There are a lot of controversial issues out there and one of those topics that is near and dear to my heart is the fact that some people allow online only CPR training.

So lets break this down as to what is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Online only CPR training point blank in my book is not acceptable and this is why:

1. Have you proved that you can do compressions effectively? And I ask this question because in 2019 the American Heart Association and American Red Cross both utilize feedback devise manikins; proving you have the ability to do compression effectively. A computer screen and a mouse do not measure actuality it only measures virtually. 
2. The Good Samaritan Law is in place to help those who are in need by someone who is willing to step up and help. The thing is how do you help if you do not know what you are doing? Trained people have gone through the process and know what to do so if you set in front of a computer and get a certification card do you feel like you are qualified to put your hands on someone in distress? Would the Good Samaritan Law cover your actions? These are questions are to think about.

Now. . . We do have options for abridged learning and that is through blended learning or hybrid classes. These classes are acceptable and offered by both the American Heart Association and the American Red Cross. These classes do the lecture portion and give you scenarios and a virtual world to go through and problem solve and use the knowledge and skills associated with CPR training. But. . . it does not give you a certification. It gives you a ticket to proceed  to a certified instructor to do a skill check off where you actually have to put your hands on a feedback device manikin and prove that you can put the knowledge and skills to use in a real situation. Once you have completed the online portion successfully and completed the hands on skills assessment successfully, only then you earned your certification card. 

This topic may seem one sided and from my perspective but I hope you find the information useful which can help you take the decision to set through a class or at the very least take a blended/hybrid class before setting down and wasting funds on an online only CPR training class that most likely will not be acceptable by your workplace. 

In the state of Arkansas, many institutions that require employees to take a CPR class have stated in the guidelines that it must include hands on and not acceptable for online only CPR training. Many other entities out there are becoming more specific with the skills required for CPR and their employees.

I hope you found this helpful.  #beprepared #takeaclass #cprtrained