Preparing To Become A Healthcare Provider

By Author: Ned Hakam
Total Articles: 4762
Comment this article

When people think about healthcare providers, or becoming a healthcare provider, many picture doctors, nurses, surgeons, dentists and the like. In other words, what they think about are those men and women who have gone to school for years to become what they are. Contrary to conventional thought, however, the term "healthcare provider" simply means "an individual who provides health services to healthcare consumers".

Many who have thought of becoming a healthcare provider automatically think of the years of schooling. However, just as many have realized they can become a provider in a short amount of time and then immediately put what they've learned to practical application - and you can too.

Healthcare providers across the board have one thing in common: training. The only difference is the level of training involved, and it all starts with something as simple as CPR, AED and first aid training.

CPR

CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, an emergency procedure for those in cardiac or respiratory arrest. Though many believe that CPR is meant to restart a heart that has stopped, that ...
... is not its purpose.

When a patient goes into cardiac or respiratory arrest, the heart and/or lungs cease. They stop working. Once this happens, the level of oxygen to the body begins to slow or stops all together. A lack of oxygen to the brain and heart can cause tissue death and brain damage. This is when CPR is effective.

CPR is unlikely to restart the heart. However, what it does do is keep the heart and blood pumping, a very necessary part of resuscitation. After only four minutes, the brain can begin to sustain damage, damage that is irreversible after seven minutes. Chest compression keeps the oxygen flowing through the blood, which, in turn, keeps it flowing to the parts that need it the most: the heart and brain. This holds off tissue death, extends the period someone can be resuscitated without brain damage and keeps the heart responsive for defibrillation attempts.

AED

An AED is an automated external defibrillator. Its use in cardiac arrest has saved thousands of lives, if not more. AEDs can only be used in times when the heart is still beating, whether erratically or beating too fast to pump blood like it should.

For individuals that are in a "flat line" state, CPR would be needed first, to get the heart into a beating pattern that would respond well to defibrillation. AED training combined with CPR training has been an asset to many patients that would otherwise not have survived.

First Aid

First Aid training is a big step towards becoming a healthcare provider. It teaches you how to deal with minor issues, such as headaches or small cuts, to emergency medical aid, such as allergic reactions and serious wounds. You learn how to assess individuals in a stressful situation and recognize when that situation is treatable or needs emergency, hospitalized care.

First Aid is exactly what it sounds like. It is the medical help an individual needs immediately - first. If a victim has a gaping wound, for instance, you would need to know how to control the bleeding until emergency help got there.

A mix of First Aid, CPR and AED training is the preparatory step needed to become a healthcare provider. Combined with a high school diploma or GED, you will have the ability to step into medical professions such as:

- Certified nursing assistant
- Phlebotomist
- Dental assistant
- Medical assistant
- Cardiovascular technician
- Paramedic

The above positions all have on-the-job training, and your First Aid/CPR/AED courses will already have you prepared for emergencies that may arise. Step into training and step onto the path to becoming a qualified, competent healthcare provider!
About Author:
Visit CPR AED Course.com and learn about the cpr recertification and first aid courses available for just $19.95. For more information visit online today.