Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions

CAN I GET CPR/FIRST AID CERTIFICATION ONLINE WITHOUT HAVING TO ATTEND A CLASS OR DO SKILLS IN PERSON?

CPR Classes Southeastern MATechnically, yes but we don’t recommend it. First off, CPR is a very physical skill that requires practice on a manikin to really absorb it. Second, most employers, schools and organizations do not accept certification that was completed strictly online with no skills component. We get many people who come to us AFTER having spent $40 or more to take an online course and after their employer has rejected it.  Reputable organizations such as Red Cross and American Heart Association require students to demonstrate skills on a manikin in order to be certified.

DOES THE AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION OFFER ONLINE CERTIFICATION?

The AHA (and also the AMERICAN SAFETY AND HEALTH INSTITUTE) does offer an arrangement where you take an online course but you must also meet with an instructor to perform the skills in person.  It typically costs a little more to be certified this way because you have to pay the AHA for the online course, as well as the instructor for the skills test.  But some people find this arrangement more convenient.  The online course length varies depending on which certification you are pursuing, but typically takes about 2 hours.  The skills session usually takes 20-45 minutes, depending on the certification.  We schedule the skills sessions by appointment only, in Kingston MA.  Please contact us if you are interested.

HOW LONG IS THE CERTIFICATION PERIOD?

The classes we offer provide a 2-year certification period for all CPR/AED and First Aid certification programs.

I JUST NEED INFANT CPR. WHY DOES YOUR CPR CERTIFICATION CLASS INCLUDE CHILD AND ADULT CPR?

Even if you are taking CPR now only because you have an infant, we recommend also learning adult and child CPR. The infant CPR techniques are only applicable until about age 1. After that, it would be better for the child to receive child CPR, which covers age 1 up to puberty. Your infant will be a toddler before you know it, and it’s best to be prepared for this high-risk age.  Adult CPR is also important to know, because wherever young children are, there would also be teachers, parents or other adults present as well.  It’s best to be prepared to help any age victim.

I COMPLETELY FORGOT ABOUT THE SKILLS TEST I REGISTERED FOR AND MISSED IT. CAN I GET A REFUND?

We typically don’t give refunds for ‘no shows.’ There is extensive preparation needed for each skills test.

I HAVE A HIP INJURY AND CANNOT KNEEL ON THE FLOOR. WILL I BE ABLE TO GET CERTIFIED?

Yes. We can accommodate anyone who cannot kneel by placing a manikin up on a table for you.

I HAVE AN ARM INJURY AND I’M NOT SURE IF I CAN PRESS DOWN ON A MANIKIN TO DO COMPRESSIONS. WILL I BE ABLE TO GET CERTIFIED?

That depends. First off, it’s important to check with your physician to be sure that the class activity will not risk further injury. Also, keep in mind that our instructors must observe all students completing certain skills satisfactorily in order to grant certification. If your injuries would prevent this, or if doing so would cause pain or further injury, it might be best to reschedule. Please contact us if you still are not sure.

DO I HAVE TO PUT MY MOUTH ON A MANIKIN?

No. We always provide clean barrier devices so that you do not have to make direct mouth contact with the manikin.

HOW ARE THE MANIKINS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT CLEANED?

We use specific recommended solutions, that are safe for manikin use, to keep all surfaces clean and safe from germs.

I HAVE A COLD AND AM SNEEZING AND COUGHING BUT I REALLY NEED TO TAKE CPR FOR MY JOB. DO I HAVE TO CANCEL?

Yes! When working on manikins, we typically work in close proximity of each other. It would be impossible to provide a safe environment if you have a contagious illness.  It would not be fair to the instructors and other participants.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN HEARTSAVER CPR AED AND CPR (BASIC LIFE SUPPORT) FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS?

Heartsaver CPR AED is a basic certification course which includes CPR/AED (defibrillator) and choking emergencies for all age victims.  No written exam is required.  Simple barrier devices are used for giving breaths.  Typical students of this class are parents, teachers, coaches, personal trainers, and child care providers.  CPR for Healthcare Providers (sometimes referred to as BLS) includes the same skills (CPR/AED and choking emergencies for all age victims) but is a more advanced class.  A written exam is required.   More advanced barrier devices are used. The skills tend to be more involved with multiple steps.  For example, a pulse check is required in this course, but not in the Heartsaver course.  Typical students of this class are physicians, nurses, nursing students, EMTs, paramedics, and dental professionals.  If you are still unsure of which class to take, please contact us.

I AM A NURSING STUDENT. WHICH CPR CERTIFICATION WOULD BE MOST APPROPRIATE?

The CPR (BLS) for Healthcare Providers would be the right course for you.  Professional nursing programs will not accept Heartsaver CPR or online CPR courses.

I AM NOT A NURSE OR A HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONAL. AM I ALLOWED TO TAKE THE CPR FOR HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS?

Yes. It is up to you. Many people find the more advanced material too challenging and prefer a more basic approach. Others enjoy the more involved techniques. Keep in mind this certification is meant for nurses and other healthcare professionals.

HOW CAN I BECOME A CPR INSTRUCTOR?

You will need to contact the American Heart Association or other certifying organization (there are several) and find out what is required. Usually you have to take an instructor course as well as assist and teach a few classes while being observed.  You may also be required to buy an instructor kit with manuals and videos. You do not need any specific qualifications or licenses (i.e. RN, EMT, MD) to be an instructor. Please feel free to contact us for more info.

WHAT IS AN AED?

An AED is an automatic external defibrillator, a device which shocks the heart to restore someone’s heartbeat. AEDs are very effective at saving lives and are easy to use. They all give verbal instructions that take rescuers through the steps.  Cardiac arrest victims who have access to an AED soon after arrest stand a much better chance of survival than those that don’t, even when immediate CPR is given.

AM I ALLOWED TO BUY A DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) FOR MY HOME WITHOUT A DOCTOR’S PRESCRIPTION?

In the United States, the answer is yes.

SHOULD I GET A DEFIBRILLATOR FOR MY BUSINESS?

First off, check with local, state and federal regulations to find out if your workplace is required by law to have AED on site. Even if it’s not required, the presence of an AED would likely increase survival rates of any workers, clients, or visitors at your site, if any were victim of cardiac arrest.  Having an AED onsite would allow the AED to be used within just a few minutes or less of the arrest. This gives the best chance of survival. If you had to wait for EMS to arrive and set up the AED, this delay would likely decrease chance of survival, even if CPR was given immediately after arrest.

MY HUSBAND HAS HEART DISEASE. SHOULD I GET A DEFIBRILLATOR (AED) FOR MY HOME?

We would recommend that, but it’s up to you. Having an AED in the home may give the family member a better chance of survival. However the purchase of an AED represents a large financial commitment, that some simply cannot make. At the very least, we’d recommend that all family members (including older children) be trained in CPR/AED. Please let us know if you would like a quote on our discounted AEDs.