Quality training is vital to the success of any early defibrillation program. Lives are not saved by defibrillators hanging on the wall without people trained to use them. When and emergency arises, a person needs to recognize the situation, and use the defibrillator correctly. A defibrillator that arrives too late, or without a person trained to use it is of little help.
Requirements for training vary depending on the environment, specific equipment used and population served by the defibrillation program (adults, children, infants). Some states require certain training standards be met before an individual can use a defibrillator. Emergency Medical Group can help you determine what type of training is most appropriate for your organization.
At a minimum, responders are typically trained in Adult CPR & AED use. This 3-4 hour course teaches responders to recognize a sudden cardiac emergency, appropriate action to take, the basics of adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and proper use of an automated external defibrillator. Upon successful completion of the course, participants receive a certification which is valid for one or two years.
Emergency Medical Group provides training through a network of select instructors, who meet rigorous standards. Many are emergency medical services professionals who bring years of actual experience to the classroom. Classes are held at your organization, and are conducted using the exact equipment used in your organization's defibrillation program, not generic simulators.
Regular practice allows responders who will otherwise infrequently use their skills the opportunity to stay prepared and remain confident that they can respond in a real emergency. Emergency Medical Group can provide your organization with 6-month (or other interval) skill refreshers which allow previously trained responders to quickly and informally review their skills on a manikin and ask an instructor questions. We can even stage a mock cardiac arrest to test the effectiveness of your response plan, and identify problems. These brief sessions are an effective and economical way to bridge the long gap between responder re-certifications.
Many organizations consider additional training in these areas:
- First Aid
- Infant/Child CPR
- Blood borne Pathogens Awareness
- Oxygen Administration
For larger organizations that wish explore other solutions to long-term training, Emergency Medical Group can train individuals on your own staff as CPR/AED instructors, and allow you to keep your training in-house. Emergency Medical Group can assist you with training equipment, supplies, and support for administering your own internal training program.
