CPR training

HeartCert Trainings Now Available in Iowa City, IA

HeartCert is excited to announce the opening of our newest locations in Iowa City, Iowa. This location offers both virtual training for individuals or instructor-led training at a time and location convenient for everyone.

Iowa City on-site training courses will be held at 2701 Bradford Drive.

We also offer on-site courses and trainings in other cities throughout Iowa.

Find a HeartCert Training Center Near You

Healthcare Training Courses Offered in Iowa

In addition to our standard CPR, First Aid and AED courses, we offer a wide variety of trainings at our new locations. These include: BLS, ACLS and PALS; Certified Nursing Assistant Courses, IV and EKG training; 1 on 1 flexible CPR training; and CPR instructor courses.

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

Our skilled and experienced CPR instructors are also available for on-site CPR training courses. If you have a group of employees or team members who want or need to be certified in CPR, first aid, or AED use, contact HeartCert to schedule your on-site training today. Discounted class vouchers are available for companies where employees need training at different times.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

HeartCert CPR courses include CPR/AED/First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Certified Nursing Assistant training, IV training, EKG training, babysitter basics and more. Courses and certifications from both the American Heart Association and American Red Cross are available.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert Opens Training Centers in Illinois, Michigan and Nebraska

2 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

HeartCert is excited to announce the opening of our newest locations in Peoria, Illinois, Eastpointe, Michigan and Omaha/Lincoln, Nebraska. These locations offer both virtual training for individuals or instructor-led training at a time and location convenient for everyone.

Peoria on-site training courses will be held at 9102 N Industrial Road.

Eastpoint on-site training courses will be held at 17200 E.10 Mile Road.

Omaha/Lincoln on-site training courses will be held at 331 N Cotner Boulevard, Lincoln and Fire and Rescue 13, East Main Street, Cedar Bluffs.

Find a HeartCert Training Center Near You

Healthcare Training Courses Offered in Illinois, Michigan and Nebraska

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert Texas is Now Open

2 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

HeartCert is excited to announce the opening of our newest location in Colleyville, Texas.

About the HeartCert Colleyville Training Center

The new HeartCert CPR training center is conveniently located at 8300 Precinct Line Road, Colleyville, TX 76034. Situated at the northeast corner of cross streets Precinct Line Road and W McDonwell School Road.

Healthcare Training Courses Offered at HeartCert Colleyville

In addition to our standard CPR, First Aid and AED courses, we offer a wide variety of trainings at our new location. These include: BLS, ACLS and PALS; Certified Nursing Assistant Courses, IV and EKG training; 1 on 1 flexible CPR training; and CPR instructor courses.

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

Good Samaritan Laws and Bystander CPR

2 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

There are many reasons people give when asked why they’re hesitant to perform CPR on a stranger. These range from causing additional injury to exposing someone in public. However, the benefits far outweigh any potential risks.

More than 325,000 people go into cardiac arrest in the United States every year, and immediate CPR significantly lowers the risk of death, brain damage, or other lasting injury.

One of the most common reasons people don’t provide CPR in public is the fear of legal prosecution should they cause further injury. However, there are legal protections against this kind of prosecution.

What Are Good Samaritan Laws?

Good Samaritan laws protect bystanders who perform CPR — photo credit: @huy-phan-316220 accessed 11/30/22 via CC0

Every state in the country has a “Good Samaritan” law of some kind. The specifics vary, but in general, these laws provide legal protection to people who provide reasonable assistance for someone who is experiencing an injury or emergency.

In short, if you are providing CPR to the best of your knowledge and ability, the likelihood that you will be held legally responsible for any additional injury is minimal. (If you have any questions about a specific situation or case, please contact an attorney.)

If you encounter someone who is in cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 and provide help to the best of your ability. A CPR training course can help you be more prepared should you find yourself in this situation. Sign up for an in-person, virtual, or on-demand CPR course today!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2019.

Why Every Business Should Have an AED Onsite

2 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

Sudden cardiac arrest occurs suddenly and without warning, and its effects are immediate. If a patient does not immediately receive treatment, sudden cardiac arrest results in significant disability or death. This is why it’s so important for businesses of all types and sizes to have an Automatic External Defibrillator, or AED onsite and in good working condition – and for employees and the public to have the ability and knowledge to use it.

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

A sudden cardiac arrest is triggered by a malfunction of the heart’s electrical system. This produces abnormal heart rhythms and disrupts the heart’s ability to pump blood throughout the body, resulting in a loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs.

According to the FDA, the probability of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent for every minute that a person is in sudden cardiac arrest. It’s vitally important to equip professionals and bystanders alike with the ability and tools they need to perform lifesaving interventions.

an aed onsite at a business — Image by Paul Brennan from Pixabay

Why Businesses Need an AED Onsite

An AED is a critical step in the out-of-hospital chain of survival. AEDs deliver an electrical shock, called defibrillation, that restores the heart to its normal rhythm and restarts blood flow. Having an AED onsite is one of the best and easiest ways to protect employees and the public from the devastation of sudden cardiac arrest.

AEDs are fairly easy to use, but training is recommended in order to deliver defibrillation safely and quickly. HeartCert offers an all-in-one CPR/AED/first aid training course. Learn these lifesaving skills in one convenient session! In-person, hybrid, and virtual CPR training options are available.

HeartCert also sells AEDs! Visit our shop page and contact us with any questions.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

6 CPR Facts You May Not Know

2 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

How much do you know about CPR? Test your knowledge with a few basic CPR facts.

6 CPR Facts You Should Know

person performing CPR on a dummy. CPR facts you should know. — photo credit: @flexpointsecurity accessed 10/30/22 via CC0

1. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting in the U.S. every year.

This means that there are more than 350,000 people who need lifesaving CPR from a family member or bystander in order to survive.

2. Most cardiac arrests take place in the home.

Among cardiac arrests that occur outside of a hospital setting, the majority (70%) take place in a home or private residence. About 18% take place in a public setting, and 11% occur in nursing homes. The life you save could be your parent’s, spouse’s, or child’s.

Read: Actor Says CPR, AED Saved His Life

3. CPR saves lives and improves outcomes.

If it is performed immediately, CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival. In addition, it helps keep blood flowing to the brain and other organs, reducing the risk of permanent brain damage or other disability.

4. Bystander CPR is underused.

Less than half of people who experience sudden cardiac arrest receive help, in the form of CPR or AED use, before emergency professionals arrive.

Read: The Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival

5. The out of hospital survival rate is low.

Ultimately, only about 10 percent of people who suffer from cardiac arrest outside of a hospital setting survive. As more people become trained in CPR and AED use, the survival rate will likely improve.

6. It’s easy to get CPR certified.

HeartCert offers hybrid and virtual CPR training courses that allow you to complete part or all of the coursework on your own schedule. Our CPR certification classes are AHA and American Red Cross certified, and combine CPR, AED and first aid into one convenient class.

You could save a life! Sign up for CPR training with HeartCert today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

Source: American Heart Association, “CPR Facts & Stats”

6 CPR Facts You May Not Know

2 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

How much do you know about CPR? Test your knowledge with a few basic CPR facts.

6 CPR Facts You Should Know

1. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting in the U.S. every year.

This means that there are more than 350,000 people who need lifesaving CPR from a family member or bystander in order to survive.

2. Most cardiac arrests take place in the home.

Read: Actor Says CPR, AED Saved His Life

3. CPR saves lives and improves outcomes.

4. Bystander CPR is underused.

Less than half of people who experience sudden cardiac arrest receive help, in the form of CPR or AED use, before emergency professionals arrive.

Read: The Out-of-Hospital Chain of Survival

5. The out of hospital survival rate is low.

6. It’s easy to get CPR certified.

You could save a life! Sign up for CPR training with HeartCert today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

Source: American Heart Association, “CPR Facts & Stats”

Can Watching Sports Increase Heart Attack Risk?

3 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

Fall is the season of changing leaves, apple picking, back to school, and football. If you spend every Sunday (and Monday, and Thursday) watching football, it’s important to be mindful of your health. Don’t eat too much fried food, stand up at commercial breaks, and manage your stress. Here are a few ways that watching sports can affect your heart – and tips on how to mitigate those effects.

How Watching Sports Affects the Heart

Researchers have found an increase in heart attacks and arrhythmias and heart attacks during major sporting events like the Superbowl and World Cup. This is due to the stress and emotion we experience when watching a game.

When a game gets suspenseful or takes a disappointing turn, fans often feel stress. These feelings of stress and anger essentially trigger a fight-or-flight response, which causes heart rate and blood pressure to increase. All of these factors can trigger a cardiovascular event.

fans watching sports — photo credit: @koff accessed 9/6/22 via CC0

How to Manage Stress During a Big Game

If you experience high levels of stress while watching sports, take steps to manage and reduce those intense feelings. Take deep breaths, do a few stretches, and step away for a few minutes if needed. Also, try to eat healthy before and during the game, and limit the amount of alcohol you consume.

If you’re still feeling frustrated and angry after the game ends, channel it into physical activity to help release the stress.

Protect Your Health with CPR

Take care of your fellow football fans by learning hands-only CPR. You could save a life!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2018.

Are BLS and Heartsaver CPR Courses the Same?

3 years ago by tims Leave a Comment

If you’re considering a CPR training course, whether you’re required to by an employer or simply want to learn how to save a life, you may be confused by the options available to you. What’s the difference between BLS and ACLS? What is PALS? What about Heartsaver?

One of the most common questions we get is in regard to BLS and Heartsaver courses and how they differ. We’ll answer that question here today.

BLS vs. Heartsaver: What’s the Difference?

BLS vs Heartsaver CPR training course — photo credit: @raven-domingo-66737910 accessed 8/3/22 via CC0

What is BLS?

BLS stands for Basic Life Support. In this class, participants learn one and two person CPR skills for adults, children and infants. You will also learn how to clear the airway of a conscious or unconscious person, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Another focus of BLS courses is recognizing the signs and symptoms of cardiac arrest and respiratory distress, and how to respond to emergencies and life-threatening symptoms. Because BLS courses are geared toward health care providers and emergency responders, it is expected that participants will, at some point, be called upon to use these skills in an emergency situation.

Find a HeartCert Location Near You

What is Heartsaver?

In comparison, the Heartsaver course is geared toward those who don’t work in a healthcare setting but may be called upon to perform CPR, or who are required to be trained and certified in CPR as a condition of employment. This can include teachers, childcare providers, coaches, parents or caregivers, or anyone who wants to learn CPR.

Heartsaver course participants learn the same basic CPR and first aid skills that are taught in BLS courses, without some of the more advanced techniques included in BLS coursework. You will leave a Heartsaver class knowing how to perform CPR, administer an AED, and do basic first aid. It is a valuable course for anyone, regardless of their employment setting!

If you have questions about which HeartCert CPR course is right for you, contact us today.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

This is an updated blog post that was originally published in 2014.

Four Reasons to Learn CPR

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

If you don’t work in healthcare, or with children or vulnerable adults, or in any other setting in which CPR training is required, it may seem like there is no real reason to learn CPR. But that’s not the case. There is a very real need for laypeople to be trained in CPR and ready to perform it should they encounter a person in cardiac arrest or distress.

reasons to learn CPR — photo credit: @artisticoperations-4161274 accessed 7/1/22 via CC0

Here are a few of the many reasons why you should take a CPR/AED training course.

Why Should I Learn CPR?

1. Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home

More than 85 percent of cardiac arrests take place in the home. With more than 300,000 instances of cardiac arrest every year in the U.S., there is a significant likelihood that you may need CPR to save the life of your parent, spouse, or other family member.

2. CPR Protects Against Long-Term Disability

Performing CPR immediately following cardiac arrest helps blood circulate until emergency responders arrive. This protects vital organs, including the brain, from significant damage.

Read: 4 Reasons to Offer CPR Training to Employees

3. More Bystander CPR is Needed

Bystander CPR – when CPR is performed by a layperson outside of a healthcare setting – is performed in fewer than half of all cardiac arrests in the U.S. Many more lives could be saved if more people were trained and ready to perform CPR when needed.

4. It’s Easy to Learn CPR

CPR training courses are more accessible than ever. With in-person, virtual, and private options, you can learn CPR on your schedule and in just a few hours.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We continue to offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

This blog post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated.

Heart-Healthy Hybrid Work

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

Over the last few years, employees have adapted to remote work. Some love the freedom and solitude of working from home, while others have been itching to get back into the office. In an effort to strike a balance, many companies have adopted hybrid work setups, with a few days in the office each week and the others at home.

Now, employees must figure out a new routine for hybrid work – and how to stay healthy, happy, and productive in each setting. We have a few tips.

How to Maintain a Healthy Hybrid Work Routine

heart-healthy hybrid work — photo credit: @benchaccounting accessed 7/1/22 via CC0

According to the American Heart Association, workers should maintain the same healthy work habits, no matter the setting. These include:

Create a healthy workspace. Make sure you have an ergonomic setting with good lighting and a supportive chair. While working from the couch can feel like a nice break, it can cause harm in the long term.

Which States Mandate CPR Training in Schools?

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

When it comes to CPR, there are three known facts. First, when CPR is performed immediately after cardiac arrest, it doubles or even triples the chances of survival. Second, that occurs in less than 10 percent of cardiac arrests that occur outside of a hospital setting. Third, CPR training increases the likelihood that a bystander will be ready and able to perform CPR when the need arises. This lifesaving opportunity is the driving force behind the American Heart Association’s CPR in Schools program.

What is CPR in Schools?

CPR in Schools is an initiative from the American Heart Association to train students in CPR, AED use, and choking relief. The training is specifically aimed at young learners, and was designed to be completed in just one class period. It comes with a toolkit that can train 10 to 20 students at once. Training can be repurposed for different classes and grade levels.

Schedule On-Site CPR Training with HeartCert

Does Your State Mandate CPR Training in School?

About 10 years ago, there was a significant effort to mandate CPR training as part of high school graduation requirements. Today, the majority of states have enacted laws requiring CPR education in schools.

In HeartCert’s home state of Minnesota, for example, students must take part in CPR training in order to graduate from high school. School districts are required to provide a onetime CPR and AED training to students at some point between grades 7 and 12.

Schools are not required to use the AHA’s CPR in Schools materials. They can set up training from a local provider such as HeartCert. Learn more about our on-site CPR/AED training options here.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR. We also train in ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications. We also offer safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, including our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

EKG Training Now Available Through HeartCert

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

HeartCert recently launched a new course intended to teach and refresh essential skills to healthcare workers. Our new EKG/ECG Rhythm Interpretation Training Class will help providers learn how to quickly and accurately read and interpret EKG heart rhythms. The EKG training course will be useful for workers across healthcare, in a variety of roles settings.

What is EKG Training?

EKG or ECG is short for electrocardiogram. It is a common test used to monitor heart health and detect any problems with heart rhythms. EKGs are present in medical clinics and hospitals, as well as operating rooms and even ambulances. Because electrocardiograms are done so frequently, it’s important for all healthcare providers to be able to accurately monitor EKG results.

EKGs are often performed in emergency settings, so providers need to be able to read and interpret results fast. This is why EKG training is so important, for new and experienced providers alike.

Register for the HeartCert EKG/ECG Training Course

In our EKG course, you will learn how to quickly read and interpret EKG heart rhythms, or hone existing skills so you can read EKGs greater speed and accuracy.

The HeartCert EKG/ECG Rhythm Interpretation Training Class is fully virtual and accessible to providers across the country. CEU certification is included in the course fee.

Learn more about our EKG/ECG course here, and contact us with any questions.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all HeartCert locations throughout the United States, as well as our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

HeartCert Offers Free CPR Training

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

HeartCert was founded with the mission of making CPR training more available and accessible – and, in doing so, saving more lives. Now, in an effort to further that mission and improve bystander CPR rates, we’re excited to announce that we’re offering free CPR training!

What is Bystander CPR?

The term “bystander CPR” refers to lifesaving CPR, AED, and first aid procedures that are performed by a layperson in a public or private setting. Generally, bystander CPR takes place outside of a hospital or medical facility.

Why is Bystander CPR Important?

According to the American Heart Association, more than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting every year in the U.S. A staggering 90 percent of people who suffer an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest do not survive. But when CPR is performed immediately upon cardiac arrest, survival chances double or even triple. Put simply: bystander CPR saves lives!

Free CPR Training with HeartCert

There are many barriers to performing bystander CPR, and lack of accessible training is one of them. This is why HeartCert is offering free CPR training for anyone who is interested.

In these free training courses, you will learn the basics of CPR, AED use, and first aid at no cost. These courses are only informational, and attendees will not receive a certification. (If you need CPR certification, check out one of our other in-person, virtual, or private CPR course options.)

Ready to sign up for a free CPR course? Visit this page to learn more.

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, and First Aid. We also offer training courses for CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at HeartCert locations throughout the United States.

HeartCert Minneapolis Now Open

3 years ago by bwadmin Leave a Comment

HeartCert is excited to announce the opening of our newest location in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota. The address of our new facility is 1201 W. River Parkway, Minneapolis, MN 55419. Click here for directions, and contact us with any questions.

HeartCert is now open in Minneapolis — photo credit: @am83 accessed 5/11/22 via CC0

About the HeartCert Minneapolis Training Center

The new HeartCert CPR training center is conveniently located in the Twin Cities American Red Cross headquarters. This location also serves as a blood and platelet donation center. Just off 35W and near major downtown landmarks such as U.S. Bank Stadium and Guthrie Theater, it is accessible to residents throughout the Twin Cities metro area.

Find a HeartCert Training Center Near You

Healthcare Training Courses Offered at HeartCert Minneapolis

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

HeartCert CPR is your trusted training partner for CPR, ACLS, PALS, EMR, First Aid, CNA, IV, EKG and more, in Minnesota and throughout the United States.

We are now offering virtual CPR courses and certifications, as well as safe in-person courses at all locations and our headquarters, HeartCert CPR Eagan.

CPR training

Healthcare Training Courses Offered in Iowa

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

Healthcare Training Courses Offered in Illinois, Michigan and Nebraska

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

About the HeartCert Colleyville Training Center

Healthcare Training Courses Offered at HeartCert Colleyville

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

What Are Good Samaritan Laws?

What is Sudden Cardiac Arrest?

Why Businesses Need an AED Onsite

6 CPR Facts You Should Know

1. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting in the U.S. every year.

2. Most cardiac arrests take place in the home.

3. CPR saves lives and improves outcomes.

4. Bystander CPR is underused.

5. The out of hospital survival rate is low.

6. It’s easy to get CPR certified.

6 CPR Facts You Should Know

1. More than 350,000 cardiac arrests occur outside of a hospital setting in the U.S. every year.

2. Most cardiac arrests take place in the home.

3. CPR saves lives and improves outcomes.

4. Bystander CPR is underused.

5. The out of hospital survival rate is low.

6. It’s easy to get CPR certified.

How Watching Sports Affects the Heart

How to Manage Stress During a Big Game

Protect Your Health with CPR

BLS vs. Heartsaver: What’s the Difference?

What is BLS?

What is Heartsaver?

Why Should I Learn CPR?

1. Most Cardiac Arrests Happen at Home

2. CPR Protects Against Long-Term Disability

Read: 4 Reasons to Offer CPR Training to Employees

3. More Bystander CPR is Needed

4. It’s Easy to Learn CPR

How to Maintain a Healthy Hybrid Work Routine

Read More: Make Your Workplace More Heart-Healthy

What is CPR in Schools?

Does Your State Mandate CPR Training in School?

What is EKG Training?

Register for the HeartCert EKG/ECG Training Course

Read More: Why Should I Learn CPR?

What is Bystander CPR?

Read More: Why Women Are Less Likely to Receive CPR

Why is Bystander CPR Important?

Read More: CPR Training Improves Survival Rates on Airplanes

Free CPR Training with HeartCert

Ready to sign up for a free CPR course? Visit this page to learn more.

About the HeartCert Minneapolis Training Center

Healthcare Training Courses Offered at HeartCert Minneapolis

Not near a HeartCert location? Sign up for a virtual CPR certification course!

Footer

Resources

Stay in Touch