COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY ARE YOUR CERTIFICATION ONLY 1 YEAR FOR CPR AND ANOTHER COMPANY IS 2 YEARS?

The CPR wars, commonly known in our world was started to drive business away from the biggest company in the business at the time.  Once they started this there wasn't turning back.  What the actual rules state, a person must complete the skills and knowledge portion of the requirement as often as necessary to retain the information to be proficient.  In Texas child licensing states the agency providing the instruction must issue a certificate that you completed a course in CPR.  It must have a expiration date on it.  Technically you could have a 20 year CPR card if your a doctor or nurse or paramedic but if you a non-licensed medical person the rules states clearly that often a person would have to take it every 6 months to be able to retain the information and skills proficiency.  Standard issue from a certifying agency is 1 year on CPR and 3 year on First Aid.  OSHA and other government agency require and have statues that state how often certain training must be obtained.   

How come your courses are so much faster, easier and convenient than other companies?

Other companies tend to make there courses more expensive and time consuming. We offer one-to-one equipment usage and schedule our courses for you. We offer prices that are compatible to your area. Different areas have a cost of living that exceeds other areas. In almost every area we offer one same low price.

How long do the courses take to complete?

Each course is designed to take only the necessary time to complete. Example: Adult CPR takes only 1. hours without video and 1.15 hours with. First Aid takes 1.5 hours with video 2. hours, while Advanced First Aid may take 6.5-7.0 hours total. On all our courses fact sheet we have a suggested time table. Please refer to each course for more detail and helpful information.

What's the difference between certified and non-certified?

Only a couple of organizations certify. The big difference is certification means you have met the requirements set out in the course to successfully complete each component, and that you can perform the skills. Some organizations issue a has completed, or has attended certificate, this means that you have not completed the necessary skills to be certified.

How often do certifications expire?

Each organization that instructs the program or course designates its validity. On the average CPR is valid for 1 year while First Aid is 3 years, Blood Borne Pathogens is valid for 1 year. Most courses are based on relativity of usage. We recommend that any time you feel "rusty" and need to have your skills checked do so. Most course just place a expiration date and therefore re-current training is suggested.

Can I catch a disease while performing emergency help?

According to the Center of Disease Control there has never been a reported case of any known occurrence. Every organization has protocols in place for decontamination of equipment both while in class and after class.

How can I become an Instructor?

Every organization has prerequisites for instructors. You do not have to have a medical background or be a Nurse, Paramedic, or Doctor. Simply complete all the necessary requirements by completing the necessary courses and then enter a instructor class.

How much does it cost to become an Instructor?

Every course is different. Each course has a level of instruction authorization. Most of the instructor courses take as little as a week to complete and as long as 6 months. Most fees are based on availability and time. It can costs from $125.00 for basic to $1400.00 Advanced. Most course will include all books, materials and equipment to get you started.

What helps me from getting sued when I help?

We don't interpret the law. In each state, which varies, a Good Samaritan Law is in place. This basically means that if you act in good faith to render aid and you did not cause the injury, the Good Samaritan Law will cover you. We suggest that you check in your state to find out its limitations.

Can I protect myself from catching a disease from someone else when I'm helping?

Yes. There are many CPR masks or protective barriers you can purchase. Always be sure to where latex surgical gloves when contacting a persons bodily fluids. Make sure these are a part of your first aid kit in your vehicle.

 

If you have any questions please contact at grfield@safetyinstituteusa.org

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Last modified: 9-10-2010