7+ Reasons Why CPR Is Important

Taking a CPR class is one of those things that we put off, but we really shouldn’t. We never know when we will face an emergency where we are the only source of oxygen for the injured.

CPR classes are super accessible through the American Red Cross. The class is affordable and only lasts around five hours. And the CPR certification is valid for two years.

We will look at why CPR is important and how it does more than save lives. 

Why is it important to know CPR and first aid?

CPR, or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, is a medical procedure that saves lives. It’s used in critical situations when someone stops breathing or their heart stops beating (sometimes with an AED).

Without a doubt, saving lives is the number one reason why CPR is a vital skill. But there’s more to it than that.

7 Reasons Why CPR Is Important

Prevents Brain Death

It only takes three minutes for an oxygen-deprived brain to suffer damage. And nine minutes before that, the damage is irreversible.

Administering CPR quickly after someone’s heart stops beating keeps blood flowing properly to the brain and will minimize the damage done.

Sometimes You’re the Bystander

37% of cardiac arrests happen in the presence of a bystander. And, you might be the only bystander during someone else’s medical crisis. 

By learning CPR, you’re readying yourself to jump into action when a fellow human goes into distress. 

When should you not perform CPR?

• Do not administer CPR if there is any sign of life. That includes eye movement, body movement, sounds, and breathing. 
• It only takes minutes for a person to grow exhausted from performing CPR. But if you can’t keep going due to fatigue, don’t leave the patient.
• Someone else may take over and relieve you from your duty. Let people help.
• In dangerous situations, it’s not always possible. (fires, active shooter, etc.)
• Some people do have do-not-resuscitate orders. (NDR)

Every Single Second Matters

When you call 911 and they walk you through CPR instructions, it wastes precious seconds and can lead to irresistible damage to the heart, brain, lungs, etc.

Sudden cardiac arrest victims require immediate attention to survive until emergency personnel arrive. 

Sense of Security

Most heart attacks happen at home, and it takes time for emergency responders to respond. Knowing CPR empowers your family and provides a feeling of safety within their own home. 

Classrooms and Workplaces Are Safer

Regardless of where you work, taking the CPR skills with you in any situation makes you an asset. You are the first responder until medical personnel arrive and take over. 

Does CPR certification look good on a resume?

Any first aid certifications make a resume look better. Who doesn’t want someone who can save lives and do their everyday job?

OSHA and the American Red Cross have joined forces to provide free CPR classes for employees in the workplace.

It never hurts to ask a supervisor or manager about OSHA-offered CPR classes.

CPR Is First to Aid You Carry Around

Most medical procedures require equipment and tools. CPR is portable, and you take it with you no matter where you go. Your home, workplaces, and community are safer because you know CPR.

Because why not?

Almost anyone can learn CPR. Some children as young as nine-years-old are certified in life-saving techniques. 

One-day CPR classes are easily affordable and highly accessible to most people. Why wouldn’t you take advantage?

Is the CPR test hard?

Any give CPR test is made to help you pass, not fail. Many courses no longer even use paper tests. 

Most of the courses will simply be you repeating the instructor’s instructions until you fully understand the technique. 

Basic Overview of CPR

We want to just touch on the basic steps of administering quality CPR. It is a technical and medical procedure. Don’t use these instructions as a sole source of CPR education. 

1. Put the palm heel at the center of the victim’s chest.
2. Use the other and place it on top of the first.
3. Interlace the fingers.
4. Push down on the chest (2 inches) and release. 
5. You want to repeat this motion with around 100 compressions per minute.

Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation is no longer considered a requirement. It also eliminates the fear of exchanging viruses and bacteria when delivering CPR.

CPR vs Quality CPR

Any CPR is better than no CPR. It is a fact. But, when you’re adequately trained and certified, you can deliver quality CPR that will do more than just keep someone breathing.

5 Reasons Why Someone May Not Administer CPR

1. A person doesn’t always recognize the need for CPR.  
2. You believe you’ve noticed signs of life.
3. They fear it may do some sort of harm to themselves. (injury, disease, bacteria)
4. A bystander may believe they could face legal repercussions for incorrectly administering CPR.
5. A worry that they will cause additional harm to the victim.
6. And, of course, sometimes extreme stress and anxiety make it impossible to deliver life-saving measures.

FAQs about CPR