CPR Prerequisite Courses

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JS1

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I've finally given up the desk job and am headed off to a local community college for the EMT program. I've done quite a bit of research regarding the prerequisite CPR certifications, though I'm a bit tossed between the options. My recent experience with the basic CPR/AED class with ARC was absolutely horrifying; I left angry and unfulfilled. Any half-brained ape can watch a cheesy DVD and walk out with another wallet filler.

I've read every post in the (dated) but related threads covering the AHA vs. ARC classes, but opinions still seem scattered. The AHA has no local courses, but I'm willing to drive to attend (anything) that has even the slightest promise of being more beneficial than a DVD. The AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers is 5 hours long, whereas the ARC Professional Rescuer clocks in at 8; what has changed?

I have absolutely zero EMS experience, yet I already fear for the educational standards that are regulating the profession. I don't mean that in a degrading manner, but I believe it's safe to say that some things are in dire need of change. A well-rounded education is important to me both on a personal level and from a career entry standpoint – I need to learn as much as possible.

I'm seeking some quality, professional input regarding these classes. I'm in Florida, so if anyone has any recommendations (based on personal experience) on where to receive said education, it would be greatly appreciated.
 
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The last AHA for the health care provider course that I took was an absolute joke. It was completely a push button, watch video course with the instructor, likely out of ignornance, not correcting basic flaws in BVM use. I ended up helping a few of my classmates out with their E/C-grip and removing the O2 tubing that kept getting in the way. Why we were using BVMs? I have absolutely no clue, but we were. She had some OPAs, but flatly stated that we wouldn't cover them because "we would likely never use them." I was about l_l close to filing an official complaint, but the only reason I was taking it was because I needed the merit badge.
 
JS1 said:
I've finally given up the desk job and am headed off to a local community college for the EMT program. I've done quite a bit of research regarding the prerequisite CPR certifications, though I'm a bit tossed between the options. My recent experience with the basic CPR/AED class with ARC was absolutely horrifying; I left angry and unfulfilled. Any half-brained ape can watch a cheesy DVD and walk out with another wallet filler.

I've read every post in the (dated) but related threads covering the AHA vs. ARC classes, but opinions still seem scattered. The AHA has no local courses, but I'm willing to drive to attend (anything) that has even the slightest promise of being more beneficial than a DVD. The AHA BLS for Healthcare Providers is 5 hours long, whereas the ARC Professional Rescuer clocks in at 8; what has changed?

I have absolutely zero EMS experience, yet I already fear for the educational standards that are regulating the profession. I don't mean that in a degrading manner, but I believe it's safe to say that some things are in dire need of change. A well-rounded education is important to me both on a personal level and from a career entry standpoint – I need to learn as much as possible.

I'm seeking some quality, professional input regarding these classes. I'm in Florida, so if anyone has any recommendations (based on personal experience) on where to receive said education, it would be greatly appreciated.
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Most likely, CPR for Healthcare Providers is included in your EMT course. It's a requirement for finals so hopefully it isn't a pre req. I have noticed there are some EMT classes that want it coming in the door but, my observations is usually, it's a part of the EMT class.

As for differences; there really is no difference between ARC and AHA. The standard is the same. It's all about the instruction, not the course. The DVD driven course certainly doesn't relieve the instructor of his/her responsibility. As for doing it on your own...Perhaps a local hospital, FD or ambulance company is running AHA courses? Sorry you had a negative experience.
 
rescue99 said:
Most likely, CPR for Healthcare Providers is included in your EMT course.
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The instruction in the standard class was nothing spectacular, and I understand that experiences will vary based on the instructor. Thank you for the input.
 
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One key piece of information. Unless ARC has changed the rules, ARC is a 1 year certification while AHA is a 2 year certification.
 
JS1 said:
I have absolutely zero EMS experience, yet I already fear for the educational standards that are regulating the profession. I don't mean that in a degrading manner, but I believe it's safe to say that some things are in dire need of change. A well-rounded education is important to me both on a personal level and from a career entry standpoint – I need to learn as much as possible.
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You'll go far in this field. :)
 
No, Red Cross is two years now, unless you are a lifeguard. I took ARC Professional Rescuer in June 09, and my card is good for two years. The change had just been made at that time.
 
Even though courses arent listed on the American Heart Website, they are available in your area. AHA Courses are the gold standard all over medicine, so every hospital, fire dept and EMS education institute needs to offer them. To find one, you just need to call around. In my area, some services just hold a standing class one night every week, with walkin registration.
Like others have said, it really does boil down to the instructor... it can either be a 3-hour joke, or a 6-7 hour education experience, well... or a 7-hour hell.
 
emt.dan said:
it can either be a 3-hour joke, or a 6-7 hour education experience, well... or a 7-hour hell.
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That's what I love about how the hospital I used to volunteer at did CPR recerts. Basically they had a station set up to take the written, a video that everyone was supposed to watch, and the skill check stations. This went on all day so you could drop in when ever you had time. I was in and out with a fresh card in under an hour. To note, though, this was for hospital employees and volunteers who needed to recert only.
 
I don't know if any of you are AHA instructors, but all of their classes have gone to a primarily DVD format. The instructor is basically there to push play, pause and operate the stop watch. If you get a class that isn't like that, the instructor isn't adhering to the new AHA standards.
 
Aidey said:
I don't know if any of you are AHA instructors, but all of their classes have gone to a primarily DVD format. The instructor is basically there to push play, pause and operate the stop watch. If you get a class that isn't like that, the instructor isn't adhering to the new AHA standards.
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That is a bit of a misconception. With the exception of CPR, which is really a CPR drill now, there are several discussion points the video pauses for. Additionally the break out stations For ACLS, PALS, etc, have a considerable teaching component to them.

Just remember what these classes are. They are not to make you a resuscitation expert, they are to teach you basic guidlines (I like to call it BLS with toys) until somebody who is an expert can be brought to bear.

Furthermore, the ACLS EP course has some slides but it more of a discussion than video driven. If you qualify, you may find that more beneficial on a recert.

The reason for the video driven class is consistency. If you have been around for a while you know about pencil whipping recert classes done in minutes. There were also "more advanced" instructors who were taking it upon themselves to "enhance" the guidlines a little with "field" techniques and "what you need/don't need" in a particular setting.
 
It was an oversimplification that was meant in a humorous manner, I know the instructors are more involved than that (I am an AHA instructor).
 
I suppose I was just a bit set back when I realized the entire (basic CPR/AED) class was being governed by the pace of a DVD. I walked in expecting 4 hours of knee to floor instruction. I absolutely understand the need to teach material so Jan the secretary understands what's going on; I was just curious if one should expect the same from the other certifications.

Apologies for digging up a rather aged topic, though I do appreciate the feedback thus far.
 
As a long time instructor for ESCI, AHA and ASHI, I can say without a doubt, there is more to instructing any level than standing around pushing a button. Although, I suppose it is quite possible many do just that.

I have the pleasure of being able to teach 100-200 of these classes each year and it is not AHA who sets the standard. AHA is a leader among providers but, the standard is evidence based medicine. AHA is a strong contributor however, the organization is not exclusive and never will be. ASHI uses the exact same standards as AHA as does ESCI and ARC as does grama's CPR and grits.

Consitency helps instructors stay on track and helps to keep presented material from being mispresnted. Since classes are taught so often and the same instructor won't be around in 2 years probably, video driven courses helps keep the standard in check.
 
I took CPR/First Aid for healthcare providers at community college as an HPR class. I've taken three CPR classes in my lifetime, and the first two were fairly adequate (provided by my highschool to my Safety/Drug Education and Allied Health classes), but I missed a day out of each class and was not allowed to certify.

The class I took at the CC was a joke. It was the baseball coach simply pressing stop/play on a VCR. We practiced with the CPR maniquens and that's the only practice we got. He did not go over AED well - he simply explained how to use it. He also didn't go over pediatrics at all. He also didn't teach us what a jaw thrust was, which came in to play later in my EMT class.
 
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