Top 8 Reasons to get First Aid and CPR-certified (and how to sign up for class at the Paseo Club)

The leading cause of death in the United States is heart disease. Every year, 356,000 cardiac arrests occur out of the hospital. The majority of them are fatal. Yet, performing CPR and first aid to a person in cardiac arrest can double, and even triple, their chance of survival.  

Most cardiac arrests happen at home, in the workplace, or public spaces. The sooner a person is treated the greater their chance is of a full recovery. The average response time for an ambulance is seven minutes. In those seven precious minutes, there is a window where any trained person can save a life.

The Paseo Club is a social club in the Santa Clarita Valley. We regularly collaborate with local community organizations to provide fitness, charitable, and educational opportunities to local residents. This Sunday, we are teaming up with Pulse Control to offer a CPR/first aid/AED course.

In this article, you will learn what is taught in a CPR and first aid course, why you should get certified, and how to sign up for class this Sunday. 

What is a CPR/First Aid/AED certification course?

A CPR/First Aid/AED course teaches people who are not medically trained how to help others in the case of a medical emergency. Participants learn to identify various medical emergencies, administer initial care, and utilize critical life-saving equipment. 

Why get certified?

1. It saves lives

The number one reason people choose to get certified in First Aid and CPR is to save lives. Performing CPR and/or First Aid can be done by anyone, regardless if you are a medical professional. Once learned, this skill can save people experiencing cardiac arrest, preventing their death.

• 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting in the U.S. every year, and the majority of those events take place at home.
• Performing CPR can double or even triple the chances of survival for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest.
• When a person experiences cardiac arrest every minute without CPR, the likelihood of their survival decreases by approximately 7-10%. 
• Initiating CPR as soon as possible helps buy time, increasing their chances of a positive outcome.
• Individuals who have received CPR training are more likely to initiate CPR promptly and perform skillful chest compressions and rescue breaths.

2. It Prevents Panic

When people are trained in CPR, they are more likely to recognize the symptoms of cardiac arrest, act quickly, and begin treatment capably. The knowledge they gained from a training course helps them maintain a cool head in a stressful situation, which helps them be a more effective helper.

3. Boosts Confidence

Less than half of the people who experience sudden cardiac arrest receive help. If you can become one of the trained individuals who can offer this life-saving skill, you can be a Good Samaritan, potentially saving a person’s life. You do not have to wear a uniform to be a hero. Simply take a training course and help when help is needed. Knowing you can save a life will boost your confidence and increase a positive sense of self. 

4. You learn multiple skills 

A CPR/AED and First Aid Certification course teaches several skills to participants.

• How to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• How to manage automated external defibrillators (AED)
• Signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and respiratory distress
• The basics of first aid, including care for people who have experienced burns, cuts, scrapes, sudden illnesses, head, neck, and back injuries, and heat and cold emergencies

5. Anyone can take the class

Anyone can learn CPR and first aid, including teens and seniors. Is it a valuable skill that everyone should possess because you never know when you will be in a life-threatening situation. 

6. Can help your career path

Many jobs require CPR and first aid training, such as childcare and elder care providers, professionals in the fitness industry, coaches, lifeguards, teachers, social workers, and more. Learning how to perform CPR and first aid is also important for parents and caregivers.

7. Learn signs of cardiac arrest

When people think of a person going into cardiac arrest, they often imagine a person gripping their chest in pain and falling to the ground. This movie-influenced vision is misleading and often inaccurate. Here are the common signs people exhibit when experiencing cardiac arrest:

• No pulse 
• Sweating 
• Chest pain 
• Sudden collapse 
• Heart palpitations 
• Nausea or vomiting 
• Loss of consciousness 
• No breathing or gasping for air 
• No response to shouting or shaking 

Additional symptoms can include fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, weakness, and abdominal pain or discomfort. 

8. You will be prepared to help in any situation

Once you are certified in CPR, first aid, and the use of an AED, you are prepared to help a person in cardiac arrest — whether it is a family member, friend, or stranger. This skill may need to be used in your home or public. You never know when you can help to save a life.

When is the CPR/AED/First Aid certification class at the Paseo Club?

The Paseo Club is hosting a CPR/AED and First Aid certification course for members and nonmembers taught by Pulse Control on Sunday, August 25. The class is from 10 am to 12:30 pm.

Participants will learn from a registered nurse basic life-saving techniques, including how to perform CPR, the basics of first aid, and how to manage automated external defibrillators. 

The certification is through The American Heart Association and is valid for two years. This class is available to people of all ages. The class costs $70 plus an additional $10 for the textbook. Contact Pulse Patrol to register. 

Living your best life at the Paseo Club

Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone. It is more common in people who have genetic arrhythmias, problems with the structure of the heart or arteries, heart inflammation, and substance use. 

But as we age, we are more at risk. Men are more likely to experience cardiac arrest, and women's risk increases after menopause. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity are also significant risk factors.

Learn about Paseo Club member Chuck's experience with having a heart attack. Luckily, he identified his symptoms in a timely way and got the care he needed. 

The Paseo Club wants to help you live your best life. That is why we offer fitness, wellness, and social activities. Whether you crave a high-intensity interval training class or want to wind down with a relaxing yoga sesh, the Paseo Club has you covered. 

There are several social activities to explore every month. Charity events, court tournaments, and member mixers help you have fun and stay connected. Amenities such as on-site childcare, assisted stretching sessions, and spa treatments help to keep you feeling great.

You can become a member of the club any day of the week by signing up online. It is easy and quick and will grant you access to all the classes, activities, and amenities the club has to offer. Join the Paseo Club today and start your best life!