Blog - First Support CPR and First Aid Training

What Would You Do if Someone Collapsed in Front of You and Stopped Breathing?

Imagine this: You’re out at a park, a mall, or even at home, and someone suddenly collapses in front of you. Their breathing stops, and the moments feel like hours as panic sets in. What would you do?

It’s a scenario no one wants to think about, but it’s one we all should prepare for. In those critical moments, knowing how to perform hands-only CPR (also known as compression-only CPR) could mean the difference between life and death.

Why Hands-Only CPR Matters

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique designed to keep oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and vital organs until professional help arrives. While traditional CPR combines chest compressions with rescue breaths, hands-only CPR focuses solely on chest compressions, making it simpler and easier for bystanders to perform in emergencies.

Studies show that hands-only CPR is just as effective as traditional CPR for sudden cardiac arrest in adults, especially in the first few minutes. Plus, it eliminates the hesitation some people feel about performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on a stranger.

How to Perform Hands-Only CPR in 8 Simple Steps

If someone collapses and stops breathing, here’s what to do:

Assess the Situation
- Check if the person is responsive. Tap their shoulders and shout, “Are you okay?”
- Look for signs of breathing. If there’s no response and no breathing (or only gasping), it’s time to act.
Call for Help
- Dial 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately or ask someone nearby to call.
Position the Person
- Lay the person flat on their back on a firm surface.
Find the Correct Hand Placement
- Kneel beside the person and place the heel of one hand on the center of their chest, right over the breastbone.
- Place your other hand on top of the first and interlock your fingers.
Perform Chest Compressions
- Push hard and fast, using your body weight to compress the chest about 2 inches deep.
- Aim for a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. You can use the beat of a song like Stayin Alive by the Bee Gees to keep the rhythm.
Don’t Stop
- Continue compressions until emergency responders arrive or someone with more advanced training takes over.
Avoid Interruptions
- Minimize pauses between compressions to keep blood circulating.
Stay Calm and Focused
- It’s natural to feel nervous, but your quick action can save a life.

When to Use Hands-Only CPR

Hands-only CPR is recommended for teens and adults who suddenly collapse and stop breathing. For infants, children, or victims of drowning or drug overdose, traditional CPR with rescue breaths may be more effective.

How to Learn CPR

While this guide provides a basic understanding, taking a certified CPR class is the best way to prepare for an emergency. American Heart Association has a lot of accredited CPR instructor like Tyler Davis from First Support CPR and First Aid Training that offer in-person training.

Final Thoughts

No one expects to face a life-or-death situation, but being prepared can make all the difference. By learning and practicing hands-only CPR, you’re equipping yourself with the skills to step up and potentially save a life.

The next time you ask yourself, “What would I do?” you’ll know the answer. Take the first step today by signing up for a CPR course because preparation saves lives.

Keep the Holidays Simple: Avoid Getting More Than You Bargained For.

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and abundance, but it can also come with a fair share of stress, overspending, and even regret. From overloaded shopping carts to overbooked schedules, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters and find yourself with “more than you asked for” in the worst ways.

This year, let’s embrace the season with intention and mindfulness. Here’s how you can enjoy the holidays without taking on unnecessary burdens.

1. Keep Your Gift List in Check

The pressure to buy the “PERFECT” gift for everyone can lead to overspending and unnecessary stress.

Tips to Stay on Track:

Set a Budget: Determine how much you can afford to spend and stick to it. Use cash or prepaid cards if you’re tempted to overspend with credit.
Simplify Your List: Focus on meaningful gifts for close family and friends rather than feeling obligated to buy for everyone.
Give Experiences or DIY Gifts: Consider gifting a movie night, a homemade craft, or baked goods instead of material items.

Remember, thoughtful gestures often mean more than expensive presents.

2. Avoid Overcommitting Your Time

Holiday parties, school events, family gatherings, and volunteering can quickly overwhelm your calendar. While it’s wonderful to celebrate with loved ones, saying “YES” to everything can leave you exhausted.

How to Manage Your Time:

Prioritize Your Commitments: Decide which events are most important and politely decline others.
Schedule Downtime: Block off time for rest and relaxation so you can recharge.
Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: Spend meaningful time with a few loved ones rather than spreading yourself too thin.

Saying “NO” to some invites allows you to fully enjoy the moments you say “YES” to.

3. Be Mindful of Holiday Indulgences

The holidays are synonymous with delicious feasts and festive treats, but overindulgence can leave you feeling sluggish and uncomfortable.

Tips for Balanced Enjoyment:

Savor Treats in Moderation: Enjoy your favorite holiday dishes, but listen to your body and avoid overeating.
Stay Active: Make time for family walks, winter activities, or even a dance party at home to stay energized.
Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water can help you feel your best and curb unnecessary snacking.

Enjoying the season doesn’t mean overdoing it. it’s about finding joy in small, intentional choices.

4. Resist the Pressure to “Do It All”

Social media and societal expectations can make you feel like you need to decorate every corner of your home, host elaborate parties, or create Instagram-worthy moments at every turn.

How to Focus on What Matters:

Simplify Your Traditions: Choose a few meaningful traditions to focus on rather than trying to do everything.
Limit Social Media Scrolling: Don’t compare your holiday to curated posts online. Celebrate what’s real and unique to your family.
Delegate Tasks: Let family members help with cooking, decorating, or gift wrapping. it’s more fun as a team!

The holidays aren’t a competition; they’re a time to connect and celebrate in ways that bring you joy.

5. Reflect on What Truly Matters

It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season, but the holidays are ultimately about love, gratitude, and togetherness.

Ways to Stay Grounded:

Practice Gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for.
Give Back: Volunteer, donate, or find ways to help those in need. it’s a beautiful reminder of the season’s true spirit.
Focus on Relationships: Spend quality time with loved ones, even if it’s a simple chat over hot cocoa.

When you center your holidays around connection and gratitude, you’ll find fulfillment without the extra “baggage.”

Final Thoughts

The holidays don’t have to leave you feeling drained, overwhelmed, or burdened. By staying mindful of your spending, commitments, and priorities, you can enjoy the season without getting more than you bargained for.

This year, embrace simplicity, cherish the little moments, and let the holiday season bring you everything you truly need and nothing you don’t. 🎄✨

Pediatric First Aid CPR AED in San Jose California

First Support CPR and First Aid Training offers Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Classes in San Jose California. We offer also offer First Aid, First Aid CPR AED, CPR AED and BLS Provider. Our classes are every Tuesday at 7:00 PM or if you wish, we can schedule a special class for you with a minimum of 3 persons. We are American Heart Association Authorized Training Center. After taking the CPR class, students will receive the certification card right away through email. CPR Classes take place at our own facilities rather than in the downtown area where students are required to park in the garage where they would have to pay for parking. Students shouldn’t have to pay for parking for a class that they are already paying for. Therefore parking is free when you take a CPR Class with us.

BLS Class in San Jose California

First Support CPR and First Aid Training offers BLS (Basic Life Support) Classes in San Jose California. We offer also offer First Aid, First Aid CPR AED, CPR AED and Pediatric First Aid CPR AED. Our classes are every Tuesday at 7:00 PM or if you wish, we can schedule a special class for you with a minimum of 3 persons. We are American Heart Association Authorized Training Center. After taking the CPR class, students will receive the certification card right away through email. CPR Classes take place at our own facilities rather than in the downtown area where students are required to park in the garage where they would have to pay for parking. Students shouldn’t have to pay for parking for a class that they are already paying for. Therefore parking is free when you take a CPR Class with us.

First Aid Class in San Jose California

First Support CPR and First Aid Training offers First Aid Class in San Jose California. We also offer BLS Provider, First Aid CPR AED, CPR AED and Pediatric First Aid CPR AED. Our classes are every Tuesday and Friday at 7:00 PM or if you wish, we can schedule a special class for you with a minimum of 3 persons. We are American Heart Association Authorized Training Center. After taking the CPR class, students will receive the certification card right away through email. CPR Classes take place at our own facilities rather than in the downtown area where students are required to park in the garage where they would have to pay for parking. Students shouldn’t have to pay for parking for a class that they are already paying for. Therefore parking is free when you take a CPR Class with us.

First Aid CPR AED Class in San Jose California

First Support CPR and First Aid Training offers First Aid CPR AED Classes in San Jose California. We also offer BLS Provider, First Aid, and Pediatric First Aid CPR AED. Our classes are every Tuesday at 7:00 PM or if you wish, we can schedule a special class for you with a minimum of 3 persons. We are American Heart Association Authorized Training Center. After taking the CPR class, students will receive the certification card right away through email. CPR Classes take place at our own facilities rather than in the downtown area where students are required to park in the garage where they would have to pay for parking. Students shouldn’t have to pay for parking for a class that they are already paying for. Therefore parking is free when you take a CPR Class with us.

CPR AED Class in San Jose California

First Support CPR and First Aid Training offers CPR AED Classes in San Jose California. We also offer BLS Provider, First Aid, First Aid CPR AED, and Pediatric First Aid CPR AED. Our classes are every Tuesday and Friday at 7:00 PM or if you wish, we can schedule a special class for you with a minimum of 3 persons. We are American Heart Association Authorized Training Center. After taking the CPR class, students will receive the certification card right away through email. CPR Classes take place at our own facilities rather than in the downtown area where students are required to park in the garage where they would have to pay for parking. Students shouldn’t have to pay for parking for a class that they are already paying for. Therefore parking is free when you take a CPR Class with us.

Causes and Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

What is cardiac arrest?

Cardiac arrest is a sudden failure of the heart, which disrupts the blood supply to the rest of the body. This condition causes the patient to lose consciousness and stop breathing.

It is a critical medical emergency that can be life-threatening. If you witness someone experiencing a cardiac arrest, call 911 immediately.

Cardiac arrest is not the same as a heart attack, though a heart attack can be a common cause. In a heart attack, blood flow to the heart is blocked due to blood clots. A person having a heart attack is still conscious and breathing, but without treatment, they may go into cardiac arrest, which can be fatal.

Symptoms of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest occurs suddenly, and its signs can include:

Sudden collapse
No pulse or heartbeat
No breathing
Loss of consciousness

There may be warning signs before a sudden cardiac arrest, such as:

Chest discomfort
Shortness of breath
Weakness
Fast, fluttering, or pounding heartbeat

However, many cardiac arrests happen unexpectedly.

How to Help Someone Experiencing Cardiac Arrest

If you see someone who is unconscious and not breathing normally, seek emergency medical help immediately. While waiting for paramedics to arrive, you can:

Perform CPR: Check the person’s breathing. If they are not breathing normally, begin CPR. Push hard and fast on the chest, about 100 – 120 compressions per minute. If trained in CPR, deliver rescue breaths after every 30 compressions. Continue until an automated external defibrillator (AED) is available or the ambulance arrives.
Use an AED: AEDs provide step-by-step instructions. Use the AED to check the person’s heart rhythm. If a shock is needed, deliver it and then resume CPR or chest compressions.

Causes of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest can be caused by various heart diseases, including:

Coronary artery disease: Arteries clogged with cholesterol and other deposits.
Heart attack: Can trigger cardiac arrest.
Heart failure: The heart can’t pump enough blood to the body’s tissues.
Enlarged heart: The heart’s muscular walls stretch and enlarge or thicken.
Valvular heart disease: Heart valves leak or narrow, leading to heart muscle stretching or thickening.
Electrical problems in the heart: Conditions like Brugada syndrome and long QT syndrome cause dangerous irregular heart rhythms.
Congenital heart disease: Structural problems in the heart present at birth.

Risk Factors for Cardiac Arrest

Risk factors for cardiac arrest are similar to those for coronary artery disease and can be categorized into non-modifiable and modifiable factors.

Non-modifiable risk factors:

Age: Risk increases with age.
Gender: Men have a higher risk, but the risk for women increases after menopause.
Family history: Higher risk if a close family member had heart disease at a young age.
Ethnicity: Higher risk for people of South Asian, African, or Caribbean descent.

Modifiable risk factors:

Diabetes: High blood sugar damages heart vessels and increases the risk of heart disease.
High blood pressure: Causes arteries to thicken or harden, narrowing them and reducing blood flow.
High cholesterol: Leads to plaque formation in the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Obesity: Worsens other risk factors.
Sedentary lifestyle: Contributes to coronary artery disease and other risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure.
Stress: Poorly managed stress can damage arteries.
Smoking: Increases the risk of heart disease by 2 – 4 times.
Unhealthy eating habits: Diets high in saturated fat, trans fat, salt, and sugar increase the risk of cardiac arrest.

Complications and Related Diseases of Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest reduces blood flow to the brain. If heart rhythm is not restored quickly, brain damage can occur, leading to death. Survivors of prolonged cardiac arrest may suffer from brain damage.

Preventing Cardiac Arrest

Reduce your risk of sudden cardiac arrest by:

Going for regular health screenings
Eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight
Exercising frequently, unless advised otherwise by a doctor
Moderating alcohol consumption
Quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoke

First Aid CPR AED Why it is important?

First aid is important because it is the temporary assistance an injured or unwell person needs until professional medical care arrived. The employers’ responsible to keep the workplace safe for employees and ensure that designated people are trained in First Aid, CPR, and AED for immediate and appropriate response during emergency situation. Studies shows that CPR, provided on time, can triple the chances of surviving.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are portable life-saving device use to treat people experiencing cardiac arrest. A cardiac arrest is a medical condition in which the heart stops beating suddenly and unexpectedly. The combination of CPR and AEDs saves lives when used in the first few minutes following the collapse from cardiac arrest. training.

The First Aid CPR AED is beneficial in the workplace. It can save a precious lives. An employee who knows how to perform CPR and use an automated external defibrillator (AED) can mean the difference between someone living and dying during a medical emergency. Having someone on-site to perform CPR or use an AED can keep a patient in cardiac arrest alive until professional medical personnel arrive on the scene. An onsite AED can be a valuable investment, especially if you opt for an affordable and user-friendly model that requires virtually no maintenance.

Employees that undergo First Aid CPR AED training are equipped with valuable knowledge that will allow them to be more watchful. This increased level of safety awareness and will lead to reduced reckless behavior and greater respect for health and safety protocols. During CPR training, employees will also learn about the possible causes of cardiac arrest and its long-term impact on the body.

At home, Children are naturally active, curious, and fearless, which can lead to injuries and accidents. Every year, 9.2 million children go to emergency rooms for non-fatal injuries. Various situations may require CPR, like suffocation, smoke inhalation, near drownings, accidents, and poisonings. When parents take a CPR class, they take a big step in keeping their families safe.

Having knowledge of CPR and first aid allows you to act quickly and may even save a life. Keeping yourself safe means you are in a position to help others rather than needing help from others.

If you want to learn these life-saving skills you can reserve a seat in one of our classes. You can email us at info@firstsupportcpr.com or you can call us at (408)475-7724

The Pro’s and Con’s of Hot and Cold Shower

What to Know About the Pro’s and Con’s of a Hot and Cold Shower. Understanding when to take a hot or cold shower is essential. Regardless of the type of shower you prefer, it has a potential health benefits.

Cold Shower Pro’s

Cold showers are any showers with a water temperature below 70°F. It increase endorphins, Keep your hair shiny and your skin hydrated, and enhance blood circulation. They may also help fight off common illnesses. Cold showers are not a main source of treatment for any condition, but it may help improve symptom relief and general well-being.

Increases endorphins

One holistic method of treatment that’s gaining popularity is hydrotherapy. Taking a cold shower for up to 5 minutes, 2 to 3 times per week, was shown to help relieve symptoms of depression. Cold showers can work as a kind of gentle electroshock therapy. The cold water sends many electrical impulses to your brain. They jolt your system to increase alertness, clarity, and energy levels. Endorphins, which are sometimes called happiness hormones, are also released. This effect leads to feelings of well-being and optimism.

Keep your hair shiny and your skin hydrated.

Cold showers can temporarily tighten your pores and help you retain the natural oils in your skin and hair. Those prone to dry skin or concerned about dry, brittle hair might consider taking a cold shower often.

Improves Blood circulation

When we feel cold, our bodies naturally switch to survival mode and react by increasing our heart rate. The cold water puts our circulatory system into overdrive, causing our heart to pump more efficiently and improve blood circulation throughout our body.

Helps fight off common illnesses

The shock of cold water in the bloodstream stimulates leukocytes. This means that taking cold showers can help you resist to common illnesses, like colds and the flu. Cold showers could also make the body more resistant to certain types of cancer.

Cold Shower Con’s

Cold showers might not be a good idea if you’re already cold, since the cooler temperature isn’t going to help warm you up by any means. It could actually make you even colder and increase the amount of time it will take for your body to warm back. They may not be a good idea if you’re sick, either. Initially, the cold temperature might be too hard on your immune system, so it’s best to ease into the cooler temperatures.

Hot Shower Pro’s

Hot Shower burn calories

When you are soaking in a hot bath, you are burning a few calories while enjoying all the wonderful and relaxing benefits of a warm bath. Hot baths and showers should never be used as a substitute for exercise.

Hot showers provide relief from cold or respiratory symptoms

The heat from the water and the steam can help to open airways, loosen up phlegm and clear out your nasal passages.

Keep your skin clear and healthy

Hot showers can help open up the pores of the skin, which allows you to clean out the trapped dirt and oil.

Hot showers are good for muscle relaxation

The muscles in your body may feel tense after a long day. Hot shower helps you relax, relieve body tension and can help soothe muscle fatigue.

Hot Shower Con’s

Hot showers can dry out and irritate your skin. Hot water causes damage to the keratin cells that are located on the most outer layer of our skin. By disrupting these cells, it creates dry skin and prevents the cells from locking in moisture.

Hot shower can also make certain skin conditions worse. Higher temperatures make it easier for the skin to dry out and worsen conditions like eczema.

Hot showers can cause you to itch. The heat can cause mast cells (which contain histamine) to release their contents in the skin and cause itching.

They can increase your blood pressure, too. If you have problems with high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease, taking a shower that’s too hot can make these conditions worse.

Which Shower type you think is best for you?

Avoid taking showers that are too cold or too hot that may harm your health. Knowing the Pro’s and Con’s of Hot and Cold shower before deciding where to turn the shower nozzle is important. This helpful guide can assist you in determining whether you should take a cold or hot shower.