Quick Guide to CPR and ACLS Training in the St. Louis Area

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I. Introduction

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training provide critical lifesaving skills for healthcare providers. Being CPR and ACLS certified can make the difference between life and death in an emergency situation where someone needs resuscitation or defibrillation. Whether you are a doctor, nurse, EMT, or other medical professional, getting proper training in these protocols is essential.


In the St. Louis area, there are a variety of options for top-notch CPR and ACLS certification courses. This article will provide an overview of CPR and ACLS and give tips on finding the right class in St. Louis to fit your schedule and budget. With the proper training from reputable organizations like the American Heart Association, you can gain the skills and confidence to potentially save your patient's life under pressure.

II. Overview of CPR and ACLS Training

CPR training teaches critical skills like chest compressions and rescue breaths to keep blood and oxygen flowing to a person in cardiac arrest until advanced help arrives. ACLS builds on these skills to include using devices like defibrillators and administering cardiac drugs under specialized protocols.

The American Heart Association's Basic Life Support (BLS) course is the foundation, while ACLS represents more advanced training for medics and providers who need to know how to manage unstable tachycardias, bradycardias, strokes, and cardiac arrest. Courses involve both lectures and hands-on skills practice.

Overview of CPR and ACLS Training

The main differences between BLS, ACLS, and CPR certifications are the level of skills and detail covered in each one. BLS courses teach core skills like CPR, the use of a bag-valve mask, and automated external defibrillator operation. ACLS builds on this by training on skills including synchronized cardioversion, transcutaneous pacing, and intravenous fluid or medication administration for more advanced cardiac life support.

CPR training on focuses on high-quality chest compressions, establishing an open airway, rescue breathing, and safe use of an AED. It is geared towards non-medical providers, while BLS and ACLS are for professional medical providers.

In CPR and ACLS courses, students will learn skills such as:

  • High-quality, uninterrupted chest compressions

  • Effective breathing techniques

  • Use of bag-valve-mask for rescue breathing

  • Applying and using AEDs

  • Managing airways

  • Administering emergency medications

  • Arrhythmia recognition

  • Defibrillation

  • Team dynamics and communication

Practical sessions allow students to practice these skills on advanced life support manikins and simulate real-life emergency scenarios. Skills are tested throughout the class and students must pass skill tests to receive certification.

III. Finding CPR and ACLS Classes in St. Louis

CPR St. Louis is one of the top providers of American Heart Association CPR and ACLS training in the St. Louis metro area. They offer courses for both healthcare providers and the general public.

CPR St. Louis has trained over 60,000 students and conducts classes almost daily across in Missouri and Illinois. Their instructors are licensed healthcare professionals with years of real-world experience.

  • For healthcare providers, CPR St. Louis offers:

  • BLS Healthcare Provider CPR

  • ACLS Certification

  • BLS Skills Session for License Renewal

  • Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED

Courses are available on weekdays, weekends, and evenings to fit any schedule. Students can choose from online blended learning or in-person classroom courses. Classes are kept small for more personalized training.

CPR St. Louis also offers CPR, AED, and first aid training for schools, businesses, churches, daycares, and the general public. Their instructors will come to your location to train groups of people onsite.

Compared to Red Cross or hospital-based courses, CPR St. Louis is focused specifically on CPR and emergency cardiovascular care training. Their classes are competitively priced and tailored towards passing the AHA exams.


IV. Tips for Choosing the Right Class

When deciding which CPR or ACLS class to take, keep the following tips in mind:

Check the class schedule and register early - CPR St. Louis offers courses almost daily but they can fill up fast. Give yourself plenty of time and have some flexibility with dates if possible. Popular class times are booked out further in advance.

Consider small class sizes - CPR St. Louis caps their classes at 6 students per instructor to ensure individualized attention. Small groups are ideal for proper skills practice. Be wary of courses that overload classes.

Evaluate cost and accessibility - CPR St. Louis offers competitive pricing with discounts for renewals and group sign-ups. Make sure the location is convenient to minimize your commute time.

Read reviews and pass rates - With a 4.9-star review average on Google and years of experience, CPR St. Louis has strong credibility. See if past students recommend the course. High pass rates indicate quality teaching.

Focus on the basics - As a healthcare provider, you want a solid BLS/CPR foundation before ACLS. Make sure the class will properly cover all required skills and protocols.

Choosing CPR St. Louis means selecting a trusted, reputable training center focused on building life-saving skills. Their experience and reviews give confidence you’ll walk away certified and prepared.

V. What to Expect During the Class

CPR and ACLS classes blend educational lectures with hands-on skills practice. Here's an overview of what to expect when taking a class with CPR St. Louis:

Skills Practice on Manikins - You'll spend time working one-on-one and in groups practicing skills like chest compressions, ventilation, and defibrillation on specialized manikins. The manikins provide feedback on technique.

Lectures and Videos - Instructors will teach you the science behind techniques and protocols. Videos demonstrate proper procedures. There are short quizzes to check comprehension.

Tips for Passing Testing - Instructors will share insider tips to help you pass the required skills tests. Testing is done throughout the class to ensure proficiency.

Team Scenarios - You'll work through emergency medical scenarios as a team. This tests how you perform under pressure and your ability to communicate effectively.

Written Exam - At the end of the class, you'll take the certification exam on a computer. Your instructor will let you know if you pass immediately.

The small class sizes at CPR St. Louis allow for personalized attention. You'll be able to ask questions, perfect techniques, and gain confidence in your skills. Expect an intense focus on hands-on learning. Walk away knowing you have the skills to save lives.

VI. Getting Certified

After completing all aspects of your CPR or ACLS course, here is the process for getting your official certification:

Taking the Written Exam - On the last day of class, you will take the certification exam on a computer. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions testing your knowledge.

Receiving Your Card - If you pass the exam, you will immediately receive a temporary paper certificate. Your instructor will submit your information to the American Heart Association.

eCard - After the class, you will receive an email with instructions for accessing your eCard online through the AHA. You can print physical cards for an additional fee.

Valid for 2 Years - ACLS and BLS certifications expire after 2 years. You must retake the course and exam to renew them before expiration.

With CPR St. Louis, you can be confident you are getting an accredited certification that will be universally recognized at any medical facility. Having a current ACLS or BLS card is a requirement for healthcare providers. Taking the class is an investment in your career and the lives of your patients.

V. Conclusion

Maintaining current CPR and ACLS certification is critical for healthcare providers in the St. Louis area. These lifesaving skills allow you to act quickly and effectively in the event of an emergency cardiovascular situation.

With frequent classes held across the metro area, CPR St. Louis offers a convenient, affordable, and quality way to gain or renew your CPR, BLS, and ACLS credentials. Their experienced instructors provide hands-on practice and tips tailored towards passing the AHA exams.

Don't put it off - check the CPR St. Louis schedule and register for an upcoming class today. Investing in your medical education and staying current on protocols helps ensure you can deliver the best possible care when lives are on the line.

Ready to register for CPR or ACLS classes and get certified? Visit aclsstlouis.com to view the course schedule and sign up online. Contact CPR St. Louis to get certified or recertified in ACLS or BLS. With proper training, you will gain the confidence to respond appropriately if a cardiac crisis arises.

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