Online CPR renewal?

[DarkLotus]

Is there such a thing? I have BLS for healthcare providers and it expires 1/13 and I would like to renew/extend the expiration.

Thanks

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

Even if said person has been a nurse for x amount of years, and is up to date with their certification? What does doing compressions in front of an instructor demonstrate? You are going to break ribs, regardless of doing this hands on training..

It demonstrates that you know the correct hand placement for CPR, the correct depth and rate of compressions for infants, children and adults, that you can allow for complete chest recoil between compressions. It demonstrates that you know the correct places to check for a pulse, how to properly place and seal a face mask, that you can give breathes through a BMV at the proper rate and volume, and that you can alternate between compressions and respirations efficiently. It demonstrates that you know the appropriate placement of AED pads for children and adults and that you can correctly use the machine. I could go on and on... None of these things can be demonstrated through an online test.

High quality CPR and early use of an AED is the patient's best chance at survival in the event of cardiac arrest in the field. Poor CPR technique (compressions that aren't deep enough or fast enough) won't circulate blood as well and decreases the patient's chance for resuscitation and increases the chances for permanent sequelae if they are revived.

BLS renewal only needs to be completed once every two years, and can be done in a just a couple of hours. It's hardly a big commitment to make sure that you and your co-workers will be able to perform the most effective, high-quality BLS possible in the event of an emergency.

[dancehallradio]

I understand all of these things, but I still do not think it is necessary for someone who is renewing their license to have to take the whole course over again. Especially if they are in the healthcare field, where they are already doing these things on a daily basis. Just my opinion.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

I understand your opinion, but the AHA, Red Cross, and hospitals disagree. Not all BLS providers practice these skills on a regular basis, and it doesn't make sense to differentiate or make exceptions for those that claim to have experience. I work in PICU, and participate in many codes, but the number of times that I'm the one actually doing the compressions is rare. The number of times that I've used CPR in the field Not to mention that field BLS is much different then hospital BLS. I've never done CPR outside the hospital or used an AED. I certainly don't use BLS on a daily basis by any means. In person demonstration is the best way to make sure that the person certified in BLS is competent to hold that certification, period.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Even if said person has been a nurse for x amount of years, and is up to date with their certification? What does doing compressions in front of an instructor demonstrate? You are going to break ribs, regardless of doing this hands on training..

Regardless of what you have been told.......Breaking ribs is not a normal part of CPR. Proper hand position prevents fractured sternum and punctured lungs.

I agree with Ashley......while the "book work" can be done on line......the actual CPR should be in front of a Certified instructor.

[Shana_futureRN14]

My school offers an actual online CPR class that we meet one Saturday for 4 hours.