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.

Archive for October, 2025

The Difference Between a Heart Attack and Cardiac Arrest

Oct
11

Date: October 11th, 2025

Heart-related emergencies are some of the leading causes of death worldwide. However, there is a common misconception that a heart attack and cardiac arrest are the same thing. While the two are closely related, they are distinct conditions with different causes, symptoms, and treatment protocols.

CPR on TV vs. Real Life: 5 Myths Debunked

Oct
10

Date: October 10th, 2025

Television and movies have a unique way of shaping our understanding of the world. When you watch a tense medical drama, it’s hard not to get caught up in the intensity — a patient flatlines, alarms blare, the medical team rushes in, and within seconds someone shouts, “Clear!” The paddles are pressed against the patient’s chest, a dramatic jolt occurs, and miraculously, the patient gasps for air and comes back to life.

How to Recognize the Signs of Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA)

Oct
09

Date: October 9th, 2025

When we hear about cardiac emergencies, many people think of a heart attack. But another equally critical condition, sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), often strikes without warning—and without prompt intervention, the outcome is often fatal.

The Alarming Statistics: Why CPR Training is More Important Than Ever

Oct
08

Date: October 8th, 2025

Imagine a loved one collapsing suddenly in front of you. You call emergency services—yet by the time help arrives, minutes have passed, and the chance to save them may slip away. This scenario isn’t rare. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) is a silent killer. But CPR training gives ordinary people the power to intervene—and the statistics make it clear: more training, more lives saved.

Understanding the Good Samaritan Law in Dallas, TX: Are You Protected?

Oct
07

Date: October 7th, 2025

Few people stop to help strangers in emergencies because of fear—fear of doing something wrong, fear of legal consequences, fear of being sued. That’s where the Good Samaritan Law plays a crucial role. It’s meant to remove that fear and empower people to act when lives are at stake.

A Brief History of CPR: From Kiss of Life to Modern Techniques

Oct
06

Date: October 6th, 2025

When someone’s heart suddenly stops beating, every second becomes critical. Today, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) is universally recognized as one of the most important life-saving procedures. But have you ever wondered where it came from?

The Chain of Survival: The 5 Critical Steps to Save a Life

Oct
05

Date: October 5th, 2025

When a person suffers sudden cardiac arrest, their survival depends on more than luck—it depends on a proven sequence of actions known as the Chain of Survival. This concept, developed by the American Heart Association (AHA), outlines five critical steps that dramatically improve the chances of survival when performed quickly and effectively. Sudden cardiac arrest can strike anyone, anywhere, anytime. Without immediate intervention, it is often fatal. But with the right steps, taken in the right order, survival rates can increase significantly—sometimes by 40–70%.

Hands-Only CPR vs. Full CPR with Breaths: Which One Should You Use?

Oct
04

Date: October 4th, 2025

When someone collapses suddenly and stops breathing, your next move could mean the difference between life and death. But in that critical moment, a common question arises: Should you perform Hands-Only CPR or Full CPR with Breaths? Both methods are life-saving, but they are designed for different circumstances. Understanding when to use each approach can help you act quickly and confidently in an emergency. This guide will explain the differences between Hands-Only CPR and Full CPR with breaths, review the science behind each technique, explore when to use them, and answer the most common questions people have about CPR. By the end, you’ll know which method is right to use—and why starting immediately is always better than doing nothing.

What is CPR and Why Does Every Second Count?

Oct
03

Date: October 3rd, 2025

Every year, millions of people around the world experience sudden cardiac arrest—a life-threatening emergency that can strike without warning. In those critical moments, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) can mean the difference between life and death. Yet, despite being one of the most important life-saving skills, many people are still unaware of what CPR truly is, how it works, and why acting quickly is essential.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what CPR is, how it works, why every second counts, and how you can learn this vital skill. By the end, you’ll understand why CPR is not just for doctors or healthcare professionals—it’s for everyone.