Some consider cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) a possible solution to giving cardiac arrest survivors a decent chance to live. It helps keep the person alive until the emergency medical services (EMS) takes over. With the increased number of heart diseases, the need to get certified in CPR is rising.
Every state in the USA has different regulations and requirements on CPR, and Nevada is just one of the states that have established guidelines for CPR training and certification. These guidelines ensure that citizens are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide emergency care in case of a cardiac arrest.
Looking for information on what are the state CPR guidelines for Nevada? In this article, we will explore the state CPR guidelines for Nevada, including the training requirements, certification process, and recommended protocols for performing CPR. By understanding the state’s regulations, individuals can feel confident and prepared to respond to a cardiac emergency and potentially save a life.
The Good Samaritan Law
The good Samaritan law is based on the idea that innocent bystanders who voluntarily assist in an emergency situation will be given immunity. Medical emergencies can happen anywhere, and this law protects from negligence claims when care is provided without the expectation of compensation.
NRS 41.500 gives an overview of people willing to offer emergency or gratuitous care. The Nevada law will protect an innocent bystander if the following conditions are met:
- The person receiving the help or care must be injured;
- It must be an emergency situation.
- The bystander offering emergency assistance or care must work for free;
- The bystander offering emergency assistance or care must work in good faith.
Who Needs CPR Certification in Nevada?
Being certified to deliver CPR to a person in need is not mandatory. However, living in a time when stress and unhealthy life choices can increase the occurrence of numerous medical conditions, knowing how to help someone is a plus.
Getting CPR trained and certified is an individual’s choice, but in some industries, it is mandatory. For health and medical workers, having CPR training is understood since the nature of their work involves daily contact with emergencies.
Firefighters, first responders, police officers, lifeguards, security guards, flight attendants, or any other profession that involves daily interaction with many people do need CPR training.
Imagine leaving your child or an elderly member of your family with someone who knows nothing about delivering CPR. Many unexpected situations can happen when these age groups are involved, and cardiac arrest is just one of them. There is a reason that caregivers, nannies, and babysitters must be CPR certified in Nevada.
Employees in the following industries and professions are also obliged to have CPR training and certification:
- Hospitality (managers, front desk staff, etc.);
- Education (teachers, students, coaches, counselors, instructors, etc.);
- Sports (those active in sports, including judges, fitness instructors, and trainers);
- Workers in the fields of labor, architecture, commerce, and catering;
- Swimming instructors, diving coaches, and employees at aquatic facilities.
CPR Training in Nevada High Schools
Sudden cardiac arrest happens without any warning, and it doesn’t distinguish between age, gender, or race. It can happen to anyone, which is why the importance of CPR training among different age groups is recognized throughout the country.
As of 2017, 36 states are enforcing legislation to introduce CPR training in the educational system, and Nevada is one of them. The idea is to have students attend a course that will train them and give them basic knowledge on first aid, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, chest compressions, and rescue breathing.
These skills will help them in possible emergency situations on school grounds and prepare them to help within the community. The American Heart Association aims to have the younger population trained and able to deliver basic CPR during emergencies.
CPR training is a requirement for graduation, and high school students have enough time, or four years to be precise, to take the course and pass the training. The interest of the young population in CPR training is increasing and they are embracing it as a vital skill.
How to Get CPR Certification in Nevada?
Bystanders play an essential role in emergency situations when a person suffers cardiac arrest. Recognizing the signs of cardiac arrest and the ability to perform lifesaving tasks mean the difference between life and death.
Many training centers in Nevada claim to offer CPR certification classes. However, it’s good to mention that not all of them are recognized as eligible to issue certificates. When selecting the training center for CPR certification, ensure they are licensed by the ARC or the AHA. These two institutions issue licenses to almost all training centers and organizations in Nevada.
During a CPR training course, trained instructors share the specifics of delivering CPR and the proper use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). In Nevada, CPR courses are available online and in-person, and a third option offers a blended experience of in-person sessions and online courses.
The online option is only sometimes recommended or accepted because it doesn’t allow certified instructors to assess the skills you have gained. It’s advisable to take the in-person or blended course and use the online course as a refresher to meet the requirements demanded by many employers and institutions.
The exam usually consists of a written and a practical skills test. When the course is successfully complete, you will receive your CPR certification.
CPR Recertification in Nevada
CPR certificate in Nevada is valid for 24 months from the date of issue. After two years, individuals will need to renew their certification to maintain their CPR skills and knowledge.
To renew your CPR certification in Nevada, you will need to retake a CPR course. The renewal process corresponds to the initial certification process, and completing the training course will get you recertification.
It’s important to check the expiry date of your CPR certification card regularly and plan ahead to renew your certification before it expires. If your certificate has expired, you will not be considered certified.
Why is CPR Recertification Necessary?
Many people tend to object to the certificate renewal, considering that getting CPR certified is sufficient. People fail to understand that we are all human and need frequent reminders because we tend to forget things. Whether we admit it or not, CPR skills tend to fade, especially if we don’t use them regularly.
The CPR recertification and refresher courses aim to refresh your skills, and they are also a great way to learn about novelties and new techniques. If you don’t deliver CPR regularly, these courses will help you keep your skills intact and stay up-to-date.
Final Thoughts
Nevada is one of the many states that take care of its citizens’ health and keep the laws, regulations, and requirements up to date. The well-structured legislation allows overall control of the CPR certification. Putting forward the mandatory CPR training in schools and a wide range of professions, Nevada has ensured that they have trained CPR staff among different age groups at all times.
The aim is to prepare CPR-trained staff to recognize a sudden cardiac arrest and follow the CPR guidelines to save a life. Nevada has numerous training centers licensed by the ARC and the AHA. Ensure that the instructors are certified to provide the proper CPR training.
Nevada regularly updates the guidelines and requirements, considering the increased number of cardiac arrests nationwide. Learning how to use an AED, or assist with the defibrillation process, chest compressions, and rescue breathing may result in saving the lives of more than one person. In a perfect world, getting everyone CPR trained and certified would be wise.