What Is the Indication for Mouth-to-Mouth Rescue Breaths?

Mouth-to-mouth rescue breathing is an essential tool in first aid that involves blowing air into a patient’s lungs when their respiratory system is not working. But while rescue breathing is most often associated with CPR, it’s not always used during resuscitation. People often ask, “What is the indication for mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths as opposed to hands-only CPR?” To perform mouth-to-mouth breathing effectively, you need to know which situations require it and which don’t. So, what is the indication for mouth-to-mouth rescue breaths during CPR, and when should you use other CPR methods? Read on to find out.

15 min read

How to Spot the Signs of Dry Drowning & Prevent It From Happening

Dry drowning happens when a person experiences respiratory impairment and the effects of that event. As the person attempts to gasp for life-saving breaths to stave off drowning, the risks for long-term injury rise with every minute. Being able to recognize the signs of dry drowning can help save a life when it matters most. Read on to learn how to spot the signs of dry drowning and what to do to prevent it from happening.

4 min read

How to Choose the Right CPR Dummy or Manikin

Knowing how to perform CPR and actually performing CPR are very different but equally important. That’s why we recommend a blend of online learning and hands-on practice for effective CPR training. And if your CPR training includes a hands-on component, you’ll need a CPR dummy or manikin for students to practice on. Here’s what you need to know about CPR manikins and how to choose the right CPR dummy or manikin for your CPR training.

11 min read

BLS Guidelines 2023: The Latest Updates

If you hold a BLS certificate, you will want to keep up to date with the latest guidelines. Updates are issued by the American Heart Association, and anyone who holds a BLS card or provides BLS training should abide by these BLS guideline updates.

5 min read

Everyone Deserves a Chance to Live: The Story of ProTrainings

I believe that anyone can learn to perform CPR and save lives in an emergency. But how we train people in these essential skills matters, and traditional classroom methods simply aren’t as effective as CPR training needs to be. So here is the story of how ProTrainings came to be and why we are committed to creating a better way to learn lifesaving skills.

5 min read

How to Recognize Signs of Drowning & Rescue a Drowning Person

A person who is drowning is in extreme danger and must be rescued immediately. However, the signs of drowning aren’t as obvious as you might think, and all too often people who attempt to rescue a drowning victim end up becoming victims themselves in the process. Read on to learn how to recognize the signs that someone is drowning and how to rescue a drowning victim without endangering yourself or others.

5 min read

CPR Success Rates: Have They Improved?

Despite what you may have been led to believe by TV shows like ER and Grey’s Anatomy, CPR success rates have never been high. Among the many reasons for low success rates are the facts that heart attacks are deadly and that, sadly, most people who experience cardiac arrests outside of the hospital receive little help from bystanders. Read on to compare today’s CPR success rates with those of the past and learn how CPR has evolved over time.

4 min read

How to Make a First Aid Kit & Customize It to Your Needs

We can’t emphasize enough that emergencies can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. But here’s the good news: The more you prepare now, the better chances you and the people around you have of surviving whatever crises may come your way. Learning how to make a first aid kit is a way to start preparing for emergencies ahead of time. Read on to learn more about the importance of first aid, how to make a first aid kid, and how to customize it according to your specific needs.

6 min read

CPR Compression Depth: A How-To Guide for Chest Compressions

Compression depth may be the hardest part to master for beginners because they are afraid of hurting the victim. However, if your compressions aren’t deep enough, you may not be applying enough force to assist circulation.

CPR compression depth depends on the size and age of the person, so to help you get an idea of how to perform chest compressions properly, let’s go over the proper compression technique for each age group.

9 min read

How to Know the Difference Between Heart Attack & a Stroke

If a person around you suddenly said they felt pain and collapsed, would you know the difference between heart attack and a stroke to step in and help? While stroke and heart attack are two very different medical conditions, they share a few similar signs and symptoms — and knowing how to distinguish them can save someone’s life. Read on to learn the difference between heart attack and a stroke, early warning signs, and how to provide effective first aid.

5 min read

What to Know About Shockable vs. Non-Shockable Heart Rhythms

An irregular heart rhythm can cause serious health problems. In the case of cardiac arrest, a shock from an automated external defibrillator (AED) can kickstart the heart until further medical assistance arrives. But only shockable heart rhythms respond to electric shock — and not all heart rhythms are shockable. Read on to learn the difference between shockable versus non-shockable heart rhythms and what CPR givers can do when confronted with these types of cardiac arrests.

10 min read

CPR Cheat Sheet: Your Guide to Passing a CPR Test Online

Traditionally, written CPR tests were given in an in-person setting. While some certification programs still do this, it is now easier, less stressful, and more efficient to take your CPR test online.

If this makes you nervous, don’t worry! The test is just to make sure that you know what to do in an emergency situation. If you master some simple learning techniques, the CPR test will be easy.

4 min read