Why Do You Need to Take a refresher Course in CPR?

Human lives are a complex intricacy of moments and memories. Even though the brain is automated to store data for future use, some of this data is stored in our subconscious and resurfaces only when we are subjected to objects or events that remind us of it. This analogy is a suitable example for why we need to read old textbooks again to refresh our memory before taking a test, even though we’ve previously studied the text. In medical science, practitioners are subjected to different scenarios every day, different environments call for different procedures of treatment. Technology is evolving everyday with more potent, more successful techniques than previous years demanding of course, that we adapt - to learn, grow and be updated.  How are Students Attested After a Refresher Course ? The recommended regulations by the industry and the ARC and the AHA is that this course be taken every 12 months. The refresher course consists of a review of the skills needed and the students are run through the basics again. A mock class with a dummy is also part of the curriculum for students so that they get hands-on refreshers of standard practices. Medical technology also evolves every year and there are new guidelines to be followed every year. After the refresher course, students are assessed by their ability to demonstrate skills practically, perform resuscitation procedures on call, take part in role plays, written quiz to check knowledge and by analyzing case studies. Why the Experts Say You Need to Take a Refresher Course? In a statement release by the ARA (American Red Cross) Scientific Advisory Council:

  • Skill retention ability declines within a few months after the instructor has received training in CPR, this further decreases after a year
  • A test done on instructors a year after completion of the CPR course shows that most of them do not retain the skills learnt

Keeping this in mind, the AHA and ARC recommend that the refresher course be taken every year or periodically so that one can remember the skills and volunteer when there’s an emergency, both at home and at work or elsewhere. Refresher courses are offered in First Aid, CPR and other rescuer methods. It is only advisable that you take a refresher course if you have already been certified as an instructor. Some applicants assume that it’s easier to take a refresher course instead of taking the entire program. It may be noted that premier institutions always check for prior records of taking the regular course or certifications before letting someone taking the refresher course. Put simply, resuscitation is the most important acute medical care given to a person - it is, very literally, a life or death scenario. In such situations, it is primary that rescuers are at the top of their game and confident about their skills. You are, after all, someone who the victim’s life depends on. Make sure you regularly take the refresher CPR course if you intend to work in a rescue team.

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Human lives are a complex intricacy of moments and memories. Even though the brain is automated to store data for future use, some of this data is stored in our subconscious and resurfaces only when we are subjected to objects or events that remind us of it. This analogy is a suitable example for why we need to read old textbooks again to refresh our memory before taking a test, even though we’ve previously studied the text. In medical science, practitioners are subjected to different scenarios every day, different environments call for different procedures of treatment. Technology is evolving everyday with more potent, more successful techniques than previous years demanding of course, that we adapt - to learn, grow and be updated.  How are Students Attested After a Refresher Course ? The recommended regulations by the industry and the ARC and the AHA is that this course be taken every 12 months. The refresher course consists of a review of the skills needed and the students are run through the basics again. A mock class with a dummy is also part of the curriculum for students so that they get hands-on refreshers of standard practices. Medical technology also evolves every year and there are new guidelines to be followed every year. After the refresher course, students are assessed by their ability to demonstrate skills practically, perform resuscitation procedures on call, take part in role plays, written quiz to check knowledge and by analyzing case studies. Why the Experts Say You Need to Take a Refresher Course? In a statement release by the ARA (American Red Cross) Scientific Advisory Council:

  • Skill retention ability declines within a few months after the instructor has received training in CPR, this further decreases after a year
  • A test done on instructors a year after completion of the CPR course shows that most of them do not retain the skills learnt

Keeping this in mind, the AHA and ARC recommend that the refresher course be taken every year or periodically so that one can remember the skills and volunteer when there’s an emergency, both at home and at work or elsewhere. Refresher courses are offered in First Aid, CPR and other rescuer methods. It is only advisable that you take a refresher course if you have already been certified as an instructor. Some applicants assume that it’s easier to take a refresher course instead of taking the entire program. It may be noted that premier institutions always check for prior records of taking the regular course or certifications before letting someone taking the refresher course. Put simply, resuscitation is the most important acute medical care given to a person - it is, very literally, a life or death scenario. In such situations, it is primary that rescuers are at the top of their game and confident about their skills. You are, after all, someone who the victim’s life depends on. Make sure you regularly take the refresher CPR course if you intend to work in a rescue team.

Vlad Magdalin

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