Consider the following scenario: It has been a busy week, and you just realized that your team's CPR certifications expire at the end of the month. Hoping to quickly find a training company, you go to your favorite search engine and find numerous listings. As you try to decipher the results, you head begins to spin sorting through all the options. Each company offers something different, from onsite training to virtual training, instant access to your CPR card to no exams -- the list goes on.
How will you decide?
You must first understand the needs of your organization. Is your organization required to train all employees in CPR or First Aid due to federal, state or local regulation such as OSHA or another entity? If so, does the regulatory agency have specific requirements that need to be met?
For example, the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) has specific criteria for CPR and First Aid training for organizations under its authority. While all accredited First Aid courses will address bleeding control and administering and EpiPen, the EEC also requires that child care providers have training in areas such as human and animal bites and stings, seizures, and temperature-related illnesses.
Different states and regulating agencies may also have different requirements about whether CPR and First Aid courses include an exam or not. Do your homework and make sure to get documentation on exactly what your organization requires for certification.
Accreditation and Certification
Ensure that the training company is accredited by recognized organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA), the Red Cross, or the Health and Safety Institute (HSI). Accreditation ensures that the training program meets high standards and that your certification will be widely accepted. Be cautious of companies that offer CPR training but are not accredited. Many companies will use tricky language, for instance stating that they teach to the "AHA or ARC standard." These organization are NOT accredited, and their course completions cards might not be accepted by employers or state agencies.
Instructor Qualifications
Instructors should be certified and experienced. Look for trainers who have practical experience in emergency response, such as paramedics, nurses, or EMTs. Qualified instructors will provide not only theoretical knowledge, but also practical insights and real-world scenarios.
Course Content and Structure
Review the course content to ensure it covers all necessary topics, including adult, child, and infant CPR, use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), and handling of choking emergencies. The course should include hands-on practice sessions, as mastering CPR requires practical experience. Be skeptical of any CPR class -- whether online or in-person -- that does not offer a hands-on skills session. Practicing chest compressions, AED usage, and abdominal thrusts allows you to respond efficiently in an actual emergency.
Class Size and Environment
Smaller class sizes are preferable, as they allow for more individualized attention and hands-on practice. If your organization has a large group to train, the company should offer multiple classes or enough instructors to maintain the proper student-to-instructor ratio for a large class, as required by their accrediting organization. The training environment should be well-equipped with enough manikins and AED trainers for the group to simulate real-life situations effectively. As a general guideline, you should look for a student-to-teacher ratio of 6:1 and a student-to-manikin ratio of 3:1 or less.
Flexibility and Convenience
Choose a company that is local to you. A local company will better understand your geographic and organizational context, and may be better able to offer more tailored course content for groups such as lifeguards, camp counselors, or child care providers. You should also look for flexible scheduling options to accommodate your availability, including evenings and weekends. Some companies also offer online courses combined with in-person practical sessions, providing even greater flexibility.
Reviews and Reputation
Research the company’s reputation by reading online reviews and testimonials. Positive feedback from previous participants can indicate the quality of the training program. You can also ask for recommendations from colleagues or friends who have taken CPR courses. Don’t forget to check websites for basic company information. It may seem obvious, but reputable training companies will have contact information such as phone numbers and email addresses easily accessible. I have come across several website that do not include contact us or about us pages -- this is a huge red flag.
Cost and Value
Don’t fall for the gimmicks. Many online CPR companies will offer courses at a very low price or will try to sell a package deal. Take time to compare prices among different training providers, but don’t base your decision solely on cost. Consider the value you’re getting for your money, including the quality of instruction, course materials, and certification validity, and be suspicious of abnormally low prices. I have had many clients who took an online course have to retake the course through EME because their initial class was not accredited. This is a huge waste of time and money!
Post-Training Support
A good training company will offer post-training support, such as refresher courses, recertification options, and access to resources that help you stay updated on the latest CPR guidelines and techniques. CPR certification typically expires every 2 years, and in some environments you may even be required to update your certification annually.
Conclusion
Choosing the right CPR training company involves considering factors like accreditation, instructor qualifications, course content, and overall reputation. By taking the time to research and select a reputable provider, you’ll gain the skills and confidence needed to perform CPR effectively in emergencies. Remember, the right training can make all the difference when it comes to saving lives.
At Emergency Medical Educators, we take the extra step to ensure our clients receive the proper training. We review the needs of your organization, make specific class suggestions, provide the necessary training materials, and properly staff your class with qualified instructors. Regardless of who you choose, make sure the company is local, the instructors are qualified, and you know exactly what value you'll get for your money.
Great information