Portland CPR is a top-tier provider of CPR training programs in Oregon. Students are given the option of enrolling in day or evening classes, sometimes even weekend classes if there are a lot of students signing up for training. There are a total eight CPR programs available, 5 training courses and 3 re-certification classes. All of the programs are certification courses where a student needs to pass a set of exams at the end of each program to receive their training credentials. Only the general public program for basic CPR does not require students to get certified; the certification exam is optional.
Credentials
Certificates are awarded to all students who are able to complete the program and pass the practical and written exam at the end. These credentials expire after 24 months; renewal can be completed through re-certification. However, rescuers cannot renew expired certificates, only certificates that are still valid are honored for renewal.
BLS vs. ALS training
Basic Life Support is a set of training programs that teach students basic skills in giving CPR. The programs prepare students to give one-person CPR to a victim of cardiac arrest in a place without equipment and medication typically found in a hospital. The BLS guidelines highlight several steps when performing CPR, the first three of which are taught in detail in BLS programs. These steps are called the “Chain of Survival” and is made up of five links. The five links are: (1) recognition of cardiac arrest, (2) starting chest compressions, (3) defibrillation, (4) advanced life support, and (5) post-cardiac arrest care.
On the other hand, Advanced Life Support training focuses on giving CPR to a patient in a hospital or a similar clinical setting. While the program still teaches the basics, it focuses more on using CPR equipment such as bag valve masks and endotracheal tubes and medications given to a patient during a code. A code is refers to a patient experiencing cardiac arrest.
BLS programs
- Heartsaver CPR/AED – 4 hours, general public course – teaches one-person CPR rescue, basic first aid and AED training
- Heartsaver CPR/AED – 4.5 hours, healthcare provider course – teaches one-person CPR rescue, basic first aid and AED training
- Basic Life Support – 4.5 hours, healthcare provider course (re-certification 4 hours) – teaches BLS guidelines, one-person and two-person CPR rescue, basic first aid and AED training
ALS programs
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support – 2 days, 16 hours total, healthcare providers (re-certification 5-6 hours) – teaches proper use of CPR equipment, adult pharmacology, adult physical assessment
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support – 2 days, 14 hours total, healthcare providers (re-certification 6-8 hours) – teaches proper use of CPR equipment for children, pediatric pharmacology, pediatric assessment
Enrolment
There are many ways to sign up for training with Portland CPR. You can visit the homepage for contact details if you want to pass your application through e-mail or over a telephone call. An online form can also be filled out with your personal and enrolment details. However, since some details are needed to be smoothed out in person, walk-in enrolment during business hours are highly encouraged by the staff.