In this blog post, you will read about the different CPR courses Tri-State Training offers. Each course we offer will be described to let the reader know which course he or she needs.

We get this call all the time- "I need a CPR class." To which we reply, "What type of CPR?"  And then silence. But that's okay! Many people don't realize there is more than one type/ brand of CPR. And that’s why we're here; to break it down and explain, what is the difference?

Before we get into the CPR courses offered at Tri-State, let’s start with the basics: What is CPR?

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is the life-saving skill provided to a person who has gone into cardiac arrest, meaning their heart stops beating. If the heart stops beating, blood isn’t being circulated throughout the body. Starting CPR immediately after cardiac arrest can double a person’s survival chances. Anyone can perform CPR, however taking a course that provides proper training will ensure the unerring steps are being taken and you are performing the chest compressions correctly. Administering high-quality CPR can be intense for all involved, but it’s worth it, isn’t? You could be the reason someone goes home to their family.

At Tri-State, we teach several brands of CPR. Our instructors are certified to teach American Heart Association (AHA), American Red Cross (ARC), Tri-State Training, and American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI). Each brand, although catering to the same life-saving skills, are all a bit unique.

Below are the most popular types of CPR that our new and existing clients ask to take. 

• BLS - Basic Life Support - This is for health care professionals, i.e.: nurses, dentists, EMS personnel. It teaches both single-rescuer and team skills. It also covers foreign-body airway obstruction and AEDs. We offer BLS as a full course, renewal, or just skills. It is approved by the American Heart Association. After completion of the course, you receive a two-year certification.

• Tri-State Pediatric CPR/ First Aid & AED - These three go together like peanut butter, jelly, and bread. If you ask for a Pediatric CPR class, First Aid and AED training are included! This type of CPR teaches you the critical skills needed to respond to and manage an emergency situation, until medical services arrive. During this course you will learn the basics of first aid, and what to do if an infant or child is choking or goes into cardiac arrest. Your two-year certification specifically says Pediatric on it. All day care and childcare personnel are required to have this certification.

• Tri-State CPR/ AED & First Aid - This course is for anyone who wants to be certified in CPR, First Aid, and AED for adult, child, and infant. This type of CPR also covers a lot more content, including Seizures, Epi Pens, Asthma/ Trouble Breathing, Bee Stings/ Bug Bites, and Heat Exhaustion. However, this two-year certification does not say Pediatric, meaning it will not be accepted in day-cares or childcare centers.

All CPR needs to be done in-person, because you have to perform the hands on skills. If you still have questions about which CPR is best for you, call us!