The Lowdown on CPR Certification Programs

Today we’re talking about a topic near and dear to my (any everyone else’s) heart: the differences between the various CPR certification programs out there. I know, I know, thrilling, right?

But listen, folks, this is important stuff. You can’t just hop on Google and go with the first online-only certification you find. Trust me, if you’re trying to impress a medical professional or get a job in the healthcare industry, showing up with a certificate from “www.randomcprcertifications.biz” isn’t going to cut it.

So, what are your options? The three big players are the American Red Cross, American Heart Association, and American Safety and Health Institute. Each has its own curriculum, pricing, and certification duration. Do CPR currently uses American Red Cross curriculum because we feel it’s the most thorough and provides the best value for our customers, but each option has its pros and cons. Almost all of these programs are provided by third-party businesses (like Do CPR) so the process of registration and completion can still vary.

Let’s take a closer look:

American Red Cross: This is the most well-known and widely accepted certification program in the United States. The curriculum covers CPR, AED (Automated External Defibrillator), and First Aid training. Additionally, the certification is valid for two years. The American Red Cross also has it’s larger mission of helping in disasters, so your certification fees actually go towards a greater good!

American Heart Association: This program is also widely recognized and respected. The curriculum covers CPR, AED, and Basic Life Support (BLS) training for healthcare professionals. The certification is valid for two years and is priced similarly to the American Red Cross program. The downside to AHA is that the courses can be more intensive and longer than other options.

American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI): This program is geared more towards business and industry safety training. The curriculum covers CPR, AED, and First Aid training, and certification is valid for two years. ASHI is generally priced lower than the other two programs and offers more flexibility in terms of customization.

Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: online-only certifications. Folks, I can’t stress this enough – do not, I repeat, do not purchase a CPR certification from an unknown website. First of all, you have no guarantee that the certification is legitimate. Second, even if it is, it’s probably not going to be accepted by most medical professionals or employers. Stick with the well-known and respected programs, and you’ll be good to go.

Okay, lecture over. Let’s move on to some fun CPR facts! Did you know that hands-only CPR has been proven to be just as effective as traditional CPR with rescue breaths for sudden cardiac arrest? It’s true! Chest compressions alone can help keep oxygen-rich blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until medical help arrives.

Another fun fact: CPR can be done on anyone, regardless of age or size! Just adjust the depth and speed of your compressions to fit the individual. And did you know that “Staying Alive” by the Bee Gees has the perfect beat to use for timing your chest compressions during CPR? It’s true! Sing it in your head and you’ll be spot on.

Well folks, that about wraps it up for today. Remember, when it comes to CPR certification, don’t cheap out and always go with a reputable program. And if you’re in the market for emergency training, look no further than Do CPR!

Until next time, stay safe and keep those hearts pumping!

Jeff Wells
President/Owner, Do CPR
www.docpr.com