As a pre-requisite for the radiology program that I am currently in, I needed to be certified in CPR, so I took a course at my local Red Cross chapter and am now certified in professional CPR.
During the class our instructor made some comments about the American Heart Associations CPR certification classes which were disparaging to say the least. From what he said it seemed that there is much less “cachet” for lack of a better word, with certification from the American Heart Association, then with the Red Cross. He said that the AHA doesn’t require practice on mannequins, while the Red Cross does. There were some other things as well.
Is this true or is it a case of competeing agencies just being jealous?
If it is true, what are the differences and why isn’t there one nationwide standard?
It is a complete and utter lie. I am holding in my hands my CPR for the Healthcare Provider card. It is issued by the American Heart Association. As a part of NY State EMT Certification, all of us were required to take CPR cards.
We made full use of Mannequins as well as AED Defib devices. There is no “cachet” issue. Either you have a certified instructor who trains you fully and properly, or you do not.
Both agency certs are recognized, but I am told that some states or EMS or Fire or Police agencies require one or the other certification. Some accept either. It’s politics, not quality or depth of care provided or training recieved.
In addition, the American Heart Association offers certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support, while the Red Cross does not. ACLS is required to be a Nationally Registered Paramedic.
I was a travel nurse for several years, I worked all over the country. I have never worked in a hospital that ACCEPTED a Red Cross Cert. AHA is the Professional Cert. Red Cross is more a lay certification.
I have, at various times, been ACLS, PALS, ATLS certified, all through AHA.
