HeartSaver AED and CPR Course
Overview:
The HeartSaver AED and CPR Course provides comprehensive training on handling cardiac and respiratory emergencies. It equips participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to utilize an AED effectively, understand its appropriate usage, and identify the individuals who should operate it. The course places significant emphasis on practical skills and active involvement of the students. It is instructor-led and incorporates video-based learning, teaching adult CPR, AED use, and techniques for relieving choking in adults. The curriculum utilizes the Practice-While-Watching (PWW) technique, backed by the American Heart Association's research, enabling instructors to observe students, offer feedback, and guide their skill development. By the end of the course, participants will have completed multiple cycles of CPR using a defibrillator, fostering confidence and readiness for real-life situations.
Objective:
The primary objective of this course is to equip students with the necessary knowledge and abilities to administer various life-saving techniques during emergency situations.
Course Objectives:
- Understand the fundamental principles of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
- Perform a two-minute cycle of CPR proficiently.
- Safely and effectively operate a defibrillator.
- Provide assistance to a choking individual.
Requirements:
- Participants should possess sufficient physical fitness to conduct chest compressions on a manikin while in a kneeling position.
- Effective chest compressions and ventilations must be demonstrated during the class.
- Proficiency in the English language is essential to interact with the instructor and follow the instructional DVD. A sample of the DVD can be accessed here.
Intended Audience:
This course is designed for individuals seeking to learn CPR and AED usage, particularly those who may not require regular utilization of these skills. Examples of potential participants include non-healthcare personnel, sports coaches, teachers, and parents. Additionally, non-acute healthcare staff such as healthcare assistants, medical secretaries, and dental nurses may also benefit from this course.
Course Modules:
1. Adult Chest Compressions
2. Adult Breaths
3. Adult Pocket Face Mask
4. Adult Practice
5. Adult Defibrillation
6. Adult Choking
7. Child CPR Full
8. Infant CPR Full
9. Child Choking
10. Infant Choking
Delivery Method:
The course is facilitated by an instructor who will guide participants using an instructional DVD. The medium of instruction is English. Additionally, a Blended Learning option is available for this course.
Duration:
The course duration ranges between 2 to 4 hours, depending on the selected modules and the number of students enrolled.
Assessment:
Throughout the course, instructors will continually assess the progress of participants. Towards the end, students will be presented with a comprehensive CPR and AED scenario, to which they must respond appropriately. Successful completion of all necessary steps is required to pass the course.
Certification:
Upon successfully completing the course, participants will receive a credit card-sized certificate issued by the Irish Heart Foundation/American Heart Association. This certification remains valid for a period of 2 years. It is important to note that this course is internationally recognized, as it is certified by both the Irish Heart Foundation and the American Heart Association.
Renewal:
To maintain qualification beyond the initial two-year certification period, participants are required to retake the course. Refresher training is not available for individuals with an in-date certificate.
