The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year. Allergies are caused by an overactive immune system. Various reactions to allergies can occur due to bee stings, spending time around house pets, increasing pollen in the air and spending more time outside, or simply consuming peanuts. However, no matter how severe the allergic reaction, it is critical to address the problem as quickly as possible.
The first step in handling an allergic reaction is identifying symptoms and understanding any predispositions that an individual may have towards certain allergens. With this information and within the First Aid classes we provide at Help-A-Heart CPR, we will provide you with everything you need to know to properly handle an allergic reaction. Gain the necessary knowledge to stay safe in the face of allergies with our information below and gain the experience to turn your knowledge into action by enrolling in our Basic First Aid course. 
WHAT CAUSES ALLERGIC REACTIONS?
The allergic reaction is synergy of an allergen and the body’s response to it. There are three primary types of allergies. The first are ingested allergies, which occur only when an allergen is ingested orally or intravenously. A few common allergens in this category include peanuts, eggs, gluten, certain types of fruit, and some medications, including penicillin. The second are contact allergies, which occur when an allergen comes into contact with the skin and causes swelling or irritation. A few common allergens in this category include soaps, detergents, hair dye, and latex. The final and most widespread type of allergies are inhaled allergies, which occur when an individual breathes in an allergen. Common allergens in this category include pollen and pet dander.
WHAT IS AN ALLERGIC REACTION?
The allergic reaction or the “overreaction” is essentially an overproduction of proteins called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies, which the body uses to try to suppress the allergen. When combined with the allergen itself, these antibodies then create histamine. Histamine is the substance responsible for the wide range of symptoms that can occur in body when an allergic reaction occurs. These symptoms include:
A. Itching on the affected area or over the entire body
B. A red or raised rash on the affected area or over the entire body
C. Hives (large, pink bumps or swollen areas)
D. Sneezing and watery eyes
E. A runny nose
F. Swelling in the mouth or throat
G.Difficulty breathing or rapid breaths
H. Nausea or diarrhea
I. Drowsiness
In certain situations, multiple sites in the body can be effected at once. This is known as anaphylaxis and can result in anaphylactic shock if the individual is not treated immediately. Individuals experiencing anaphylactic shock may also become dizzy or lose consciousness. The symptoms of anaphylaxis may often begin 5 to 30 minutes after contact with an allergen or as long as an hour. Some individuals with known allergies, asthma, or a family history of anaphylaxis are at an increased risk of anaphylaxis. In addition, those individuals who may have previously experienced anaphylaxis also have a higher chance of anaphylactic reaction. If you suspect an anaphylactic reaction, address it quickly with the medication prescribed by your physician (usually Epinephrine and/or Benadryl) and an immediate visit to a doctor’s office.
GET PREPARED: GET CERTIFIED
Do you to learn more about allergies and what to do when someone experiences an allergic reaction? Ready to learn the skills necessary to address allergic reactions and other bodily emergencies? Get prepared and get certified with Help-A-Heart CPR's Basic First Aid course. Led by the industry’s top instructors, our Basic First Aid course will give you everything you need to know to provide first aid to allergic reactions, injuries, and other trauma. Click the link above for more information about this course and other American Heart Association CPR classes. Explore our website to learn more about the many emergency response courses we offer including CPR certification online, and enroll with our team at Help-A-Heart CPR today!

Perhaps you've taken a CPR class and know that an AED is an acronym that stands for Automatic External Defibrillator (AED). Regardless of what you know about AED's, here are a few additional things about AED's that may one day save your life.

An AED is a portable, lightweight device that administers an electric shock to a person whose heart ventricles have stopped pumping blood to the rest of the body. AEDS are reliable and versatile and are designed to be used by anyone, regardless of experience. 

1. AEDs are not dangerous for a bystander rescuer or healthcare provider to use. As an AED sends a shock through a person to get the ventricles pumping again, many assume that this shock is powerful enough to be deadly. While the shock that an AED administers, may not be dangerous, it’s still important to make sure that everything and everyone is clear of the victim when the shock is given.  

2. You are not at risk of being sued for using an AED on a victim. AEDs are extremely safe. There has yet to be any documented cases of a person being injured by an AED. If you have to use an AED on someone that you do not know, this means you are highly unlikely to cause any harm and no lawsuit will be coming your way. In addition, the Good Samaritan Laws here in Texas protect a responder who is acting in good faith trying to save someone. However, in the event of an emergency that requires the use of an AED, the one thing you should always look out for is a “Do Not Resuscitate” bracelet or necklace.

3. Using an AED is much more effective than just doing CPR without an AED. If you notice that a person's heart has stopped pumping and you are unsure whether to use an AED with CPR or to just use CPR, it is important to consider the rates of survival. When a first responder only used chest compression CPR, after 30 days the survival rate for victims is sadly only 7%. But, augmenting the CPR with AED shocks leads to a 40.7% survival rate one month later for victims. Subsequently, AED's do work. 

4. Keep AED pads away from body piercings. Metals are conductors of electricity.  If a victim in need of an AED shock has metal jewelry on his or her body nipple rings) in places where the AED pads need to go, do not put the AED pads over the metal rings. In most cases, care providers suggest moving the pads an inch away from the metal to perform AED treatment. In rare cases, removing the metal jewelry entirely to properly defibrillate may be necessary.
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5. The adult AED pads may be used on children and infants. While AEDs are meant to return hearts to their normal beating patterns; in some situations, they can even restart a stopped heart. In these cases, AEDs are quite literally bringing people back to life. If you are on the fence about using an adult AED on a child, toddler, or infant, know that if you elect not to use it, that young person is still going to be dead. As experts recommend, strongly consider using an adult AED on child victims. There are directions to how to do defibrillate for children, infants, and toddlers on all AED kits. With the proper protocol, you will not harm the child, and you will likely be saving a life.

Learning about AED's provides a solid foundation for everyone. However, the use of the AED should be regularly reviewed and practiced. Taking an AED, CPR, and First-Aid class led by a trained professional is the best the way to ensure that you’ll know exactly how to use an AED in the event of an emergency.
To learn how to use an AED and administer emergency care to an individual in cardiac arrest, there are several options available. Help-A- Heart CPR offers CPR, AED, and First Aid classes, which cover protocol for basic emergency-response treatments. If you are familiar with the CPR and first aid, you may want to consider taking a Basic Life Support (BLS) class, where you’ll learn advanced emergency response techniques in these areas as well as AED operation.

Now is a wonderful time to learn or renew your American Heart Association CPR certification. Healthcare facilities are struggling with high patient volume while implementing social distancing and trying to stop the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Fortunately, it is possible to renew your certification during quarantine in the comfort of your home. Whether it be BLS, ACLS, and/or PALS certification, we have alternative options for you including our blended learning and hybrid options.

​Advanced Cardiac Life Support (or ACLS for short) is a certification course that builds upon the foundation established by the BLS course. The ACLS courses review the recognition and early management of respiratory and cardiac arrest, recognition and early management of peri-arrest conditions such as symptomatic bradycardia, airway management, pharmacology, management of acute coronary syndromes (ACS) and stroke, and effective communication as a member and leader of a resuscitation team.
The ACLS courses are designed specifically for medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, anesthesiologists, dentists, and more. The American Heart Association (AHA) ACLS certifications last for 2 years and are easy to renew.
Here at Help-A-Heart CPR, we are proud to provide an Online ACLS Renewal Course with skills check to help medical professionals renew their ACLS certifications without the time constraint of sitting through an entire face-to-face course. This course requires participants to complete a series of self-paced online training modules that can take anywhere from 4 hours to 8 hours, depending on experience. Next, participants must complete a short skills test which lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour in order to earn a renewal for their ACLS certifications. The first portion is can be completed from the comfort of your home, and the second portion is conducted in a sterile and yet friendly environment for medical professionals looking to stay safe during the COVID-19 outbreak.

The Basic Life Support (BLS) CPR course teaches student's the administration of CPR to adults, children, and infants, the operation of AEDs, assisting choking victims, and using breathing barriers and bag valve masks. The BLS certification is required for all medical care providers and first responders. The BLS certification is valid for 2 years but is easy to renew.

For those with an expired BLS certification card or a BLS card that will soon expire, our team here at Help-A-Heart CPR offers an Online BLS Renewal Course with skills check. This course requires participants to complete several self-paced online training modules that can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2:30 hours to complete. Next, participants must complete a short skills test at our facility to be awarded a BLS certification renewal. This option is wonderful for healthcare providers with busy schedules and those looking to maintain safe social distances during quarantine. Again, the first half of the BLS renewal course can be completed from the comfort of a home computer. The second part takes place in a clean training environment with an experienced emergency response professional.

The Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification is a course created by the American Heart Association that teaches students how to administer life-saving care to infants and children. The PALS course teaches a systematic approach to Pediatric Assessment while helping students learn proper management of pediatric respiratory emergencies, safe vascular access, effective airway management, pharmacology, BLS for children, and more. PALS courses are a requirement for healthcare providers who provide medical assistance to infants and/or children in medical emergencies. The PALS certification lasts 2 years and can be renewed easily without the need for a re-enrollment in an initial PALS certification course.
Our goal is to make it easy for emergency childcare professionals to renew their PALS certifications. Subsequently, our team here at Help-A-Heart CPR offers an Online PALS Renewal Course with skills check. Similar to the other renewal courses covered above, the PALS renewal course is completed in two sections. The first section includes a series of self-paced online training modules that participants can complete in anywhere from 4 hours to 9 hours, depending on experience. The second section involves a short skills test which lasts anywhere from 45 minutes to 1:30 hours that must be completed at a Help-A-Heart facility in order for students to received their PALS certification and e-card. Just like the ACLS and BLS Online Renewal Courses, the online portion of the PALS renewal course can be completed a your leisure and in the luxury of your own home.

​Due to COVID-19, having essential emergency-response skills like CPR can provide the skills to allow medical professionals and laymen rescuers to save lives. Here at Help-A-Heart CPR, we make it easy. Our renewal courses are completed mostly online, with only a short skills test conducted on-site at our training facility. There, you will receive 1-on-1 proctoring from one of our highly-skilled safety professionals. With the completion of ACLS, BLS, or PALS skills testing and certification class you will also receive continuing education units to help with your professional license renewal requirements.
So, why choose us for your ACLS, BLS, and/or PALS renewal and certification? First, we have some of the finest staff in the emergency response industry. This has helped create effective and engaging renewal courses that really work. With us, you gain skills that stick with you. Based in South Texas, we are fully endorsed by the American Heart Association (AHA), the American Red Cross (ARC), and the American Safety Health Institute (ASHI). Committed to excellence and empowering individuals with extensive knowledge, we’ve helped further the careers of numerous healthcare providers and countless civilians across our South Texas community. Ready to take action? Contact our team to learn more about our award-winning courses and enroll with us. 

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child is receiving optimal care when you are away. A babysitter background check can provide the comfort that you need along with that added assurance that you have hired the right person.

How does the background check work?
The background check provides so much more than an employment or credit check. The background check provides the following:
Identity Verification: To run a babysitter background check, the babysitter’s full name, social security number and driver’s license number is needed to confirm his or her identity. If a babysitter is not a U.S. citizen, you’ll need his or her passport number and work permit for identity verification.
Criminal Records: The criminal records check allow you to review a babysitter’s history of arrests, misdemeanor and felony convictions and and incarcerations. CriminalWatchDog recommends obtaining the babysitter’s address history for the past seven years as this additional information will help determine if a state or national criminal records check is necessary.
Driving Records: The local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) can provide a copy the babysitter's driving records. These records will reflect the babysitter’s history of traffic and speeding tickets and other driving violations.
Sex Offender Registry: The U.S. Department of Justice maintains a public access file which provides information on sex offender data nationwide. The history of sexual abuse or crimes of a potential babysitter, if applicable, can be located here.
Child Abuse and Neglect Records:  The child abuse and neglect records of every state is different. Further, state laws vary relative to child abuse and neglect records disclosure. Contact your local child protective services department to find out if you are able to screen a babysitter for past child abuse and neglect.

Babysitter Hiring Hints.
Use a Babysitter Service.
Care.com, UrbanSitter and other online services can allow you to quickly screen potential babysitters in your local area. Theses services also perform babysitter background checks and provide you with the opportunity to meet with a babysitter before you finalize your hiring decision. To determine if an online babysitter search service fulfills your needs, find out how the service works and read client reviews.
Conduct an Initial Babysitter Interview.
A face-to-face meeting is a must if you feel that a candidate is a good fit. This meeting allows you to speak directly to a potential babysitter, learn about his or her background and expertise and receive responses (face-to-face) regarding any concerns or questions. This face-to-face interview also provides the  babysitter with a a chance to ask you questions and determine if this relationship is a good fit for both parties.
Learn about a babysitter’s basic first aid and CPR expertise
It is vital that a potential babysitter is prepared for all emergencies including a cardiac emergency. Ask a babysitter if he or she has received basic first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training. Then, find out how he or she may respond to pediatric cardiac emergencies.
Babysitter background checks frequently help a parent differentiate an ordinary babysitter from an exceptional one. If you conduct a comprehensive babysitter background check, you can receive insights into a babysitter’s background that you are unlikely to obtain elsewhere. Best of all, a babysitter background check can help you make an informed babysitter hiring decision that both you and your child can enjoy for years to come.​

Now that summer is here, it can be a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. However, there is also the risk of injuries and accidents and other immediate and long-lasting health problems.
There are many things you can do to stay safe during the summer. Let’s look at three dangers that are often present in the summer, along with tips to address these issues.

HEAT EXHAUSTION
Heat exhaustion can occur when the body gets too hot, and is related to excessive exposure to high temperatures and humidity and intense physical activity. A few heat exhaustion symptoms include:

• Faintness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Nausea

If heat exhaustion is left untreated, it may lead to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition. Fortunately, there are various precautions you can take to prevent heat exhaustion. These precautions include:

• Staying hydrated. Drink lots of water to help your body maintain a normal temperature.
• Applying sunscreen. Use a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to protect your skin against sunburns that otherwise may lead to heat exhaustion. You also should reapply sunscreen approximately every two hours.
• Wearing lightweight clothing. Loose-fitting and lightweight apparel that contain cotton will help you keep your body cool.
• Resting frequently. Avoid strenuous activity and take regular breaks in cool spots.
• In the event of a heat exhaustion emergency, try not to panic. Instead, stop all activity, rest, move to a cool place and consume cool water. If heat exhaustion symptoms continue, call 9-1-1, contact your physician, or go to the nearest emergency room.

DEHYDRATION
Dehydration can happen when the body doesn't get enough water. There are many physical symptoms associated with dehydration. These symptoms often include:

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Vomiting

Recent research indicates approximately 75% of Americans suffer from chronic dehydration, according to Medical Daily. Without the proper amount of water, the body cannot effectively digest and absorb vitamins and nutrients. And as a result, those who are dealing with chronic dehydration may experience long-term fatigue, joint pain and other health problems.

Extreme heat makes people more susceptible to dehydration during summer, but there are several things you can do to limit the risk of dehydration. These preventative measures include:

• Carrying a reusable water bottle. Take a reusable water bottle with you everywhere you go and refill the bottle throughout the day; that way, you can stay hydrated at all times.
• Wearing the right clothing and accessories. Light-colored clothing is less likely to absorb heat than dark-colored apparel. Also, a hat and sunglasses will help you remain cool and comfortable outdoors.
• Eating the right foods. Consume fruits, vegetables and other foods that are easy to digest and high in water content.
• Taking a break. The sun reaches its peak between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. so you may want to take a break from outdoor summer activities during this time frame.

Dehydration can affect anyone, at any time and most often in the summer. However, if your prepare accordingly, you can avoid mild, moderate and severe dehydration symptoms.

Unintentional drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death in the United States. Approximately 10 people die from unintentional drowning every day, CDC reports. Among these people, two are age 14 or younger.

Understanding the risks associated with unintentional drowning is imperative. If you intend to swim at a beach or pool this summer, there are a few things you can do to prevent unintentional drowning emergencies. These preventative measures include:

• Choosing the right life jacket. Pick up a life jacket that will enable you to keep your head above water and breathe while swimming. A life jacket should provide a snug fit and be tested for wear and buoyancy at least once a year.
• Using the buddy system. Never swim alone; swim with a friend, family member or any other buddy. Whenever possible, you should swim at a beach or pool that has a lifeguard on duty, as well.
• Signing up for swimming lessons. Swimming lessons are available for kids and adults and teach students how to swim safely.
• Avoiding the consumption of alcohol. You should never drink alcohol before or during swimming; without exception.
• Viewing the weather. High winds and other inclement weather can quickly change swim conditions. Consequently, it is important to take a look at the weather forecast before you go to a beach or pool.

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training allows anyone, regardless of age, to reduce the loss of life in drowning emergencies. A CPR class teaches individuals what to life-threatening situations including drownings. Additionally, a CPR class usually just takes a few hours to complete and enables students to earn a CPR certification card that remains valid for two years.
There are many summer dangers to consider and we've only discussed three. If you prepare for summer dangers, you can stay safe during camping trips, trips to the pool, and other outdoor activities. First and foremost, you can be better prepared to enjoy a healthy and active summer participating in your favorite summer activities.

With summer right around the corner, summer emergencies sometimes happen. However, there are several things that you can do that are precautionary and just may save your life.

1.  Wear A Bike Helmet

Whether you’re planning a bike ride for relaxation or a strenuous trek along mountain bike trails, wearing a bike helmet should be mandatory. To better understand the importance of wearing a bike helmet, let’s explore the following statistics from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA):

• Up to 80% of all fatal bike crashes involve head injuries, yet only 18% of bicyclists wear bike helmets.
• Universal bicycle helmet use for kids between the ages of 4 and 15 years old would prevent up to 45,000 head injuries and 55,000 scalp and face injuries each year.
• Bike helmets are up to 88% effective in mitigating head and brain injuries.

     2.  Swim Safely
Safe swimming is paramount. The American Red Cross offers recommendations to ensure you can stay safe when you swim at a beach or swimming pool, and these include:

• Swim in Designated Areas Only: Swim only in areas where a lifeguard is on duty.
• Use the Buddy System: Never swim alone; instead, you should swim with a buddy at all times.

     3. Preparation for Camping
Camping is an excellent way to get outside and enjoy the outdoors with family members and friends. If you decide to go camping this summer, there are many ways to protect yourself against injuries and diseases, such as:

• Get Vaccinated: Visit your doctor so you can ensure you are up to date on all of your vaccines.

• Pick Up Protective Gear: A helmet, sturdy shoes and a life jacket are camping essentials.
• Avoid Wild Animals: Never feed, touch or get near wild animals while camping.
• Use Insect Repellent: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET to combat mosquitoes, ticks and other insects that may cause diseases.

     4. Sign Up for Emergency Training Classes
Having the ability to administer first aid during an emergency is crucial. If you have the skills and knowledge to support an individual who is drowning, experiencing sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or suffering from any other illness or condition, you could prevent the loss of life in an emergency.
Many emergency training classes are available, and these include:

• Basic First Aid: A basic first aid class covers a wide range of topics, including how to provide assistance in hot and cold emergencies and how to treat wounds and other injuries.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): A CPR class teaches students how to perform CPR on adults, kids and infants, assist conscious and unconscious choking victims, use an automated external defibrillator (AED) and provide immediate first aid in emergencies.

You never know when an emergency may occur. But with comprehensive emergency training and safety tips, anyone can become a life-saver in any emergency, at any time.
For those who want to earn basic first aid, CPR or other emergency training certifications, classes from Help-A-Heart CPR are the perfect skill-set to prepare for your summer. Help-A-Heart CPR offers a variety of emergency training courses, all of which blend hands-on and classroom lessons and are taught by expert instructors. To find out more about our emergency training classes, please contact us today at (210) 380-5344.

With the global pandemic of COVID-19, now is the perfect time to learn CPR. Various hospitals worldwide are struggling with increasing patient volume, which means that people in everyday settings need to do their part to help “flatten the curve.” Sheltering in place is not the only method to stop the spread of coronavirus but it can also involve knowing how to administer life-saving skills such as CPR and First Aid. With proper aid at the scene of an emergency, the hospital space and time can be allocated to the outbreak, and many lives can be saved.
If you are a healthcare provider or a laymen rescuer that has already been trained and certified in CPR, you can renew your BLS, ACLS, and/or PALS certification through completion of an online course and in-person skills testing and eliminate the additional time needed in the classroom. 

HEARTCODE BLS ONLINE & SKILLS CHECK
Basic Life Support (BLS)  is a certification course that teaches a number of live-saving skills. These include how to administer CPR to adults, children, and infants, how to operate in AEDs is a number of situations, how to assist choking victims, how to use breathing barriers and bag valve masks, and more. An accredited BLS certification is required for all medical care providers and first responders. Though it lasts just 2 years, it’s easy to renew.
For those with an expired BLS certification card (or a card that will soon expire), our team here at Help-A-Heart CPR offers an Online BLS Renewal Course With Skills Check. This course requires participants to complete a series of self-paced online training modules that can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to complete, depending on experience. Next, participants must complete a short skills test at our facility to be awarded a BLS certification renewal. This class is perfect for medical professionals with busy schedules and those looking to maintain safe social distances while allowing the first half of our BLS renewal course can be completed from the comfort of a home computer. The second part takes place in a clean, 1-on-1 environment with a trained emergency response professional.

HEARTCODE ACLS ONLINE & SKILLS CHECK
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is a certification course that builds upon the foundation laid by BLS and teaches more advanced life-saving skills. In addition to diving deeper into the subject matter covered in BLS courses, ACLS courses also cover how to properly administer an IV, how to read and decipher electrocardiograms, and how to administer emergency drugs. ACLS courses are designed specifically for medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, anesthesiologists, dentists, and more. Like BLS certifications, accredited ACLS certifications last for 2 years. And like BLS certifications, they are easy to renew.
​Here at Help-A-Heart CPR, we are proud to provide an Online ACLS Renewal Course With Skills Check to help medical professionals renew their ACLS certifications without the additional complexity of lengthy class time. Like our BLS renewal course, this course requires participants to complete a series of self-paced online training modules that can take anywhere from 3 hours to 8 hours, depending on experience. Next, participants must complete a short skills test (lasting typically an 1 hour) in order to earn a renewal for their ACLS certifications. The first portion is can be completed from the comfort of your home, and the second portion is conducted in a sterile, 1-on-1 environment — great for medical professionals looking to stay safe during the coronavirus outbreak.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) is a certification course created by the American Heart Association that teaches students how to administer life-saving care to children. PALS courses teach a systematic approach to Pediatric Assessment while helping students learn proper management of pediatric respiratory emergencies, safe vascular access, effective airway management, pharmacology, BLS for children, and more. PALS courses are required for professionals who provide medical to children of infants in emergencies. An accredited PALS certification lasts 2 years, but it can be renewed quickly without the need for a re-enrollment in an initial PALS certification course.
Making it easy for emergency childcare professionals to renew their PALS certifications, our team here at Help-A-Heart CPR offers an Online PALS Renewal Course With Skills Check. Like the other renewal courses covered above, our PALS renewal course is completed in two sections. The first section includes a series of self-paced online training modules that participants can be completed in anywhere from 3 hours to 8 hours, depending on experience. The second section involves a short skills test (lasting anywhere from 30 minutes to 1 hour) that must be completed at a Help-A-Heart CPR facility in order for students to earn renewal for their PALS certifications. As mentioned above, our facilities are cleaned regularly and the skills test itself is conducted in a 1-on-1 environment for maximum safety. Even better: the online portion of our PALS renewal course can be completed from the comfort of your own home.

​WHY HELP-A-HEART CPR?

In the midst of a pandemic, having essential emergency-response skills such as CPR and/or First Aid can help medical professionals and civilians save lives. Thankfully, you don’t have to put yourself at risk to renew your CPR certification. At Help-A-Heart CPR, we make it easy. Our renewal courses are completed mostly online, with only a short skills test conducted on-site at our clean, state-of-the-art facilities. There, you will receive 1-on-1 proctoring from one of our highly-skilled safety professionals. With the completion of ACLS or PALS you will also receive continuing education units to help with your professional license renewal requirements.
So, why choose us for CPR renewal? First, we create effective and engaging renewal courses that really work. With us, you gain skills that stick with you. Based in San Antonio, Texas we are fully endorsed by the American Heart Association and American Red Cross. Committed to excellence, we’ve helped further the careers of doctors, nurses, paramedics, childcare professionals, and countless civilians across our Central and South Texas community. Ready to take action? Contact our team to learn more about our award-winning courses and enroll with us.

Most states now have a “shelter in place” order due to the spread of COVID-19 otherwise known as the "coronavirus". However, individuals still need to leave their houses from time-to-time, whether it be grocery shopping, doctor’s visits, and/or the occasional walk around the neighborhood. Regardless, extra precautions must be followed. In this blog, we cover 3 tips to help you stay safe while on the go during COVID-19. Use these safety tips when grocery shopping, picking up essentials at other stores, or even going out for a walk around the neighborhood.

​While social distancing is important, it’s sometimes impossible to always follow. If you’re leaving your house, there will likely be moments when you will come closer than six feet away from another person. Whether it's at the grocery store, on a walks and/or runs, or even in your own home, you may need to interact with another person. In all of these situation,  it is critical to wear one or several pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE).
PPE consists of various items such as masks, gloves, gowns, and goggles. Each piece of PPE equipment serves as a protective barrier between your body and pathogens like COVID-19 which can spread through coughing, sneezing, or by touching one’s own eyes, mouth, or nose after touching a surface touched by an infected individual. Though each piece of PPE is important, not all pieces are always a necessity. Gloves, goggles, and gowns only need to be worn in and around confirmed COVID-19 patients in close quarters and should be reserved for healthcare providers if possible.
However, one piece of PPE that should never be skipped is the mask. As modes of transmission for coronavirus are becoming better known and the rampant presence of asymptomatic carriers has become apparent, the CDC now recommends the use of cloth face masks outside of the home.

​Social distancing is now a necessary requirement when interacting with people outside your home. Based on CDC guidelines, social distancing involves maintaining a safe distance of at least 6 feet from anyone around you. The CDC has further suggested not to gather in large groups and staying out of any place that might be crowded. Due to these guidelines, many places of business that have to remain open including doctor’s offices, doctor's offices, autobody shops, and certain other retail location have implemented queues to allow only a few people into a property at once.
Even with these guidelines in existence, it’s still important to observe social distancing both inside the store and outside. Perhaps try to structure your shopping experience based on the positions of other people in the store. For example, if someone is standing near a shelf  or in a tightly confined aisle that you’re trying to access, wait and go to another area of the store. Lastly, when at checkout, always try to maintain a safe distance between others in line.

​Something as basic as washing your hands is a critical preventative measure against COVID-19. Washing your hands is important both before leaving your house and when returning. When you leave the house, your hands come into contact with many foreign objects such as groceries, door knobs, payment interfaces, bags, and more. Of course it is also vital to not touch your face if possible but even if you do manage to not touch your own face, you may touch other items in your home and spread the virus that way.
So, you may ask "What’s the solution?" The answer is WASHING YOUR HANDS! After coming into contact with foreign objects, washing your hands can keep you from spreading contaminants to yourself or those around you. It is recommended to wash them the moment you get home after errands or if, you can, the moment you leave a store and again at home. If you can't wash your hands immediately then have a bottle of hand sanitizer easily accessible in your vehicle. So you might think that is an easy resolution. Not always. While you may consider yourself an obsessive hand-washer, you may be mistaken. Many people neglect to wash their hands thoroughly enough to remove harmful substances like bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Case in point-be mindful and make washing your hands a ritual or habit.

These practices and more can help eliminate and/or reduce the potential to contract COVID-19. When it comes to stopping the spread of this deadly disease, staying home whenever possible is the way to go. Give us a call at Help-A-Heart CPR at 210-380-5344 for more information on preventing the spread of COVID-19.

COVID-19 OR THE "CORONAVIRUS AND PPE
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With the spread of “coronavirus”  or COVID-19, a communicable viral disease; there has never been a better time to learn more about personal protective equipment (PPE). COVID-19 is passed from person to another through close contact and the sneezing or coughing of an infected person. Unfortunately, an individuals can also contract COVID-19 simply by touching a surface recently touched by an infected individual and then touching one’s own mouth, eyes, or nose. Transmitting and contracting COVID-19 can be greatly reduced by wearing personal protective equipment, which creates a barrier between the hands, the mouth, and other high-risk areas. Learn more about the different types of PPE and when to use in this valuable resource.

​So people often wonder when they should use personal protective equipment? Personal protective equipment may include gowns, goggles and face shields, gloves, and masks and respirators. This answer is really dependent on the personal or professional surrounding. Masks and respirators are used to cover the mouth and nose: high-risk areas for both contracting and transmitting sickness. Although the CDC recommendation is for voluntary use, an employer might feel it is critical to ensure certain employees do wear masks. If employees are considered “medium risk” for COVID-19 exposure because, for example, they have frequent contact with individuals within six feet, then using a mask may be required.
Respirators cover as minimum the nose and mouth of users and remove contaminants from the air by filtering airborne particles or chemical agents from air.  Goggles and face shields are designed to shield the eyes and the skin of the face, goggles and face shields are both extra protective layers designed to be worn in densely-populated areas with several contagious individuals. Disposable gloves are worn to protect the skin of the hands from pathogens and other harmful substances.
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However, even with COVID-19 in most countries and cities around the world, it’s not necessary to wear personal protective equipment at all times. If you are quarantining or practicing shelter in place, there is no need to wear protective equipment in your own home — provided you don’t live with anyone who has COVID-19. In most cases, it is only necessary to wear PPE when you are living or working in an enclosed space with COVID-19 patients. One notable additional case: if you are traveling and you have an existing respiratory condition, it is highly recommended that you wear a mask or respirator to prevent infection.

Lastly, always remember to wash your hands with soap and water before putting on your PPE and after removing in order to prevent the cross-contamination of unwanted pathogens. To wash your hands properly, per the CDC guidelines, start by wetting both hands under warm water. Next, turn off the tap and apply soap. Lather all surfaces of your hands, including finger tips, creases between fingers, and the backs of your palms. Scrub for at least 20 seconds before turning the tap back on.

Have more questions on how to put on personal protective equipment? Need extra guidance on how to remove personal protective equipment? Our team at Help-A-Heart CPR is here to help. Enroll in one of our many life-saving certification courses today! Contact us to get started at 210-380-5344.

Being a new parent can be both exciting and stressful for a new mother. But how a new mother responds in an emergency is critical. Ideally, a new mother should be able to react quickly and effectively in any emergency and inadvertently avoid placing her child’s life in danger.
Across the United States, choking is a major problem among children across the United States. The American Heart Association (AHA) states over 90 percent of deaths due to foreign objects occur among children who are 5 years of age or younger, and 65 percent of these deaths take place among infants.
If a child begins choking, how will the new mother respond? It is really dependent on the emergency training of the new parent. If the mother has received proper training she will know exactly what to do when her child begins choking.
We all know that there is not a manual on being a new parent. However, new parents should always be prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Many new mothers will take classes that provide insights into what to expect after a baby is born. While these classes often help new mothers plan ahead for life with a newborn; few new mom's enroll in training that teaches them how to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to children and infants.
CPR training is a necessary pre-requisite for a new mother. To better understand the critical nature of knowing CPR, consider the following statistics from UNICEF:

1. Approximately 20,000 children under the age of 5 years old, or 21 children per minute, die from preventable causes each year.
2. On average, 11 million children die each year.
3. The majority of child deaths globally, each year, could be prevented by low-tech, cost-effective measures.

Participating in a CPR class usually only takes a few hours and the benefits of the class can last a lifetime. With CPR training, a new mother can gain the skills they need to administer life-saving assistance in many child, infant and adult emergencies.
A CPR class will usually emphasizes three areas:

• Administration of CPR: Ensures students know how to perform CPR techniques on any individual, regardless of age.
• Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED): Enables students to leverage an AED, a portable device that sends an electric shock to the heart to restore the normal heart rhythm.
• Aid for Conscious and Unconscious Choking Victim: Guarantees students can assist choking victims until advanced medical personnel are available.

New mother's won’t have to look far to enroll in a CPR class. Thanks to Help-A-Heart CPR, new moms can participate in fun, engaging and informative CPR training at their convenience.
Help-A-Heart CPR classes represent ideal options for all members of the family. If a new mom and father want to take a CPR class together, we provide that option. Or, if a new mom wants to enroll in CPR training with grandparents, godparents, friends or anyone else, we have group training options to make it easy for everyone to earn their CPR certification at the same time.
New moms who are seeking CPR training should consider any of the classes provided by Help-A-Heart CPR. To find out more about our CPR classes, please contact us today at 210-380-5344.