American Red Cross Heartland Chapter human and pet CPR and first aid instructor, David Smith, said the course’s main emphasis is to give participants a solid foundation in recognizing signs and the confidence to make the right decisions.
“We also emphasize to get your pet to the vet,” Smith said in a phone interview on Tuesday, August 25. “We highly recommend at least one person per household have life saving skills for humans or pets.” Smith has been teaching CPR since 1991.
What is CPR?
According to the American Heart Association, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a “combination of rescue breathing and chest compressions delivered to victims thought to be in cardiac arrest.” CPR training is available to anyone – and classes can be taken through the American Hearth Association, the Red Cross, health colleges, hospitals or even through the fire department.
Dog and Cat CPR Use Mannequins
Smith uses cat and dog models that, like human mannequins, can be utilized to practice real-life situations. The models are average size pets. Smith said that the classes are separated between cats and dogs; courses are two-and-a-half hours each.
“The bigger the dog (or cat), the harder it is to give chest compressions,” Smith said.
Who Takes the Class?
Smith said that about half of his class members have had something happen to their pet and they wanted to prevent another situation; the other half are learning the skills to recognize and prevent. Smith recommends that even young children take the class to learn about pet safety. Parents and pet-owners, Smith said, need to realize that pets can choke on anything from toys to food.
“When dealing with an animal, kids need to learn to be safe,” Smith said. “Pet safety is a big issue.”
Class members are not allowed to actually bring their pets, but they often bring photos. Smith encourages and learns from other students, scenarios that have occurred. He also invites and has taught veterinarians the class.
Course Material
Smith instructs students on skills such as checking the pet’s pulse, applying breathing techniques as well as covering bleeding. Students receive a certificate of completion, a course book and instructional DVD.
“For the cat course we also go over diabetes care,” Smith said.
Course Schedule
The American Red Cross Heartland Chapter offers regularly scheduled courses in pet CPR. Smith said that groups of six or more can coordinate a meeting facility, and he will come to their location. Contact regional locations to secure placement in the four-hour course.
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