Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why are your on-site courses shorter than other competitors?
A: Our on-site streamline training programs are designed with interactive hands-on skills, straight-forward learning objectives, and proven training techniques for the most comprehensive critical skills information in a time-efficient format. Unlike many of our competitors who relying on long video-driven or lecture-based training methods that are often boring, overwhelming, and sometimes confusing for students; we believe the majority of classroom time should be used for skills practice in a easy-to-learn format using a 1:1 student/manikin ratio. Because we can accomplish this goal of having students spend nearly 50% of class time practicing skills, rather than watching repetitive videos or waiting their turn on a manikin; we're able to save valuable instructional time, dramatically improve skill retention, and provide a truly rewarding and stress-free training experience for all learners.
Q: Are your courses hands-on classroom instruction, or can I take them online?
A: Code Blue now offers both traditional hands-on classroom instruction, and blended online learning with practical skills testing. All Code Blue online training courses require a practical skills test with an authorized instructor for successful completion, following completion of the cognitive/written online curriculum. Although there are many "online only" CPR, AED, and First Aid courses on the market, Code Blue does not endorse "online only" training or consider it valid, due to the fact these courses omit the most important learning element--the psychomotor hands-on skills practice. *Note: Most workplace regulatory bodies and EMS agencies will [not] accept certificates from "online only" training courses.
Q: Do I get a certificate or card for completing one of your courses? And if so, when will I receive it?
A: Yes, we offer Nationally Approved Two-Year CPR/AED & First Aid certification cards. Most students receive their certificates on-site at class or within 7-10 business days following completion.
Q: Why is CPR training so important, can't I just wait for the Paramedics?
A: Brain death occurs within 4 to 6 minutes after cardiac arrest. The best chance a victim has to survive premature death or severe brain injury is by prompt citizen life-giving care with CPR. Early CPR provides a stop-gap, moving oxygenated blood to the brain in order to sustain brain life until advance medical help arrives. The average response time for paramedics to arrive on-scene is 8 to 12 minutes. Without early CPR the chance of survival for a victim is almost none. Bottom line, over 80% of people who learn CPR and use it in their lifetime, will use it on a loved-one, family member, or someone they know.
Q: Who is required to be certified in 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, a person or persons should be adequately trained to render first aid." (OSHA defines "first aid" as, "emergency care for injuries and sudden illnesses including cardiopulmonary resuscitation," also know in OSHA Standards as, "emergency medical services.")
Q: Can myself or my employer be sued if I use CPR unsuccessfully?
A: The "Good Samaritan Provisions" in all 50 states encourage local agencies and other organizations to train people in emergency medical services, and limits the liability of any local agency, state or local government, or other public or private organization which sponsors, authorizes, supports, finances, or supervises the training of people in emergency medical services, from any civil damages alleged to result from such training programs. In order to encourage people to participate in emergency medical services training programs and to render emergency medical care to others, no person who in "good faith" who renders care at the scene of an emergency shall be liable for any civil damages resulting from any act or omission.
Q: Am I obligated to perform CPR or First Aid because I'm certified?
A: Depending your job description and state law, most professional rescuers have a duty to act where they are work assigned or stationed. When off-duty, response by the same personnel would be considered a "Good Samaritan Act" and they may accept or decline to render first aid at their discretion. If you are simply a trained citizen, CPR certification does not obligate you to render first aid at the scene of an emergency, unless it occurs in the workplace and your job description includes application of first aid. (*Check your local County & State Laws for specific regulations.)
Q: What is an AED?
A: An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is a portable device that can deliver a life-saving electrical shock to the heart for a victim in cardiac arrest, and can be used by trained citizens before advanced medical help arrives.
Q: What does an AED do?
A: The normal heart pumps with rhythmical organized electrical signals - that's the pulse we feel. When the electrical signals are disorganized, or quivering, or fibrillating, the heart cannot effectively pump blood. The AED analyzes the activity of the heart and if indicated, delivers a electric shock to the heart that defibrillates or stops the quivering, so that it can begin to effectively pump blood again.
Q: Why an AED? Can't someone just do CPR?
A: The purpose of CPR is to manually pump oxygenated blood to the brain. But if the heart is fibrillating, adequate circulation will not occur in most cases even if CPR compressions are performed perfectly. Fibrillation must first be stopped. That is why the AED is so critical. Early AED use has been found to increase survival rates of sudden cardiac arrest victims by more than 50%. Without defibrillation, statistics show for every minute that passes for a victim of cardiac arrest their chance of survival drops by approximately 10% for each minute. In many cases, early defibrillation by the average trained citizen can get a victim's heart pumping normally again, before the arrival of paramedics.
Q: Does Code Blue sell AEDs?
A: Yes, Code Blue is an Authorized Distributor for Cardiac Science and Philips Defibrillators. For information on AED Sales please contact our Corporate Office at 1-800-272-0785.
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