Host: Nurse Staffing Solutions (CPR in Renton)
Duration: 5 Hours

Location: TBD

Course Description: Here’s a curriculum breakdown of the topics covered in the American Heart Association (AHA) Heartsaver® Course, organized by category, including an added category for Social Emotional Learning (SEL) related to self-care after administering CPR and first aid:

Adult CPR

• Recognizing cardiac arrest and calling for help
• Performing high-quality chest compressions
• Delivering rescue breaths
• Using a protective barrier for mouth-to-mouth breaths
• Coordinating CPR with an AED
• Responding to choking in adults

Child CPR

• Recognizing cardiac arrest in children
• Performing high-quality chest compressions for children
• Providing effective rescue breaths
• Using a protective barrier for breaths
• Coordinating CPR with an AED for children
• Responding to choking in children 

Infant CPR

• Recognizing cardiac arrest in infants
• Performing gentle but effective chest compressions
• Delivering rescue breaths for infants
• Using protective barriers for mouth-to-mouth on infants
• Handling airway obstruction (choking) in infants

Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

• Understanding the purpose of an AED
• Proper AED placement and operation
• Using an AED for adults, children, and infants
• Responding to special AED considerations (wet surfaces, pacemakers, etc.)
• Ensuring safety when using an AED

First Aid

Basics of First Aid:

• Assessing a scene for safety
• Contacting emergency services
• Following the primary and secondary assessment steps

Common First Aid Situations:

• Bleeding control techniques, including bandaging
• Handling shock and burns
• Responding to broken bones, sprains, and strains
• Managing bites and stings
• Treating heat and cold-related emergencies
• Recognizing and treating breathing problems (asthma, allergies)
• Understanding seizure care
• Responding to suspected poisoning

Social Emotional Learning (SEL)

The American Heart Association’s Heartsaver® curriculum inherently incorporates Social Emotional Learning (SEL) by preparing participants for the emotional challenges they may face during and after providing CPR and first aid. Throughout the course, learners are guided on how to calmly recognize the signs of an emergency and stay focused under pressure, fostering emotional resilience. After hands-on practice, participants are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, discuss potential emotional responses, and learn self-care strategies for coping with the stress of a real-life event. This emphasis on emotional preparedness and self-reflection ensures that participants acquire life-saving skills and develop the emotional tools to support their well-being in the aftermath of an emergency. 

Self-Care After Administering CPR and First Aid

• Understanding Emotional Impact:
  • Processing emotions after an emergency
  • Recognizing signs of emotional stress or trauma
• Self-Care Strategies:
  • Breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
  • Grounding techniques for emotional regulation
  • Practicing mindfulness to reduce stress
• Seeking Support:
  • Identifying resources for mental health and emotional support
  • Building a support network with colleagues and peers
  • Knowing when to seek professional help after a traumatic experience
• Coping with the Long-Term Impact:
  • Managing post-incident stress reactions
  • Engaging in regular self-care practices to maintain emotional health

This curriculum outline comprehensively explains the topics of AHA Heartsaver® CPR and First Aid training. It adds an SEL component for self-care, recognizing the importance of emotional well-being after handling emergencies. This SEL component helps participants develop resilience and prepare for the emotional aspects of life-saving interventions.