We at San Francisco CPR are dedicated to giving high quality training in all our CPR programs. We have five training programs offered to students, three of which have re-certification courses available. Our website has complete details on our offered programs (schedules, rates, availability). You can also sign up on the website, with the online form or by sending an e-mail. If you plan on calling or enrolling in person, be sure to do so during normal business hours.
All of our programs are certification classes so you’re sure to get certified no matter what you sign up for. Certificates are only valid for 2 years then they expire. They can be renewed (before they expire) through a re-certification class. All of our certificates will meet whatever requirement to need them for.
Learning CPR
CPR is one of those important life skills that everyone should have, not just people who are in healthcare. Learning CPR is a process that takes repeated practice in order for maximum retention. In order to adequately give CPR, you have to practice often and update your skills according to the guidelines from the American Heart Association (AHA).
Research has shown that healthcare providers who do not practice giving CPR have declining knowledge and psychomotor skills. On the other hand, a study on nursing students who practice CPR monthly have shown improved compression and ventilation skills. This is an important factor to consider when taking CPR classes and why re-certification is needed every two years.
Training programs
We offer Basic and Advanced Life Support training throughout the entire week. There are three BLS programs and two ALS programs available. The BLS program curriculum teaches basic CPR skills before the arrival of medical help. These skills are basic chest compressions, rescue breaths, and defibrillation. BLS programs can be taken by the public as well as HCPs.
- Heartsaver CPR comes into programs, one for the public and one for HCPs. The basics are taught on heartsaver programs, focusing on one-person CPR rescue, defibrillation, and first aid.
- Basic Life Support is a program for HCPs as well. However, it covers both one and two-person CPR. First aid and defibrillation are still part of BLS for HCP training but focus is given to the latest BLS guidelines from the AHA.
ALS programs are for HCPs only and teach trainees about both CPR and medical management. Trainees are taught how to use ventilatory assist devices and oxygen support equipment, as well as how to give medication to adults and pediatric patients. Pharmacology is a very important topic, especially for pediatric patients, since dosage and indication are very different from children. A normal dose for an adult can be fatal to a child.
If you want to sign up for ALS training, you need to have a valid BLS for HCP training credential. You also need to pass a pre-test.
- Advanced Cardiac Life Support – CPR and medical management of an adult
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support – CPR and medical management of a pediatric patient