Did you know that in the past rescuers did something called the Heimlich maneuver to aid in choking rescue? Did you know that in the past that unconscious obstructed airway victims required rescuers to straddle the victim and push against the abdomen with both hands? In the past ratios for chest compressions and ventilations were different for victims of all ages. CPR rescue techniques have changed significantly over the past decades. This page will outline the importance of recertifying your CPR and first aid tickets, explain why first aid certification should never be done entirely online and what to do if you don’t like the content of a first aid and / or CPR course in Alberta.
Why Does My School or Workplace Keep Requiring me to Recertify my Certificate?
CPR rescue techniques, with the help of ILCOR, have changed considerably over the past few decades. We no longer straddle unconscious obstructed airway victims or do the Heimlich on conscious obstructed airway victims. Although they are somewhat effective but the statistics and details provided by ILCOR have encouraged very positive change to CPR rescues. The rescue techniques have become much more simple and effective for CPR and choking rescues. This is one of the reasons why it is important to renew your first aid / CPR certificate to make sure you’re using the latest rescue techniques.
Why can’t I just do my first aid certification online?
This is a very popular question that first aid instructors in classrooms hear all the time. Why can’t I just do the entire course online? First aid and CPR is not just a bunch of knowledge but also involves a lot of skills. You have to practise the skills and have them reviewed by a qualified instructor via an OH&S approved provider. I don’t think first aid and CPR training will ever meet provincial standards at an entirely online format.
I don’t like the content of my first aid course and the instructor won’t change?
The content of your OH&S approved first aid course is set by CSA standards and reviewed by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. Both intermediate and basic first aid courses are reviewed by multiple doctors, surgeons, nurses and administrators to ensure the content meets the correct standards. That content must be presented in the class via book / pdf and / or PowerPoint / presentation. So when you see something you don’t like in a course and it is written material then you’ll be hard pressed to get the instructor to change it. Most instructors understand the process of getting approved and will not bend to the wishes of a student. However, never be scared to ask questions in class or have a healthy discussion in class. This is the way some people learn and that is always encouraged.
The most important thing for people to realize is that getting your first aid and CPR certificate in person and keeping it current is vital to improving the chances of saving a victims of life!