In the US, every state has its own set of rules when it comes to CPR, all affecting certifications, use, and requirements. For example, New Haven CT obliges multiple professions and institutions to gain certification to be able to practice in their field.
Below, we’ll discuss these professions as well as go over some general CPR guidelines in the state. In addition, we’ll address the Good Samaritan laws and explain how they work.
Knowing about and understanding the CPR guidelines in Connecticut gives individuals a chance to confidently engage in emergency situations where help is needed.
Short Overview of CPR
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is a first-aid procedure that finds use in emergency events where victims don’t have an evident heartbeat. Giving the correct form of CPR to a person in medical distress can be a life-saving action that improves their chances of survival and recovery.
The right way to do CPR involves applying rhythmic pressure to the chest, which helps stimulate the action of a mechanical heart pump. This ensures proper blood flow throughout the body and maintains blood supply to all vital organs—including the brain—preventing permanent brain injury until emergency personnel arrive.
In situations where there is just one rescuer, traditional CPR uses a 30:2 ratio, which entails 30 chest compressions and 2 rescue breaths. There is also a simpler version of CPR called hands-only CPR that omits mouth-to-mouth resuscitation for untrained bystanders.
Note that healthcare guidelines state that cardiac arrest victims should receive CPR as soon as possible. On the other hand, heart attack victims require different forms of assistance since they have an obstructed blood flow that cannot reach the heart.
General CPR Guidelines in the State Of Connecticut
CPR guidelines specific to New Haven CT follow those created by the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Department of Health of the state of Connecticut. Along with CPR recommendations, there are detailed directions of how a rescuer should react in an emergency, even before they start offering help.
It is of great significance that a rescuer informs a medical team by calling 911 before providing help. If that’s not possible, someone in the near vicinity should call for help. Once that is done, rescuers can help by applying chest compressions and giving rescue breaths. Remember, if you are not CPR trained or do not have a certification, it is recommended you do hands-only CPR. Still, offering any kind of help is better than offering none.
Operating an AED machine can be crucial in situations of cardiac arrest as it can re-establish a heart rhythm in case CPR doesn’t work. This is a small portable device that is designed to give electric shocks to the heart in order to keep it going. This, together with CPR, can help prevent possible fatalities from cardiac arrest, so trained bystanders are encouraged to use this machine when they can.
Below, we’ll dive more into occupations that require CPR training, according to the Department of Health.
Occupations Required by State Statute to Have CPR Certification
Under the state law of Connecticut, some professions and institutions are required to have CPR personnel with CPR certification on board, even when not in the medical field. Besides CPR training, many are required to have extensive First Aid training, which equips them with the necessary skills to deal with various emergencies like injuries, cuts, burns, and illness.
Let’s take a look at these professions and institutions below:
Emergency Medical Service Personnel
The emergency medical service personnel encompasses EMS workers with varying qualifications: first responders, EMTs, and paramedics. In order to get a job in the field, medical personnel in training must pass a written and oral exam.
EMTs are required to pass the state Office of Emergency Medical Assistance (OEMS)-approved EMT written exam and oral exam. MRTs must pass OEMS-approved MRT written and practical exams. Finally, paramedics are obliged to receive training from a certified instructor and learn all practices tied to CPR, defibrillation, and drug and intravenous solution administration. They also must pass a specialized first aid course like BLS.
Lifeguards
This is another profession that requires CPR certification issued by the AHA or the American Red Cross. Besides being a job requirement, CPR certification helps lifeguards organize bystanders in case of a larger emergency and also provides workplace security for everyone involved in daily activities near the beach or at the pool.
Lifeguards are required to know methods for clearing an obstructed airway, one-rescuer CPR, two-rescuer adult CPR, and child and infant CPR.
Childcare Providers
Kindergartens, child care centers, and group day care homes require an all-time presence of an individual that has completed a CPR and first aid course alongside a state health department-approved course.
In addition to CPR and first aid, staff are required to recognize and manage:
- Choking
- Seizures
- Poisoning
- Anaphylaxis
- Wounds
- Head and musculoskeletal injuries
- Dental emergencies
- Child abuse and sexual abuse
- Disease prevention and accident safety and prevention.
Youth Camp Teams
In order for a youth camp to receive a working license from Connecticut’s Department of Public health, the camp staff must include an all-time present adult individual trained in first aid. There is no special requirement as to who must provide the training.
Chiropractors
According to Connecticut’s State Statute, all chiropractors must have a First Aid certification. Since chiropractic injuries present a risk, the chiropractor must be able to provide CPR and other life-saving measures when needed.
Public Schools
Public schools are required to offer student programs, which promote health and safety. Besides having a medical team with CPR and First Aid certifications, public schools are required to include First Aid in their health and safety programs.
State-approved CPR Certification Providers
Besides professional reasons, CPR certification is good for empowering communities, giving individuals the confidence to respond in a crisis, and promoting workplace safety.
Although there are many options on the market, New Haven CT recommends the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross as CPR providers with well-rounded courses that give efficient hands-on skills:
- The American Heart Association provides plenty of CPR and First Aid training that can be helpful in times of urgency. BLS CPR, CPR + First Aid, and CPR + AED are just some of the few courses in their selection. Their credentials are recognized by numerous organizations in the state and across the country.
- The American Red Cross also offers a wide selection of CPR and First Aid courses. This organization offers extensive courses meant for the general public and trains medical professionals all over the country.
Legal Obligations
When it comes to legal obligations when giving in CPR, there are some federal rules and requirements that apply across states:
Connecticut’s Good Samaritan Laws
Good Samaritan laws are put in place to protect individuals’ liability in moments when they offer first aid to a victim. Regardless of whether the helper was legally obliged to do so or not, they promote bystander involvement and protect helpers if the emergency situation worsens.
The Good Samaritan Law is in line with the CPR guidelines in Connecticut. The law supports bystander help as long as it is not a forceful act or gross negligence.
Obligation to Apply CPR
Understanding CPR steps and how to perform them correctly in the right time manner is a crucial ability when it comes to helping save lives. The law requires bystanders to help in an emergency even if they’re not certified or know the procedure step-by-step.
Conclusion
Bystander involvement, voluntary help, and CPR training for the workplace are all listed in the CPR guidelines in Connecticut.
CPR certifications empower individuals to respond efficiently in crisis, teaching them how to correctly provide chest compressions, rescue breaths, as well as perform first aid. Such certifications can be provided by the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. Every certificate lasts 2 years, after which individuals can get recertification and update their knowledge.
Whether you are CPR-trained or not, if you decide to help in an emergency, it is important to assess the situation and alert a medical team before doing CPR on a victim. CPR should not replace medical help but is a much-needed life-extending practice that can help prevent further damage and improve recovery.