×

Author: Mike Figuero PMD

Mike Figuero is the founder and president of the American AED CPR Association. Mike was raised in New York, where at a young age he became an instructor for the American Red Cross, the National Safety Council, the American Safety Health Institute (ASHI), and the American Heart Association (AHA). He then earned a BS in Mathematics and trained to become a paramedic. In 1995, Mike began teaching emergency medical and continuing education classes at hospitals, schools, and other institutions. He has taught at Molloy College, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, and Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital to name a few. In 1999, Mike founded the American AED CPR Association (AEDCPR), an organization specializing in emergency cardiac care training. Under his leadership, AEDCPR has expanded throughout the United States, and internationally into Europe, Asia, and Africa. Through their network of instructors and innovative website, they have trained over a million people in CPR, AED, First Aid, and Bloodborne Pathogens . Mike helped develop one of the first online learning platforms for the NYS department of labor. He continues to develop new and innovative online tools. This is why the American AED CPR Association has been recognized as a leader in both online and blended classroom training. After years of teaching and performing emergency medical procedures, it was Mike who needed CPR. After an accident racing offshore powerboats, Mike was saved by a team of well-trained rescuers with only seconds to spare. Since that accident, Mike’s mission has been to make sure everyone has access to learn life-saving skills. "If what we do helps to save at least 1 life, then we have succeeded..." Mike Figuero
Posted on

How to Become a CPR Instructor

An instructor showing how to perform CPR on a dummy.

TL;DR: How to become a CPR instructor is simpler than most people expect. With the right training and certification, you can teach CPR, help others gain lifesaving skills, and make a meaningful impact in your community. This blog explains the requirements, steps, and timeline involved in completing a CPR instructor course and earning CPR instructor certification through nationally recognized certification … read more

Posted on

CPR & DNR Orders: How to Handle “Do Not Resuscitate” Patients

An elderly woman in hospice care.

TL;DR: This guide explains how CPR and DNR orders work, why they matter, and how healthcare providers and caregivers can respectfully honor patient wishes during emergencies. Readers will learn what DNRs truly mean, how to interpret them in real-time situations, and the ethical responsibilities involved.

Key takeaways:

  • What a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order is—and what it doesn’t mean for
… read more
Posted on

Everything You Need to Know About CPR Bone Breaks

A focused view of a man demonstrating chest compressions on a CPR training class, illustrating hands-on learning in a classroom setting to master life-saving techniques for emergency response.

TL;DR:

Rib fractures are common during CPR, but that should not stop you from continuing chest compressions in a life-or-death emergency. Broken ribs don’t guarantee CPR effectiveness—signs like regained breathing, pulse, or movement matter more. CPR certification ensures you’re prepared to act confidently while protected under Good Samaritan laws.

In this article, we’ll provide what you need to know about … read more

Posted on

Target Heart Rate Calculator

Woman on treadmill using target heart rate calculator.

How to Use a Target Heart Rate Calculator for Maximum Results

Take your workouts to a new level. Understanding your heart rate is essential to achieving optimal results and helping unlock your potential. Our target heart rate calculator will help you personalize your workouts to match your fitness goals. This easy-to-use tool will help you adjust the intensity level of … read more

Posted on

What Is an Occlusive Dressing Best Used For?

A first aid kit in a cabinet.

TL;DR:

  • Occlusive dressings seal a wound completely to retain moisture and block out bacteria.
  • Ideal for chest wounds, surgical incisions, burns, and donor sites.
  • Promote healing by protecting the wound bed and preventing infection.
  • Use non occlusive dressings for draining or infected wounds.
  • Know when to use an occlusive dressing to improve healing outcomes.

When it comes to proper wound … read more

Posted on

The 5 Signs of Anaphylactic Shock & How to Provide Emergency Care

Man in Anaphylactic Shock

TL;DR: Anaphylactic shock is a life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur rapidly after exposure to an allergen like peanuts, tree nuts, or stinging insects. This blog explains the five key signs of anaphylactic shock and outlines how to treat anaphylactic shock with clear, actionable emergency steps.

  • Trouble breathing and airway swelling are early warning signs of anaphylaxis.
  • Skin reactions, facial
… read more
Posted on

Asthma Attack, No Inhaler: 4 Critical Asthma First Aid Steps

Breathing problem. Sick middle-aged man with chest pain touching inflammated zone and looking at copy space, grey studio background.

TL;DR:

If you’re having an asthma attack without an inhaler, stay calm, sit upright, and practice breathing exercises. Call 911 if symptoms escalate. Avoid triggers and consider doctor-approved natural remedies. Preparedness matters—get certified in first aid to handle emergencies effectively.

Main Points:

  • Call 911 if symptoms are severe or worsening.
  • Sit upright and stay calm to ease breathing.
  • Use breathing
… read more