If you are someone who likes to stay fit and help other people, then a career as a personal trainer may be the perfect fit for you. However, you cannot just walk into a gym and start teaching people. You must first become certified in personal training and life-saving techniques like CPR and AED.
What is an AED?
The AED, or automated external defibrillator, is used when someone’s heart has stopped to help get it beating again. First responders, personal trainers and others can be trained on how to properly work an AED to help someone they work with, are training or are called to help in an emergency. This training is available from the American Red Cross and there are different laws for using an AED in each state.
In order to receive a certificate, you must take a First Aid/CPR/AED course from the American Red Cross. The course only takes between two and five hours to complete, depending on which course option you choose, and your AED certification lasts for two years.
AED Laws in California
People who want to get trained to use an AED will usually receive training in CPR as well. CPR is one of the ways to help someone who has collapsed because of a possible heart attack. During the training, you will be instructed when it is appropriate to use CPR and when an AED should be used, as well as when it shouldn’t.
After receiving your AED certification in Portland OR, if you have to use an AED on a client you are training, you will not be legally liable for civil damages if you used the defibrillator in a good faith effort to save someone’s life. In addition, the gym where you work is also not liable for any damages if the AED was used in good faith to help save someone. However, if it is used with willful misconduct or you were found to be grossly negligent when using it, then you can be held legally liable if the person was injured or died as a result of its use.
In addition, any place that has an AED must make sure it is maintained and ready for use, by testing it every 30 days if it hasn’t been used in 30 days, or after each use. The AED has to be maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines, as well as the guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross.
To work as a personal trainer in Portland OR, or anywhere else, it is important to get your AED certification. If someone collapses or is injured at the gym, you will know how to render aid and possibly save a life. Check out website to know more about this.
