supporting them in the position.
10. Finally, tilt their head back and ensure that their airway remains open.
11. Always remember to monitor and observe the patient until emergency first responders arrive. Specifically monitor the breathing of the individual to ensure that CPR is not needed.

Would you like to learn more about the recovery position?  Sign up for First Aid and CPR training at Help-A-Heart CPR! Taking a class and receiving a certification is an empowering way to learn new skills while optimizing your own personal knowledge. Emergencies arise and result in unexpected medical emergences. By taking a CPR and First Aid class and learning more about the recovery position, you will gain the skills needed to provide emergency assistance.
CPR and First Aid classes at Help-A-Heart CPR are both engaging and educational. In less than 3 hours, you’ll learn how to administer CPR for victims of all ages, how to use an AED, and how to help choking victims. You’ll leave the class having gained a wealth of added knowledge, increased confidence in your abilities, and a certification card valid for two years.
Sign up today on our website. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us using our online contact form or by phone at (210) 380-5344.

With the flu season here, it is important to really understand what the flu is and how it impacts our lives. In this blog we are going to look at a few topics including common flu symptoms, pathophysiology of the flu, and the best treatment for the flu.

A few common flu symptoms include:

• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Body or muscle aches
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Runny or stuffy nose

There are more than 100 types of cold viruses, and these viruses often result in coughing, sore throat, body aches and other flu-like symptoms. While the symptoms may be similar, cold symptoms are often less severe than those associated with a flu virus.
For example, cold symptoms may make it difficult for a person to get out of bed and perform everyday activities. Further, flu symptoms may force an individual’s body to completely shut down. Most people who experience the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some people will develop complications (such as pneumonia) as a result of flu, some of which can be life-threatening and result in death.

​The flu is a contagious respiratory disease caused by a virus that attacks the upper and lower portions of the respiratory tract. People are most frequently affected by the flu in winter and spring. During these seasons, the flu virus may be more prone than ever before to spread from person to person via respiratory secretions.
For instance, a person who handles items contaminated by someone who is currently dealing with the flu virus may be exposed to flu germs. In this scenario, a flu virus infection may occur.
The flu virus affects men, women and children. However, the Mayo Clinic (2021) indicated that the following populations are most at risk: young children under age 5, and especially those under 6 months; adults older than age 65, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, and pregnant women and women up to two weeks after giving birth.

​Fighting the flu can be a difficult task. If someone believes that they have contracted the flu virus, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs may help quickly alleviate various flu symptoms. For example, oral or nasal decongestants often help flu sufferers reduce swelling in the nasal passages. On the contrary, people who are experiencing flu-related sneezing or nasal discharge can be administered an antihistamine to help remedy their symptoms.
When used as treatment, the use of antiviral drugs can lessen symptoms and shorten the time you are sick by 1 or 2 days. They also can prevent serious flu complications, like pneumonia. For people at higher risk of serious flu complications, treatment with antiviral drugs can mean the difference between milder or more serious illness possibly resulting in a hospital stay.
For those who desire to find the best and most effective treatment, it may be beneficial to consult with your family physician. Expert consult allows an individual to receive an introspective examination of his or her flu symptoms. Subsequently, the CDC recommends immediate treatment for people who have flu or suspected flu and who are at higher risk of serious flu complications.

During times like these in which it is important to protect oneself from COVID while taking every precaution necessary to stop the spread, it is also important to be ready to provide care to patients experiencing other health emergencies. 
Over 350,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur each year. Performing CPR is a viable method used to give patients the best possible chance of survival. As we experience this pandemic, hands-only CPR is a good option to keep both the patient and the rescuer as safe as possible. Getting CPR certified and learning how to perform hands-only CPR is an excellent way to help your community during these difficult times. With knowledge of CPR and First Aid you will learn life-saving skills and gain the confidence to be able to support those in need during an emergency medical crisis.

To prevent the transmission of COVID-19 it is important to use social distancing while wearing masks and using sterile gloves. Due to the threatening nature of the disease, it is understandable that many individuals may be hesitant to perform CPR on someone they don't know. However, researchers have acknowledged that there is a low risk of COVID-19 transmission during CPR when the rescuer is wearing a mask. 
Therefore, yes, you should absolutely perform CPR in the event of a medical emergency, even during the present day COVID crisis.
According to the AHA, the risk of death from cardiac arrest is high with approximately 90% of patients experiencing cardiac arrest outside of the hospital dying. As such, the risk of contracting COVID-19 from CPR might very well be lower than the chance that the patient will pass away from cardiac arrest. As such, many health experts recommend that CPR is performed whenever possible, including during the era of COVID-19. Experts recommend that, during the pandemic, patients wear a mask during defibrillation.

Hands-only CPR is a new CPR method in which no mouth to mouth is required. With hands-only CPR, the rescuers only administer chest compressions while no artificial ventilation is given. Is this method effective? With hands-only CPR the  chest compressions help maintain circulation and restore blood and oxygen flow to the organs and research has even indicated that this method can be equally effective as traditional CPR with ventilation.
Since no breaths are given during hands-only CPR, there is decreased passing of air droplets between the rescuer and the patient. Thus, the likelihood that COVID-19 can be passed is smaller than with traditional CPR. Hands-only CPR can be both a safe and viable method to assist someone in cardiac arrest with a very low risk of transmitting the virus while even allowing the rescuer to continue to wear a mask.

Our CPR and First Aid training courses here at Help-A-Heart CPR are a great option for anyone looking to learn CPR. In our CPR and AED classes, you'll become empowered and gain knowledge on various topics including how to administer adult, child, and infant CPR, when and how to use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and how to assist both conscious and unconscious choking victims.
Here at Help-A-Heart CPR were are here to answer any question you may have. With small class sizes,  students leave the classroom feeling confident in their skills. We offer our CPR and AED courses at a variety of times and locations across Texas and the Southern United States so that you can fit training into your busy schedule. 
So, are you ready to start saving lives? Get your CPR certification today! To register for a class, go ahead and give us a call at (210) 380-5344 or use our online contact form today.

Regardless of whether you're a healthcare provider or a bystander, it’s important to know what to do if someone is losing a significant amount of blood. In either case, a rapid assessment and treatment protocol is vital. If you have a basic knowledge of first aid and an understanding of the different types of bleeding, you’ll be better prepared to intervene and provide treatment to the victim.

You might already know that there are different blood types, but did you know that there are also various of bleeding? There are 3 main types: venous bleeding, arterial bleeding, and capillary bleeding. 
Each type of bleeding often has its own causes, treatments, and considerations. In order to first treat the bleeding, it’s important to know and understand the type of bleeding in order to provide the best possible care. 
However, regardless of the type of bleeding, direct pressure and immediate treatment protocol must be initiated. While many cases of external bleeding are minor, deep wounds to the arteries or veins can quickly become a serious problem. When an individual experiences a loss of 14% of their blood volume, they will begin to manifest physical symptoms such as nausea or fatigue. Drastic blood loss, over 40% of blood volume loss, can result in shock, organ failure, and even death.

​While arterial bleeding carries blood with oxygen, veins carry deoxygenated blood. As a result, venous bleeding is usually a darker red. Just like the arteries, the veins also contain a lot of blood, and so blood volume loss can be high and damage can be severe. Blood flows out in more of a steady stream because there is lower blood pressure in the veins than in the arteries.
If venous bleeding is left untreated, the patient can lose blood at a surprisingly rapid rate. To treat it, apply direct pressure and dress the wound.

​The capillaries are extremely close to the surface of the skin. As a result, capillary bleeding can result from a shallow wound. While the loss of blood from capillary bleeding is not as quick; the blood usually comes out in a trickle that may start fast but slows down over time. 
Generally, capillary bleeding tends to be less severe than the other two types of bleeding and is easier to manage. However, capillary bleeding can often be the most painful despite the superficial nature of the wound. Due to the nature of the wound, it might even heal without intervention, but you can apply a bandage if the bleeding does not stop.

​As the name suggests, arterial bleeding has to do with the arteries. If an artery is injured, it can result in very severe bleeding. Arteries contain oxygenated blood and have high blood pressure, and so the blood from arterial bleeding is categorized by spurts of bright red blood. Blood volume tends to be lost quickly during this type of bleeding, so immediate medical care is necessary.
Due to the nature of arterial bleeding, it can be difficult to control and treat. Do your best to manage the bleeding by applying direct pressure. You might use a thick pad or dressing, then secure it with a roller gauze.

The three types of bleeding mentioned are typically controlled through the application of direct pressure. When treating a patient that has visible wounds or someone who has experienced significant blood loss,  the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) should be required. If the loss of blood has not ceased after the first round of dressing and pressure, you can apply another dressing and maintain pressure. If the bleeding is severe and uncontrollable, it is always a good idea to call 911 and seek assistance.

Are you interested in learning more about first aid? Join us for a Basic First Aid course! Learning first aid is an amazing way to prepare for emergencies while expanding your own knowledge and potentially even saving a life in your community.
During the course, we’ll cover key topics like muscle and bone injuries, trauma/bleeding wounds, allergic reactions, and many more. We integrate interactive lessons, real-world stories, and hands-on practice to make our classes both educational and entertaining. You’ll leave the training with extensive knowledge, helpful skills, and increased confidence in your abilities.
Do you have a busy schedule? No problem! We want to make first aid training accessible and enjoyable for anyone who wants to learn! The course only runs around 3 hours and is offered on a variety of days, times (including weekends). We also have a CPR, AED, and First Aid course available in Spanish.
So, are you ready to enroll? Let’s get started! If you have any questions about this or any of our course offerings, feel free to give us a call at (210) 380-5344 or register online at www.helpaheartcpr.com!

So you have taken the CPR or First Aid class and mastered the skills, and possibly even used your skills in real life? However, do you not know if you are still CPR certified? With everything moving so quickly nowadays it is easy to forget your CPR certification due date and when to renew your CPR certification. But remember that it's important to remain current on your certification and learn those updated CPR and First Aid training techniques.
Additionally, once you’ve completed the training course, you might think that you are all done. On the contrary, a CPR certification does expire. So don't forget to understand how long your certification is valid for, how to check your status, and what to do if it has become void. 

Taking a CPR or First Aid class is different than participating in a hobby or a sporting event as you you can't practice it everyday! Further, if you are not a healthcare provider where you might use CPR and First Aid skills at work, you might not ever use the lifesaving skills you've just learned. As a result, it is possible to forget how to administer CPR or even use an AED. After a few years, it is important to get re-certified and go over these critical techniques again as science changes and new information becomes available. Staying current with your CPR or First Aid certification allows you to be knowledgeable of not only the latest and greatest best practices but also advancements in science.

So you might ask “how long is CPR certification good for?” The answer: the American Heart Association and American Red Cross CPR certification is valid for 2 years from the date you complete the training course. After that date, either your certification becomes void, or you can take another class to maintain certification and keep your skills sharp.
Please remember that the certification expires 2 years from the date of course completion, not necessarily from the day you receive the card. At Help-A-Heart CPR, we provide our students with their certification card within 24-48 hours after the class.

Most healthcare providers such as nurses, physicians, and paramedics are required to maintain a BLS certification (BLS is the healthcare equivalent for CPR and stands for Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers). Consequently, if you are in the medical field your employer will most likely require proof of  BLS certification. On the contrary, for the general public whose jobs might not require a CPR or First Aid certification, it might be easy to accidently forget and let your current CPR or First Aid certification expire. Don't let that happen as it’s still essential to take renewal classes and maintain your certification. 
Regardless of whether an active CPR or First Aid certification is required by your employer, it’s always a good idea to add to your existing knowledge and refresh those important life-saving skills. A CPR or First Aid renewal class will help provide clarity and maintain your own CPR expertise.

Now that you know how to check CPR certification status, did you find out that your CPR certification has expired? Don't fret. It’s easy to renew your certification with Help-A-Heart CPR! The course typically takes between 2.5 hours and 4 hours depending on what certification you need to complete and there are various options to choose from. Upon completion of the course, you’ll also receive a certification card within 24-48 hours that renews your status. Sign up for a course here: CPR & First Aid Training. 
If you’ve never been CPR certified, don't waster another minute. Our CPR Certification Classes are taught by medical professionals who have actually used CPR in the field. With real-world examples, engaging lessons, and hands-on practice, we create a positive, fun learning environment for our students. You’ll learn incredible life-saving techniques, including how to administer CPR and proper AED usage.
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up for a Help-A-Heart CPR course today! Give us a call at (210) 380-5344 or register online anytime at www.helpaheartcpr.com.

​Rescue breathing can be mouth-to-mouth breathing or mouth-to-nose breathing if the mouth is seriously injured or can't be opened. Current recommendations suggest performing rescue breathing using a bag-mask device with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter. It can be performed on its own or as one component of the larger CPR process.

​Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that's useful in many emergencies, such as a heart attack or near drowning, in which someone's breathing or heartbeat has stopped. The American Heart Association recommends starting CPR with hard and fast chest compressions.

CPR and rescue breathing are commonly used together. However, sometimes you only need one or the other. Rescue breathing should be done in the event of respiratory arrest and/or when the patient or victim has stopped breathing. On the contrary, CPR should be facilitated when the victim has no pulse and is in cardiac arrest.
Cardiac arrest and respiratory arrest often occur synonymously and so CPR rescue breaths are often administered in conjunction with chest compressions. Additionally, before doing rescue breaths, the rescuer first looks in the mouth and throat for any visible objects that may be blocking the airway and, if any are present, removes them.

Do you want to learn more about the difference between rescue breathing and CPR? Complete your CPR and first aid training with Help-A-Heart CPR! With small course sizes, knowledgeable instructors, and empowering classes, we can help you get CPR certified today––and potentially save a life! To learn more, give us a call today at (210) 380-5344 or fill out our online contact form.

Shock is a life-threatening condition that can be caused by various factors including uncontrolled bleeding or a severe allergic reaction. There are five primary types of shock that individuals may experience and each type has different causes and symptoms.

Shock is typically experienced when the body is not able to produce adequate blood flow which negatively impacts the body's organs. Various patient of victim presentations include nausea, dizziness, chills, or a weak pulse. However, there are various causes of shock so the symptoms can vary in intensity and duration. There are some type of shock that are more common than other types but with all types of shock it is critical to provide fast and adequate treatment

​1. Hypovolemic Shock.
Hypovolemic shock is a type of shock that impacts the cardiovascular system. This type of shock is most exacerbated by excessive blood loss or loss of body fluids and subsequently the heart is no longer able to pump sufficient blood for their body to function properly. Hypovolemic shock is most often caused by excessive bleeding leading to low blood plasma, vomiting, and diarrhea. Hypovolemic shock is one of the more common types of shock.

2. Anaphylactic shock
Anaphylactic shock is most often experienced when someone ingests something accidently, such as peanuts, and is severely allergic to them. Along with hypovolemic shock, this is one of the more common types of shock. The body releases histamine to counteract the allergen during an episode of anaphylactic shock, which causes the airway to tighten and potentially causes organ inflammation.

3. Cardiogenic shock
Cardiogenic shock is often caused by cardiovascular issues which impede the normal function of the heart causing the heart to not pump enough blood through the body. This type of shock is usually caused by myocardial infarction, a heart attack, or another severe heart condition. 

4. Neurogenic shock
Neurogenic shock is devastating consequence of spinal cord injury (SCI). Other causes of neurogenic shock that are far less common include spinal anesthesia, Guillain-Barre syndrome, autonomic nervous system toxins, transverse myelitis, and other neuropathies. Neurogenic shock is different from spinal shock, which is often more temporary type of shock.

5.  Septic shock
Septic shock is an infection that spreads throughout the body and can cause organ failure and low blood pressure. The increased susceptibility to septic shock is caused by bacteria, fungi, and some viruses. Risk factors for septic shock include diabetes, chronic kidney and liver disease, burns, trauma, and use of corticosteroids This type of shock most commonly affects infants, seniors, and those that are immunocompromised.

With first aid training, you’ll be able to make a huge difference in these situations and provide emergency assistance to family members, coworkers, and neighbors. Are you ready to learn more? Sign up for Basic First Aid with Help-A-Heart CPR! 
Our first aid courses cover patient assessment, muscle and bone injuries, trauma/bleeding wounds, and much more. You’ll gain the skills and knowledge required to help patients––and possibly even save a life. With plenty of course dates, times, and locations, it’s easy to fit training into your busy schedule. 
To get started, contact us by phone at (210) 380-5344 or online through our contact form. We can’t wait to hear from you!

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can occur among every demographic, including pregnant women. It is critical that bystanders and first responders know what to do if an emergency medical crisis does occur. If a pregnant woman receives speedy and efficient care then both the mother and the unborn child can have the best possible chance of survival.

Yes. If a pregnant woman is experiencing cardiac arrest, is imperative to immediately begin CPR. The American Heart Association (AHA) has indicated that “Resuscitation of the pregnant woman, including PMCD when indicated, is the first priority because it may lead to increased survival of both the woman and the fetus.”
While bystanders might be reluctant and/or fearful to begin CPR when the patient is visibly pregnant for fear of harming the mother or the baby; it is necessary. CPR is needed for pregnant patients and, as always, it is essential that action is taken quickly. When a patient receives immediate CPR, their odds of survival increase by over 40%––so, it is vital that CPR is administered to pregnant women at the first signs of cardiac arrest.  

When performing CPR on a pregnant woman you will need to to follow the same basic principles that you would use for anyone else.

1. Call 911.
As soon as you notice that the pregnant patient is unresponsive and not breathing and/or your hear agonal gasping, quickly dial 911. When speaking to the 9-1-1 operator it is important to advise them that the patient is pregnant so that first responders are aware of the situation.

2. Perform CPR.
While waiting for the first responders to arrive on the scene, you should begin administering CPR to the patient. Make sure that the patient is lying on their back in the supine position on a flat, hard surface like the ground or the floor. You’ll need to open the airway and confirm that the patient is not breathing properly. Then, begin delivering chest compressions. There is not a special pregnant CPR position; you can press down on the center of their chest as is standard for any patient who requires CPR. You should perform hard, fast compressions at around 100-120 beats per minute.

3. Use An AED.
AED shocks are considered safe for women at any stage of pregnancy and shouldn’t harm the baby at all. Use of an AED will restart the heart and restore the patient’s regular heart rhythm. If an AED is accessible, turn on the device and follow the instructions given by the device itself. The device will either instruct you to deliver the defibrillation shock or to continue with CPR if it assesses that a shock is not necessary.
If at any point the patient becomes responsive, you can position them onto their left side. This will allow for better blood flow to their heart and to the baby. 

Regardless of the patient or victim demographic, it is imperative to immediately administer CPR whenever you are dealing with an unconscious patient who is unable to breathe. When a patient is in cardiac arrest, their bodies are not delivering an adequate supply of blood to the brain and other organs. For any patient, this can lead to serious complications. 
In pregnant women, this could potentially impact the health of the fetus. When a patient is pregnant, they require 30-50% more blood flow in order to accommodate both the mother’s and the baby’s needs. Because of this, “pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to deprivation of oxygen caused by cardiac arrest.” As such, in the event of cardiac arrest, CPR is critical so that blood flow is restored and the patient and fetus continue receiving oxygen.
According to the American Heart Association (AHA) pregnant women are experiencing cardiac arrest at an increasing rate, and around 1 in 12,000 admissions for delivery in the U.S. results in a maternal cardiac arrest––and the number of patients who experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital could be much higher. This can be caused by a number of conditions, including heart failure, amniotic fluid embolism, or hemorrhage.

Are you ready to get CPR certified?
Help-A-Heart CPR’s CPR Certification course will cover everything you need to know to provide care and deliver CPR for both pregnant and non-pregnant individuals. The stellar combination of experienced instructors, a "hands on" approach to learning, and a 100% compliance guarantee makes us your perfect partner for CPR training and certification. 
With classes offered both onsite and offsite, it’s easy to fit training into your busy schedule. If you would like to get your entire workplace or team trained at once, we’re happy to provide a quote for group CPR training. Or, you can explore our online BLS course options for a hybrid certification with a short skills check with one of our instructors at our office. 
To get started, contact us by phone at (210) 380-5344 or online through our contact form. We can’t wait to hear from you!