The American Academy of CPR and First Aid is accredited by Postgraduate Institute for Medicine who is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education® (ACCME) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

Online CPR Certification Blog

Children’s Heart Health: Prevention and Awareness for Parents.

Dec
30

Date: December 30th, 2025

Heart health is often associated with adults, but children’s heart health is just as important. While serious cardiac events in children are rare, heart conditions can exist from birth or develop over time. Awareness, healthy habits, and emergency preparedness play a vital role in keeping children safe.

How Opioid Overdoses Can Lead to Cardiac Arrest (and the Role of Naloxone)

Dec
29

Date: December 29th, 2025

Opioid overdoses are a growing public health concern and can quickly become life-threatening. While many people associate overdoses primarily with breathing problems, severe opioid toxicity can ultimately lead to cardiac arrest if not treated promptly.

The Science Behind Why Chest Compressions Work

Dec
28

Date: December 28th, 2025

Chest compressions are the cornerstone of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). While they may appear simple, compressions are based on well-established physiological principles that help keep blood—and oxygen—moving to vital organs during cardiac arrest.

How Does Oxygen Deprivation Affect the Brain During Cardiac Arrest?

Dec
27

Date: December 27th, 2025

During cardiac arrest, the heart suddenly stops pumping blood, cutting off oxygen supply to the brain. This lack of oxygen—known as hypoxia—causes rapid and potentially irreversible brain damage within minutes. Understanding how oxygen deprivation affects the brain highlights why immediate response and proper training such as CPR certification are critical for survival and neurological recovery.

Mental Health After a Traumatic Event: Coping for Rescuers and Survivors

Dec
26

Date: December 26th, 2025

Experiencing or responding to a traumatic event—such as cardiac arrest, severe injury, or sudden medical emergency—can have lasting psychological effects. While much attention is given to physical recovery, mental health after trauma is equally important for both survivors and rescuers.

The Role of Technology (Apps, Wearables) in Emergency Response

Dec
25

Date: December 25th, 2025

Technology is transforming how emergencies are detected, reported, and managed. From smartphone apps that alert nearby responders to wearable devices that monitor vital signs in real time, digital tools are becoming powerful allies in saving lives.

The Latest American Heart Association (AHA) Guideline Changes: What’s New?

Dec
24

Date: December 24th, 2025

The American Heart Association (AHA) regularly updates its resuscitation guidelines to reflect the latest scientific evidence. These updates play a crucial role in improving survival rates and neurological outcomes for cardiac arrest victims.

How Bystander CPR Dramatically Improves Neurological Outcomes

Dec
23

Date: December 23rd, 2025

When cardiac arrest occurs outside a hospital, survival and recovery depend heavily on the actions taken in the first few minutes. Among the most critical interventions is bystander CPR, which not only increases survival rates but also plays a major role in preserving neurological function.

The Link Between Lifestyle and Your Risk of Cardiac Arrest

Dec
22

Date: December 22nd, 2025

Cardiac arrest is often sudden and unexpected, but in many cases, the risk builds silently over time. Daily lifestyle choices—such as diet, physical activity, stress management, and smoking—play a major role in determining heart health and overall survival risk.

The Physiology of CPR: What’s Happening Inside the Body?

Dec
21

Date: December 21st, 2025

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is often described as a life-saving technique—but what actually happens inside the body when CPR is performed? Understanding the physiology of CPR explains why proper technique, timing, and CPR certification are critical for survival during cardiac arrest.