An Insider's Scoop...
Questions AND Answers from a CPR Instructor

Have you always wanted to ask questions of a CPR instructor, but never had the opportunity? I've taken the time to answer the most frequently asked questions with some additional "insider scoop"! If you have any that you'd like to pose to me, please leave it in the comments sections and I'll respond.
 

• What questions should a consumer ask to hire the right service professional?
 

1. What certifying organization are the CPR certifications through? You want to look for training through a nationally accredited organization. Be wary of companies that offer their "own" certification. They may not teach the material that is the latest science & standards in the industry. EMC offers courses through the American Heart Association, ASHI, National Safety Council and ECSI.

2. What is your student to instructor ratio? Most organizations don't allow anything above 12:1, while some are 9:1. Each agency determines it own standards.

3. When will I receive my certification card? Some offer it same day, while others send it in the mail. This factor does not determine quality of service.

 

• Do you have a favorite story from your work?

A few years ago, I was teaching a CPR class in the Bronx and a mother had her child sit-in, as no child care was available. At the end of the course, the young girl asked if she could take the written test, so I let her. She passed (no, I didn't certify her!) The note she wrote on the bottom of the page was priceless, "You're better than my real teacher. A+." I will never forget that moment and the realization that if I can help a young child understand CPR, I can teach anyone these life-saving skills.

 

• What do you like most about being a CPR trainer?

It means the world to me to teach others how to save a life and respond in an emergency. Helping to demystify CPR is great, because so many more people can understand the principles and apply them in real life. I have a deep passion for helping others to learn. My work brings me in touch with so many different people with varied backgrounds, I can adjust my approach to each individual to help his/her learning experience be great! In addition, I travel to different places and meet so many people, so my job never gets boring.

 

• What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a safety trainer like you?

Be sure to ask a lot of questions. You need to be clear on what you want and what services you'll actually be receiving. Miscommunication is not the best way to start a working relationship. Pay attention to how long it takes for the CPR trainer/company to respond to your inquiries. If you aren't a priority now, you probably won't be once you're a paying customer. Ask what kind of training equipment you'll be using in your class. Laerdal and Prestan is the most advanced, yet very user-friendly, equipment to train with. They provide the most realistic anatomical landmarking to achieve optimal teaching results.
 

• If you were a customer, what do you wish you knew about your trade? Any inside secrets to share?

If you are looking to schedule a CPR class for a non-profit organization or a program that runs on a shoe-string budget, you may be eligible for special pricing. Each CPR trainer/company is different, so don't be scared to ask. When calling for more information, be suspicious of not having your questions answered fully or clearly. In addition, if you're told that prices can't be given over the phone at the moment, rather you're being asked to leave your phone number or email address for response, move on. There is nothing secretive about class pricing!


 

About EMC CPR & Safety Training, LLC

EMC CPR & Safety Training, LLC offers CPR, AED, First Aid, OSHA, and other safety classes through the American Heart Association, ECSI, National Safety Council, and ASHI. In addition, the company provides emergency care, infection control, and compliance training to dental and medical offices through HealthFirst and Banyan International, respectively. Founded by New York CPR expert Stephanie Duehring, EMC CPR & Safety Training, LLC utilizes a hands-on learning approach that leads to high comprehension and retention levels among students. The company offers on-site training seven days a week in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware, and is expanding into new markets nationwide.