The 3 Main Differences between CPR First Aid Certification and Standalone Choking Courses

CPR First Aid Certification is a process by which an individual becomes certified to provide basic aid in cases of cardiac or respiratory arrest. CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, meaning assistance with breathing and/or heart function.

Choking course certification is a process by which an individual becomes certified to provide instruction on how to prevent and manage choking emergencies, for example, a food choking incident.

There are a few main differences between CPR certification and caring for someone who is choking; the steps involved, the equipment used, and the difference in training.

1. The Steps Involved

The most important difference is that CPR first aid certification teaches you that CPR is used to resuscitate a person who has stopped breathing and might be undergoing cardiac arrest. The steps used to resuscitate during CPR include; checking the airway, clearing it if necessary, giving rescue breaths, and chest compressions.

Caring for someone who is choking is different (The Heimlich maneuver is a common way to help someone who is choking), you don’t necessarily have to resuscitate them, and you can save their life without giving rescue breaths. The main thing is to make sure the airway is clear of any obstructions and also make sure they are breathing on their own before leaving them alone. Additionally, CPR is generally only performed on adults and children over the age of one, while anyone of any age can be helped if they are choking.

2. The Equipment Used

Another difference is the type of equipment used between the two. CPR involves using a compression bag, AED, and mask to provide air to the victim, while helping someone who is choking can be done with just your hands.

*A one-way valve that helps create a tight seal and mouthpiece to deliver rescue breaths, also it has a gauge that helps you monitor compression depth.

*Compression bags are used to provide air to the victim.

*AED is another equipment used for CPR, it helps by shocking the heart back into a normal rhythm.

3. Difference in Actual Training

There’s also a difference in the training required to receive certification for CPR and choking. CPR first aid certification typically takes about 4-6 hours to complete, while caring for someone who is choking takes about three to five minutes. Anyone can take a class to learn how to perform CPR, but it does require training and practice for the certification in order to be effective. CPR classes are usually in-person in case you have any questions or need to know if you are doing it correctly.

If you are not certified in CPR but encounter a person who is choking, you can still help them by following these steps:

– If the person is conscious, ask them to try to cough the obstruction out.

– If the person is unconscious, lay them on their back and open their airway.

– If you can see the object blocking the airway, remove it using your fingers or a spoon.

– If you can’t see the object, perform five back slaps between the person’s shoulder blades.

– If this doesn’t work, place your hand on the person’s stomach and perform five abdominal thrusts by performing a quick upward movement beneath their ribs.

– Finally, if the obstruction hasn’t been removed after these initial efforts, call emergency services and continue to provide the person with any necessary first aid.

Now You Can Choose Which One’s Right For You

There you have it, the three main differences between CPR first aid certification and simply taking a standalone choking course. Depending on what you will be using these certifications for will determine which one better aligns with your future.