Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a lifesaving technique that helps maintain blood flow and oxygen to the brain and heart during cardiac arrest. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that CPR be administered to pregnant women who experience out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Keep reading to learn more about CPR and how to get certified in CPR online.
How can you get an online CPR certification?
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation combines chest compressions and artificial ventilation to maintain oxygenation and circulation of the blood. CPR is used in a variety of medical emergencies, including cardiac arrest, stroke, and asphyxiation. When applied correctly, CPR can help to restore blood circulation and breathing in an individual who is not responding to standard first-aid measures.
There are a few different steps you need to take to get CPR certified online. The first step is to find an accredited CPR training provider. A CPR course is designed for anyone, regardless of experience or CPR certification status. It covers all the basics of CPR, from how to perform compressions to how to use an AED. The course is also broken down into modules, and you can complete it at your own pace. There are quizzes and a final exam to ensure you understand the material. Once you’ve completed the course, you’ll get a certificate of completion.
What is CPR for pregnant women?
For pregnant women, standard CPR techniques may not be as effective. This is because the position of a woman’s uterus can make it difficult for rescuers to perform chest compressions effectively. Additionally, the pressure from chest compressions can cause harm to the fetus.
Chest compressions can cause decelerations in the fetal heart rate (FHR) and decreased blood flow to the placenta. In addition, ventilation can cause the aspiration of amniotic fluid and meconium into the lungs of the mother and fetus. For these reasons, it’s important to weigh the risks and benefits of CPR before initiating treatment.
In light of these risks, the American Heart Association has developed specific guidelines for providing CPR to pregnant women. These guidelines recommend that rescuers use a modified version of standard CPR techniques when providing cardiac care to a pregnant woman. The modified approach involves using two fingers instead of one hand to administer chest compressions and avoiding excessive force when performing compressions. Additionally, rescuers should provide rescue breaths only if the woman is not breathing on her own.
How to recognize a pulmonary embolism in a pregnant woman?
A pulmonary embolism (PE) is a blockage in the lung artery. A blood clot, part of a tumor, or other debris can travel from another part of the body and get lodged in an artery to the lungs. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heart rate, sweating, and feeling lightheaded or fainting. A pregnant woman is at increased risk for PE because the pregnancy hormones make her blood more likely to form clots.
Symptoms of PE can be challenging to distinguish from those of other conditions, such as heart attack or pneumonia. If you think someone may have a PE, call 911 right away. The emergency medical technician (EMT) will ask about the person’s symptoms and do a physical exam. The EMT may also order tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG) or chest x-ray to help determine if there is a PE. If it’s determined that someone has a PE, the EMT will start CPR if necessary and then give oxygen and medications to help improve blood flow to the lungs.
Overall, CPR is an important skill for pregnant women to have. In some cases, it can be the difference between life and death for both the mother and the baby.
