Get CPR Done, LLC

The American Heart Association is a major driver of cardiac research and care standards. Every 5 years, they dive deep into the data, analyzing what’s working, what’s not, and where improvements can be made. Sometimes everything stays the same, but more often than not, a few key changes are implemented. Whether it’s subtle adjustments or major shifts, these updates ensure that care remains at the cutting edge of research. That’s why renewing your CPR and first aid certification every two years is so important. It’s not just about maintaining your certification—it’s about staying up to date with the most current, effective care techniques. Being certified every 2 years means you’re prepared to give the best possible care with the most up-to-date information available.

While CPR and first aid certification is typically required every 2 years, many organizations—schools, construction companies, corporate offices, and hospitals—choose to have their employees renew annually. Why? Because the principle of “if you don’t use it, you lose it” applies, especially when it comes to life-saving skills. These organizations understand the importance of keeping CPR and AED training fresh in their employees’ minds. Even though it's only mandated every 2years, annual training ensures that in the critical moments of an emergency, their teams are ready to act without hesitation.

There’s a growing emphasis on CPR, AED, and First Aid training in schools, but it’s still overshadowed by the focus on school shooting drills. Statistically speaking, the likelihood of sudden cardiac arrest is much higher, yet the media often draws attention to the more frightening scenarios. As a result, schools haven’t prioritized life-saving skills like they once did with fire drills. Think about it—fire drills weren’t always part of school routines, until something tragic happened that forced us to act. CPR and AED training will soon be viewed with the same urgency as these skills can save lives. We don’t need to wait for a catastrophe to make them a priority in our schools.

When you suspect an overdose, the situation requires immediate and decisive action. If the person is unresponsive and not breathing, the first step is clear: start CPR. It doesn’t matter what caused the unresponsiveness—whether it’s an overdose or something else—the care remains the same. Naloxone training is becoming increasingly important, and we offer this type of training because it can be life-saving. If naloxone or Narcan is available, it should be administered, but only in conjunction with CPR. It's crucial to understand that CPR always takes priority. Administering naloxone should happen while CPR is ongoing, not before. If an opioid overdose is suspected, getting naloxone on board is vital, but it doesn’t override the need for CPR.

Having a well-stocked first aid kit is essential for handling emergencies effectively, whether you're at home, on the road, or at work. You can easily find first aid kits on Amazon or look up first aid kit basics online. Some of the essential items to include are: Burn wash and eye wash: For treating burns and eye irritations. Aspirin: For pain relief and potential heart attack emergencies. Gauze pads and roller gauze: To cover wounds and control bleeding. Band-aids: For minor cuts and scrapes. Long tweezers: For removing splinters or debris from wounds. Neosporin and other creams: To prevent infection and promote healing. Basic first aid tourniquets: Crucial for controlling severe bleeding. Flashlights: For visibility in low-light situations. Gloves: To protect both the patient and the responder from infections. Breathing barrier: If you need to perform CPR, a mask will help provide safe breaths. Having these items in your home, car, and office ensures that you're prepared to handle a wide range of emergencies. We highly recommend keeping your first aid kits stocked and easily accessible in all these locations.

We get a common question in our classes: “Can I use super glue on a wound?” The short answer? Not recommended. Unless you’re out in the middle of nowhere with no access to medical care for hours on end, it’s best to avoid it... While some people have done it, super glue can actually trap infections inside the wound. I have friends in the military who have had to make tough decisions in the field. In those extreme situations—where medical care might be hours away—using super glue or hemostatic agents to temporarily stop bleeding can be a lifesaver. But that’s a very different setting. For the average person, especially when medical help is nearby, using super glue is not something we teach or recommend.

Tourniquets are a critical tool in managing severe bleeding, but they’re not our first choice for a reason. When someone is experiencing uncontrolled bleeding, a tourniquet can save a life, but it comes with consequences. By cutting off circulation, a tourniquet can cause significant damage to the limb. That’s why we only reserve its use for situations where other methods of stopping the bleeding have failed. When severe bleeding can’t be controlled by direct pressure or other means, a tourniquet becomes necessary and can save a life.

When dealing with burns, the first step is to remove yourself from the source of the burn—whatever it may be. Once you’re safe, cool the burn with cool running water. But here’s something important: never use ice or ice water. While it might seem like a good idea, ice can actually cause more pain and further damage to the burned area. After cooling the burn, loosely cover it with gauze pads to keep germs and bacteria out. It’s a simple yet crucial tip for effective burn care that can make a big difference in the healing process.

If you ever find yourself managing a medical emergency involving a burn, let’s talk about what not to do. We’ve all heard the advice from well-meaning relatives—“Put butter on it,” or “Mustard will take the pain away.” I’m not going to lie, when I was growing up, my mom told me some of those things too. And yes, at the moment, it might seem like those remedies help. They can take the edge off the pain. But here’s the thing—we don’t recommend them. Why? Because while they might soothe the pain temporarily, they can also lead to infections. When you’re dealing with a burn, the last thing you want to do is introduce something that could make the situation worse. Instead, cool the burn with running water, cover it with a clean, dry cloth, and seek professional help if needed. Burns are no joke, and the old home remedies can be risky. Better to be safe than sorry.

How do you recognize an emergency? It’s a question that might seem simple, but sometimes it's easy to miss the more subtle signs. Imagine you’re going about your day, and suddenly, you hear the sound of glass breaking. Or perhaps it’s the screech of tires followed by the unmistakable crunch of metal—cars crashing. People start screaming, some running in every direction, while others freeze in place. Across the way, you notice someone lying on the ground, motionless. Or maybe it’s more subtle—a whiff of something out of place. The acrid smell of chemicals, or worse, the unmistakable scent of gas or smoke. These are the signs that tell you something is wrong. The sooner you recognize these signals, the faster you can act. And that’s crucial. Because in emergencies, time is everything. The faster you’re able to call 911, the better the chances for those who need help. Recognizing an emergency isn’t just about being alert—it’s about understanding that every second matters. Your quick response could be the difference between life and death. So, the next time you’re in a situation that feels off, trust your instincts. Listen for the sounds, watch for the signs, and never hesitate to take action. Because when it comes to emergencies, your awareness can save lives.