The American Heart Association (AHA) periodically releases updated guidelines in providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to victims of cardiac arrest. There updates are called Basic Life Support guidelines, with the latest release in 2010. There are numerous certification programs available in Seattle, Washington, but none offer better training than Seattle CPR. With flexible schedules, cheap rates, and high quality programs, there is no absolutely no competition with other providers.
What will I learn from training?
Trainees get their pick from a wide range of training programs available at Seattle CPR. There are three main programs: BLS, ACLS, and PALS training. The BLS program has four programs underneath: Heartsaver CPR and AED for (1) the general public and (2) health care providers/students, (3) BLS for healthcare providers, and a (4) renewal program for BLS for healthcare providers. There is also a CPR and AED plus first aid training program available.
Basic Life Support program
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Bag valve masks are used to provide rescue breaths Heartsaver CPR and AED* – This is targeted towards the general public, teaching the basics of providing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to victims of cardiac arrest. Trainees may choose to get certification by passing a skills test after the program. Program length: 4 hours
- Heartsaver CPR and AED (C)* – This program has the same curriculum as the first, but focused on teaching healthcare students and providers who need certification. Once classes are completed, trainees are required to take a skills test and a written exam. Program length: 4 hours
- BLS for healthcare providers (C) – This is tailored specifically for health care providers who work in a clinical set up (complete with equipment). Trainees are taught how to use bag valve masks and automated external defibrillators (AEDs). There is also a skills test and a written exam that students need to pass before qualifying for the program and afterwards to receive certification. Program length: 4 and a half hours
- Renewal course for BLS for healthcare providers – Renewal classes are available for trainees with certificates that are still valid (not expired). Program length: 4 hours
*First aid training is also available in conjuction with these programs
Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (ACLS and PALS)
The ACLS and PALS programs are typically offered to healthcare students and healthcare providers. The program covers provision of CPR purely in the clinical set-up, teaching students the team approach to providing it. The curriculum focuses on team dynamics, the use of a crash cart, and pharmacology in treating victims of cardiovascular emergencies. While ACLS focuses on adult victims, PALS focuses on pediatric victims (infants, toddlers, school age children, and younger teenagers).
ACLS program length: 16 hours
PALS program length: 14 hours
ACLS has an available renewal program that is 5 to 6 and a half hours while PALS has update courses that are 6 hours and 20 minutes to 8 hours and 20 minutes.
Certification and validity
All programs at Seattle CPR offer certification or CPR credentials upon completion of any program. These certifications lose validity after two years so be sure to sign up for a renewal class or retake a program before the expiration. Seattle CPR does not renew expired certification.