FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q. Why do I have to bring a current book to the AHA courses? I have a BLS book from 2002, is that ok?
A. No, that is not acceptable. Major changes were made in Dec 05, so you must have a current book.

Q. Where can I find a book?
A. You can order a book to be delivered to your house at lifetechstore.com or aha.channing-bete.com. Or you can call your local school library to see if they carry the book.

Q. My ACLS card just expired, can I take a renewal course still?
A. No you must take the full course if your card expired.

Q. Will your basic dysrhythmia course allow me to work on the cardiac unit at my hospital?
A. Our basic dysrhythmia is simply that, a basic course. (see course description). The course is taught using AHA materials and guidelines. You do get a certificate of completion, but you will need to talk to your supervisor to see if it will meet your work requirements.

Q. My work only takes American Red Cross Certification, can you help me?
A. Our courses that are certified with the American Heart Association are equivalent to American Red Cross. Most places that require American Red Cross certification for CPR and First Aid will accept American Heart Association and ASHI certified courses. In fact, most places prefer that you have AHA certification. Check with your supervisor.

Q. Are your courses certified through American Red Cross?
A. NO, our classes our certified through American Heart Association (AHA) and/or through American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI).

Q. Do you offer the California Child Care Health and Safety Course?
A. No, but you can try your local Red Cross.

Q. Who is required to learn CPR?
A. Federal OSHA standard 1910.151 states: "In the absence of an infirmary, clinic or hospital in near proximity to the workplace which is used for the treatment of all injured employees, person or persons shall be adequately trained to render first aid”. Additionally CPR courses are required for many professions. Depending on your local, state or other jurisdiction it may be required for school bus drivers, teachers, security guards, life guards, paramedics, EMTs, anyone in the medical or dental field, day care workers, bank tellers, foster care providers, adoptive parents, and many more.

Q. Why should I be certified in CPR?
A. The straight forward answer to why a person should be trained in CPR is that brain death occurs within approximately 6 minutes of the heart stopping. The chance of a life-threatening emergency ending in premature death or extended period of injury can be reduced by more people trained in recognizing an emergency and knowing the steps to take. Studies by the American Red Cross show that 90% of people who use CPR, do so on someone they know.

Q. Am I obligated to do CPR if I am certified?
A. Depending on case law, statute, or job description, most professional rescuers have a duty to act where they are work assigned. When off-duty, response by the same people would be considered a "Good Samaritan" act. If you are taking CPR/First Aid at the basic level for personal enrichment purposes, you must make the decision whether to help or to decline assistance to a victim.