CPR guidelines address the management of cardiac arrest during an emergency and the use of equipment to facilitate the process. The American Heart Association prepares these guidelines, which are helpful tools for AHA instructors and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) providers.
The guidelines are recommended and applied in many states and may undergo slight variations. This is due to the different legislation, the certification process, recognition and licensing of training centers, and more.
In this article, we’ll review the state CPR guidelines for New York. We’ll also look into professional and other requirements regarding CPR procedures.
CPR Certification for Professionals in New York
New York is similar to any other state in imposing strict measures related to CPR certification for professionals. The list of professions needing mandatory CPR certificates is long and includes industries like medicine, construction, hospitality, and more.
The OSHA CPR standards offer a list of professionals who are obliged to have CPR certification, so which professionals need mandatory certification in New York? Emergency medical services (EMS) and lifeguards are understandably always on the list. New York’s Department of Health obliges EMS professionals to have certification in CPR/BLS. Their skills include using an automated external defibrillator (AED) and first aid, among others.
Other professionals that need mandatory CPR certification in New York are:
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- Social workers, nannies, daycare facility workers, babysitters, and anyone that works with children, the elderly, and the disabled;
- Manufacturers, retail workers, and workers in construction;
- Professional or volunteer coaches, personal and fitness trainers, or any individual imparting training guidance.
- Employees in educational facilities, regardless of the job, that come in contact with students;
- Employees in aquatic facilities, swimming instructors, lifeguards, water fitness trainers, rowing and diving coaches;
- All employees in a doctor’s or dentist’s office, like technicians, administrators, receptionists, etc.;
- Police officers, corrections officers, firefighters, security workers, etc.
CPR Guidelines for Aquatic Facilities and Children’s Camps
New York takes extreme caution when it comes to children and aquatic facilities. Detailed guidelines offer a complete insight into the CPR and first aid certification needed for camp operators and employees working in aquatic facilities.Â
Being an employee in an aquatic facility or a children’s camp bears a lot of responsibility. Being prepared to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, chest compressions, or rescue breathing in an emergency is a must.
The guidelines provide a list of acceptable certification providers where they can get their CPR certificate. Some of these providers are:
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- American Heart Association
- American Red Cross
- American Lifeguard Association
- American Safety and Health Institute.
- EMS Safety Institute
- National Safety Council
CPR Guidelines for High School Students in New York
CPR certification has become part of the health education curriculum in many states, including New York. A bill was passed requiring all high school students to train in CPR and AED use.
The state acknowledged the need for training the younger generation in handling emergency situations. Training students to deliver CPR and perform defibrillation means giving them the tools and skills to save lives.
Schools should provide students with CPR training and instructions on hands-only CPR and using an automated external defibrillator. By taking CPR training, students will develop the ability to recognize a cardiac arrest and know how to react quickly during emergencies.
CPR Guidelines for Health Clubs, Bars, and Restaurants
CPR guidelines may differ from industry to industry, so the New York Department of Health has issued more detailed instructions for facilities like restaurants, health clubs, and bars. The guidelines contain a short overview of needed equipment, cost for this equipment, liability, and required reaction in case of emergencies.Â
Being that the above mentioned facilities are places where staff have continuous interaction with people day and night, it is essential that CPR standards are strictly followed and applied.
In emergencies, the Good Samaritan Law protects bystanders who deliver CPR, which means acting in case a person is unable to breathe, unconscious, or injured. The bystander should offer emergency assistance voluntarily without asking for monetary compensation.Â
These facilities must have the right equipment on the premises. It needs to be placed in an area that will be accessible in case of an emergency. According to the guidelines, equipment should be placed throughout the premises to be brought to a victim within 3 minutes. The equipment must contain the following:
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- Two FDA-approved air resuscitation masks (children)
- Two FDA-approved air resuscitation masks (adults)
The facility should also have disposable gloves with the equipment. All equipment must be appropriately labeled with an information label. If the equipment is used during an emergency, it must be replaced no later than 96 hours after the incident.
These facilities should also have clear signs showing the location of the CPR equipment and what to do during emergencies. They must adhere to the requirements given in the guidelines.
CPR Training Available in New York
New York offers several courses designed for individuals or teams looking to gain the proper knowledge and skills and offer assistance during breathing and cardiac emergencies. Some of these courses include training in Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR for various professions like healthcare workers, staff of aquatic facilities, people working with children and the elderly, and more.
When searching for a training center to attend a CPR course, be sure that AHA and the ARC license them. Almost all training centers get their licenses from one of these two institutions. Check with your employer to ensure that your CPR certification meets their requirements and avoid exposing yourself to additional costs of getting the right one.
The training centers offer courses where a trained and knowledgeable instructor will guide you through the various steps. The courses consist of two parts – a lecture, where you will gain knowledge, and a hands-on session. This second part is the practical session where you will gain the skills to perform CPR correctly. The practical part includes delivering CPR on a mannequin.
CPR Certificate Validity and Recertification
Many think that getting CPR certified is a one-time thing. CPR certification is for life and means continuously upgrading your knowledge and skills. Like in almost all other states throughout the US, the CPR certificate in New York is good for two years from the day you pass the certification process. And while this may be just a job requirement for some, for others, it means gaining the right skills to perform their job every day.
The CPR certificate needs to be renewed and extended every two years if you wish to maintain your certification. This can be done by taking abbreviated and renewal courses where you will refresh your memory and extend the certificate. These courses are also great for learning about the latest CPR techniques introduced since your last training.
Believe it or not, CPR skills tend to fade if used sparingly. This is why it is vital to get refresher courses as a reminder of what you have learned during your CPR training.
Final Words
New York, just like all other states, has established CPR guidelines and requirements that include a vast number of professions. Credible training centers offer courses that follow AMR and AHA-approved curriculums to meet those requirements.
New York has also extended its CPR training requirements to the younger generation. Making it a graduation requirement obligates high school students to pass a CPR training course and learn valuable skills that they can use to help fellow students. Cardiac arrest is a condition that doesn’t happen to just one age group or a particular gender, and knowing this lifesaving technique from a younger age may mean saving a life.
The state of New York continuously updates guidelines, so check for updated versions to ensure you are following the requirements.