FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is CPR and AED?

CPR stands for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The technique was designed to temporarily circulate oxygenated blood through the body of a person whose heart has stopped. AED stands for Automatic External Defibrillator. An AED is a small computerized device that can help in the prevention of death due to cardiac arrest. The devices analyzes the rhythm of the heart, and can deliver an electric shock to the chest much like the traditional paddle system found in hospitals. The unit requires very little human interaction, and does most of its work automatically. The combined use of CPR and AEDs greatly increases the chance of survival in a cardiac arrest victim.

How are the instructors qualified to teach classes?

Instructors themselves have completed American Heart Association courses for CPR, AED, and First Aid in adult, children, and infants. In addition, all instructors are required to attend, and complete, the American Heart Association instructor's program. Our instructors also work in the emergency services field as police officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, and public safety dispatchers.

What is the cost of a training program?

Our classes are extremely affordable! The cost of a training program is dependant on several factors including which program is taught with what modules, where it is taught, and how many people are attending. Please call our office at 800-496-6154 to determine the cost of your training program.

When can I schedule a training program for? How long will the program last?

One of the unique offerings that we offer is the ability to hold training at any hour of the day or night. This is a great advantage to companies that wish to offer training programs to night shift personnel. Of course, we offer programs that begin in the morning or afternoon as well. The length of the training program is determined by which programs and modules you wish us to teach. Please call our office at 800-496-6154 to determine the approximate length of your training program.

What is the difference between the American Heart Association curriculum and the American Safety and Health Institute curriculum?

There is no difference between the content in the curriculum. The difference is in the instructional videos, textbooks, and exams that each institution provides. However, both organizations provide excellent resources for learning the emergency care tactics that we teach. Overall, the American Heart Association certification tends to be more accepted in the workplace, while the American Safety and Health Institute certification tends to be less expensive, and less time consuming.

What is the difference between an American Heart Association course completion card and a Life Savers course completion certificate?

Certain American Heart Association classes that our taught through our company qualify to receive an American Heart Association course completion card. The course completion card is an official American Heart Association wallet-sized card which states that you successfully completed the class which includes a written and practical examination. A Life Savers course completion certificate is a certificate from our company which states that you completed a class. It is not official documentation. The content between the classes that offer AHA course completion cards and those that do not is the same. The only difference is that to receive an American Heart Association course completion card, there must be a written and practical examination component.

How long will my course completion be acceptable for?

If you complete a course without receiving an American Heart Association credential card, then your training has no expiration, and therefore there is no requirement that you must retrain. However, we recommend that you take a class at least once every two years. If you did receive an American Heart Association credential card, then your training will expire two years from the date you completed the course. At that time, you will have to take another class to keep current with the standard of training mandated by the American Heart Association.

Will I receive credentials for taking part in a training program?

That depends. Some of the American Heart Associations programs that we offer do provide for credentials. The material is the same in both programs but the programs that provide credentials require a written examination with a passing grade of 84% or better, and a practical examination to demonstrate skills. Individuals wishing to learn CPR, AED, and First Aid for "general knowledge" or for use on family members generally do not need credentials. Individuals wishing to learn CPR, AED, and First Aid for work place purposes generally do require credentials. We can help you determine if credentials are necessary, and which programs best suit your needs. Please call our office at 800-496-6154, and we will be happy to assist you.

How far in advance should I book a class?

You should contact our office as soon as you decide that you would like to be involved in a CPR or First Aid training program. This ensures that we will have instructors available on the date of your training.

Who should be trained?

Simply put, EVERYONE should be trained in the techniques of CPR and First Aid.  Chances are that you will be in a position to save someone's life at least once in your life - regardless of your profession. The training puts you in a great position to be able to save someone's life.

Which class should I offer?

We offer several different classes, and all of our programs are customizable. You can see a sample of the courses we offer by browsing through the buttons on the left. For complete details, please call our office at 800-496-6154.

Will you teach the new American Heart Association Guidelines?

In November of 2005, the American Heart Association unveiled new guidelines for CPR, AED, and First Aid. All our instructors have been trained in the new guidelines, and have credentials to teach them as well. All of the education you receive from Life Savers CPR and First Aid Training will be based on the new American Heart Association guidelines.