Leah
Why is it not important to be CPR trained now?
As someone who worked in a water park for three years, this week in RA (Resident Advisor) training they told us they didn't want to certify us because there's not a "high probability" since we don't really have older guests in our facilities. I was a bit bothered by the fact that two weeks ago my team pulled a 4-year-old out of the water with no pulse and did CPR. Anything could happen, anywhere! #CPR #Reslife #ExpectTheUnexpected
1 answer
Kim Igleheart
Kim’s Answer
Leah,
Keep asking questions! You are off to an awesome start! Are you an RA for a college or university? Is it a public college or university? In Texas? You can actually ask for all the policies and procedures pertaining to RA's by using the Texas Public Information Act. You can also ask for past reports of accidents, injuries, illnesses, etc, but those are more difficult to get, because of privacy protection laws. You might be able to get them if you consent to redaction(removing) all identifying information of the persons involved. That's if you want to do all of this. If so, let me know the name of the school, and I will look up the Open Records Process for that school and give you more information!!
Are you being paid to be an RA? Will they have to pay you to attend training? Perhaps they don't want to spend the money. But as you already know, things can happen. You should make it a point to keep your certification current. Additionally, learn the procedures to follow in the event of a medical emergency. Also, if the building has AED's (automated external defibillators) learn their locations and how to use them.
Ultimately, no matter where you work, YOU are ultimately responsible for staying trained to the level required. Never forget this. Whatever is lacking in that training provided by your employer, find a way to get it on your own. You never want to be in a position of helplessness simply because your employer chose to not train you.
Thank you for being concerned about this!
Kim