TL;DR: Security guards must be prepared to handle medical emergencies, such as cardiac arrests and choking incidents, which they may encounter in their daily duties. CPR training enhances public confidence and improves survival rates in emergencies. Additionally, it boosts career prospects for security personnel by demonstrating their commitment to public safety. Start your CPR training in Fresno, California, to protect your community and advance your career.
The primary job of security guards is to maintain public order and safety in specific locations. They work quietly in the background and keep people safe in the public spaces they visit daily. However, there are moments when security personnel must step out of the shadows and take charge, especially when someone is experiencing a medical emergency.
Such a situation unfolded in Fresno, California, when a casino guest experienced a heart attack and lost consciousness. When he heard, a security guard didn’t hesitate to step up and began performing CPR on the victim. His quick response helped the individual regain consciousness, and he also stayed to monitor him until paramedics arrived. Thanks to the guard’s CPR training, this life-saving intervention was possible.
This article will highlight the role of CPR certification in security services and how it helps them put the public’s safety first. Let’s discover how CPR training allows them to provide immediate assistance in critical moments and potentially save lives.
Why Security Guards Need CPR Training
Security staff’s primary responsibility includes monitoring and responding to any incidents that could jeopardize the safety of the people around them. Given their role, they must always be prepared for all kinds of emergencies, including medical ones. CPR training fits seamlessly into their list of responsibilities.
A few medical emergency security guards may encounter during their duties include:
- Fainting: It can happen due to dehydration, standing for long periods, or underlying medical conditions. A security guard trained in CPR can assess the situation quickly, provide initial care, and maintain the individual’s condition. Their prompt response can prevent complications and give the individual appropriate care.
- Choking: This also poses a significant risk, with 76,000 deaths attributed to choking in the US over a six-year period. Security guards who know CPR can recognize the signs of choking and perform the Heimlich maneuver or other necessary interventions to prevent a fatal outcome.
- Seizures: Statistics show that in California, 1.2% of residents have epilepsy, a common cause of seizures. If they encounter someone experiencing a seizure, security guards can help the person avoid injury by keeping them on their side and monitoring their condition.
- Overheating: Heat-related medical issues are also a concern during certain events, especially outdoors in warmer climates. Overheating can cause exhaustion or heat stroke, but CPR-trained security guards can recognize the early signs and provide initial cooling measures.
- Cardiac Arrest: Statistics show that 17.3% of all cardiac arrests occur in public places. Security guards with CPR training will know to start chest compressions immediately and use an AED if available.
What Events Can Benefit From Security Staff With CPR Training
Any event or place where large crowds gather can become a potential hotspot for medical emergencies. Whether it’s a concert, a sports event, or a bustling shopping center, the sheer number of people increases the chances of incidents that may require immediate medical attention. Some events or places that can use CPR-trained security staff are:
- Corporate Settings: Stress and long hours can lead to unexpected medical emergencies in a corporate environment, such as cardiac arrests or choking incidents. For example, an employee might suddenly collapse during a high-stress meeting or a company-wide event. Immediate CPR by security personnel can stabilize the individual and buy them time until EMS arrives.
- Public Events and Gatherings: Large public events like concerts, sports events, and festivals present numerous opportunities for health crises due to the high density of attendees. Overcrowding, heat, and physical exertion can lead to fainting, heart attacks, or other medical conditions. Security personnel with CPR training can act swiftly in these scenarios and prevent a tragedy from unfolding.
- Retail and Shopping Centers: Busy retail environments, especially during holiday seasons or major sales events, see a massive influx of shoppers. The hustle and bustle can sometimes trigger medical emergencies, including heart attacks or respiratory issues. CPR-trained security guards can respond if someone collapses or shows signs of a more severe medical issue.
How The Public Benefits From CPR-Trained Security Services
A security officer’s ultimate goal is to protect and maintain the well-being of every visitor in the public space they are assigned to. CPR is a tool that allows them to do their job more effectively. When trained in CPR, security personnel become valuable assets in emergencies, adding extra safety and assurance for everyone present.
Rapid Response Times
During an incident like cardiac arrest, it’s the first few minutes that matter most. Every minute a victim goes by without receiving CPR lowers their survival rate by 10%. In that situation, even doing hands-only compressions is better than not doing anything.
Security officers trained in CPR can immediately act, making those first minutes count. Their presence means that someone is always ready to intervene, improving the chances of a positive outcome.
Increased Survival Rates
Starting CPR as soon as possible can double the victim’s survival chance. When you add the use of an AED, survival rates can improve by 50% to 74%. These are significant odds, which shows why a swift reaction by a security guard can make a life-or-death difference for someone.
Security personnel trained in CPR and AED use bring an essential skill set to public spaces, whether they’re shopping malls, airports, or office buildings. Their ability to act quickly and efficiently raises the likelihood of survival substantially.
Enhanced Public Confidence
Public perception of safety improves when they know the security personnel at the places they visit most often are CPR-certified. People feel more secure knowing that trained professionals are present and can handle medical emergencies. This increased confidence can make public spaces more inviting and reassuring for visitors.
When security guards possess CPR skills, they do more than physically protect spaces. It’s an added comfort to know that in the event of a medical emergency, qualified individuals can provide immediate assistance.
Professional Advantages Of CPR Certification For Security Services
While CPR certification equips you with the ability to save lives, it also comes with professional advantages that can impact your career in security services. This certification can improve your job prospects, increase your value in the workplace, and make you a more attractive candidate to employers.
Career Advancement
You can use your CPR certification to advance your career within the security industry. Many security companies look for candidates who have additional skills, and CPR certification is often highly regarded.
You can qualify for specialized roles such as a security manager or a first responder within your organization. The responsibilities might be greater that way, but so will the pay. Additionally, having CPR certification can set you apart from others, making you a better candidate for promotions and new job openings.
Skill Diversification
Security roles often require diverse skills beyond just physical security measures. With CPR training, you become equipped to handle medical emergencies, which can be critical to your job. Your ability to perform CPR can also make you a valuable asset in various settings, from corporate environments to public events, where the safety and well-being of individuals are a priority.
Get CPR-Certified in Fresno, California
When security guards are CPR certified, they can respond immediately to cardiac arrests, choking incidents, or other life-threatening situations, providing care before an ambulance arrives. This quick action can stabilize the individual and increase their chances of recovery.
If you want to protect your community and advance in your job, start CPR training in Fresno, California. Learn the basics of performing CPR, giving first aid, and using an AED in an engaging environment led by certified professionals. Secure your job and the public spaces you protect by calling us to set up a class today!