Welcome to our American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification classes for Ocean County College Medical Students! Our courses are meticulously designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to respond effectively to cardiac emergencies in both prehospital and in-facility settings. Following the 2020 guidelines set forth by the AHA, our comprehensive curriculum covers all the essential topics.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

CPR is paramount in sustaining blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs during cardiac arrest. Our classes teach the proper techniques for performing high-quality CPR on adults, children, and infants, including compression depth, rate, and compression-to-breath ratio.

Rescue Breathing

In scenarios where the patient is not breathing spontaneously, rescue breathing becomes imperative. Participants learn to deliver effective breaths using mouth-to-mouth or mouth-to-mask techniques, ensuring adequate oxygenation to the patient's lungs.

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use

AEDs deliver an electrical shock to restore normal heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. Our classes cover safe and effective AED usage alongside CPR, including electrode attachment and prompt-following device prompts.

Choking Relief

Immediate intervention is crucial in choking emergencies. Participants are trained to recognize and respond to choking in adults, children, and infants, employing techniques such as abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) and back blows.

Airway Management

Maintaining an open airway is paramount for effective resuscitation. Our instructors teach airway assessment and management techniques, including head positioning and basic airway maneuvers, along with adjuncts like oral and nasal airways.

Team Dynamics

Effective teamwork is pivotal in managing cardiac emergencies. Our classes emphasize communication, leadership, and role clarity within a resuscitation team to optimize patient outcomes in high-stress situations.

Special Considerations

Our course includes special considerations for specific patient populations and situations:

Pregnant Patient: Modifications to CPR techniques ensure safety for both the mother and the fetus, including proper positioning and consideration of potential cesarean section needs.

Advanced Airways: Instruction on advanced airway devices such as supraglottic airways and endotracheal tubes, including insertion, monitoring, and troubleshooting.

Opioid Overdose: Training on naloxone administration to reverse opioid overdose effects and restore normal breathing.

Our BLS certification classes typically span 3 to 4 hours, providing ample hands-on practice and skill demonstration under expert guidance. Upon course completion, participants undergo skills testing and a written exam to receive their AHA BLS certification, valid for two years.