From CPR to BLS: St. Louis Healthcare's Lifesaving Evolution

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 Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) has come a long way since its early beginnings in the 18th century. What started as primitive mouth-to-mouth resuscitation has evolved into a sophisticated, lifesaving technique that is taught across the country. St. Louis has been at the forefront of this evolution, with organizations like CPR St. Louis leading the way in bringing the latest CPR training to both healthcare professionals and the general public.



The Origins of CPR

While early iterations of CPR date back centuries, it wasn't until the 1950s that mouth-to-mouth resuscitation gained widespread adoption. Dr. James Elam was one of the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of breathing directly into a non-breathing patient's lungs to provide oxygen. This technique was later combined with chest compressions to circulate blood, forming what we now know as CPR.

Throughout the 1960s and 70s, CPR training continued to improve and expand beyond just doctors to include the general public. Organizations like the American Heart Association (AHA) began offering standardized CPR courses to teach proper life-saving techniques to everyday people. This ushered in an era where CPR certification became commonplace for everyone from healthcare workers to lifeguards, coaches, teachers, and babysitters.

The Arrival of BLS in St. Louis

In the 1990s, the AHA introduced a new training course called Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers. This course incorporated recent advances in resuscitation science to better equip healthcare professionals with the skills needed to save lives. St. Louis healthcare organizations were quick to adopt this new training standard. 

What's Covered in BLS Training

The BLS course teaches critical skills for healthcare professionals such as:

  • Adult, child, and infant CPR
  • Using an automated external defibrillator (AED)
  • Relieving choking
  • Applying bag-valve-mask ventilation
  • Managing cardiac arrest until EMS arrives

Proper training in these techniques has been shown to dramatically improve patient survival rates. Studies show that immediate CPR can double or even triple survival from cardiac arrest. Rapid defibrillation with an AED also plays a key role in saving lives.

BLS certification gives healthcare professionals the confidence to act quickly and effectively in an emergency to help save lives.

Who Needs BLS Training in St. Louis?

BLS training is essential for any healthcare professional in the St. Louis area who may need to perform CPR or use an AED as part of their job duties, including:

  • Doctors, nurses, EMTs, paramedics
  • Medical assistants, nursing assistants, nurse techs
  • Physical therapists, occupational therapists
  • Dentists, dental hygienists
  • Athletic trainers, coaches
  • Lifeguards, camp counselors
  • Childcare workers
  • Home health aides

BLS certification is required at most St. Louis healthcare facilities and is recommended for anyone pursuing a healthcare career. Proper training gives individuals confidence while providing employers assurance that staff can handle emergency situations.

The Benefits of Training at CPR St. Louis

CPR St. Louis offers AHA BLS certification courses across the St. Louis metro area. As an advocate for constant improvement in resuscitation science, CPR St. Louis stays up-to-date on the latest guidelines and emergency cardiovascular care standards.

Key benefits of training at CPR St. Louis include:

  • Instruction from AHA-certified BLS Instructors
  • State-of-the-art training using the latest-model equipment
  • Small class sizes for personal attention
  • Flexible class scheduling, including evenings and weekends
  • Free refresher training included if needed to pass
  • Digital certification card for easy access

In addition to BLS, CPR St. Louis offers CPR, ACLS, PALS, and many other lifesaving courses. With experienced instructors and a dedication to quality, CPR St. Louis gives St. Louis healthcare professionals the skills they need to save lives.

Enroll in BLS Training Today

As a leader in CPR and emergency cardiovascular care, CPR St. Louis is helping evolve local healthcare by empowering professionals with lifesaving skills. BLS certification is crucial for any St. Louis healthcare worker in order to respond effectively in an emergency.

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