CPR Certification: Understanding AHA Compliance and Choosing the Right Program

When it comes to CPR certification, you’ve likely heard terms like “AHA compliant” or “AHA approved.” But what do these terms actually mean, and how should they influence your choice of CPR training program? Here’s a breakdown to help you understand AHA compliance and make an informed decision about your CPR certification.

What Does “AHA Compliant” Really Mean?

The American Heart Association (AHA) plays a significant role in CPR training, but perhaps not in the way you might think. The AHA does not directly create all CPR training programs. Instead, the AHA follows guidelines established by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR), a global body that reviews resuscitation protocols every five years. The AHA then disseminates these guidelines to various CPR training organizations, which develop their own educational programs based on these recommendations.

Key Points:

  • AHA Guidelines: These are essentially ILCOR’s guidelines that the AHA re-publishes and shares.
  • Training Compliance: Programs labeled as “AHA compliant” follow these guidelines but are developed independently by different organizations.

Choosing the Right CPR Training Program

Given that multiple organizations follow ILCOR/AHA guidelines, how do you choose the right CPR training program? Here are some factors to consider:

Learning Methods:

  • Online Training: Flexible and can be done at your own pace.
  • In-Person Training: Hands-on practice with an instructor.
  • Blended Training: A combination of online and in-person training.

Course Content:

  • Ensure the program covers all essential CPR procedures.
  • Look for additional resources and support materials.

Instructor Quality:

  • The effectiveness of a CPR course often depends on the instructor’s experience and teaching methods.

Certification Validity:

  • Verify that the certification is nationally accredited and valid for a sufficient period (e.g., 2 years).

For schools, school staff, and primary school teachers, it’s crucial to ensure the CPR training meets the specific needs of your environment, including the ability to accommodate different staff shifts and locations.

Free Online CPR Training by Capt. Wayne Bennett

At Online CPR Skills, we believe that CPR and first aid training should be accessible to everyone. Our free online CPR course is designed to provide you with the essential skills you need to save lives, anytime, anywhere. The course is aligned with the latest AHA and ILCOR guidelines and is accessible on any device. After completing the training, you only pay $29.95 for your national certification, valid for two years.

Why Choose Our Free Online CPR Training?

  • No Upfront Costs: Pay only after you pass the test.
  • Flexible Learning: Start now, finish later at your own pace.
  • Comprehensive Content: Incorporates the latest scientific guidelines.

Take the first step towards being prepared in an emergency. Enroll in our free online CPR course today: Free Online CPR Course.

In my 33 years of service as a firefighter, there was one thing that pained me to hear. When the family member said “I just didn’t know what to do”. If people only knew how simple it really is to save lives. That’s when I started teaching in 1991. As an American Heart Association Instructor for the last 32 years, I have trained over 170,000 people in the art of saving lives. I also realized I can only train so many people with in person classes. This online CPR course changes all that.