Frequently Asked Questions

A: Yes, there can be differences in BLS CPR certification depending on the provider and the requirements of the organization or employer. The American Heart Association (AHA), Health and Safety Institute (HSI), and the American Red Cross are widely recognized organizations that offer BLS CPR training and certification. These organizations provide comprehensive training programs that follow current industry standards and guidelines. Many healthcare facilities, schools for healthcare professions, and first responder agencies specifically require BLS certification from the American Heart Association (AHA). However, some may also accept certification from the Health and Safety Institute (HSI) or the American Red Cross, depending on their policies. It’s important to check with your employer, school, or affiliated organization to determine which BLS CPR certification providers are accepted and whether there are any additional requirements.

A: AED (Automated External Defibrillator) training is included in all CPR courses because it significantly increases a victim’s chance of survival during cardiac arrest. According to the official American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC), the combination of high- quality CPR and early use of an AED is one of the most effective ways to improve survival outcomes.

A: First responders or professional rescuers—such as firefighters, police officers, and emergency medical personnel—typically need to complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) course. These individuals often operate in prehospital settings where advanced resuscitation skills are essential.

The American Heart Association (AHA) BLS course is commonly required, as it is widely recognized and accepted in healthcare and emergency response fields. Some agencies may also accept American Red Cross BLS certification, depending on their specific guidelines.

It’s important to check with your employer, licensing authority, or certifying agency to confirm which BLS provider and course version they require for your role.

A: If you're not a healthcare professional but need CPR and AED training for work, the Heartsaver® CPR AED course is likely the best fit for you. This course is designed for individuals in workplace and community settings who want to be prepared to respond to cardiac emergencies.

We offer Heartsaver CPR AED in a blended learning format, which includes an online portion followed by a hands-on skills session with an instructor to ensure you're confident in performing CPR and using an AED.

To determine the right course for your needs, it’s always a good idea to check with your employer to confirm which certification is required.

A: If you're not a healthcare professional but need CPR, AED, and First Aid training for your job, the Health Safety Institute (HSI) course is an excellent option. These courses are designed to meet workplace and regulatory requirements and are ideal for individuals in non-clinical roles who still need to be prepared for emergencies.

At CPR Basic Training, our staff are qualified instructors for HSI. We offer a full range of HSI training programs, including CPR, AED, First Aid, and more advanced certifications like Basic Life Support (BLS).

For added flexibility, these courses are available in a blended learning format—allowing you to complete the online portion at your own pace, followed by a hands-on skills session with a certified instructor.

A: Daycare providers should take the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Heartsaver® Pediatric First Aid CPR AED course. This course is specifically designed to meet regulatory requirements for childcare workers in all 50 states.

The AHA offers the course in both classroom-based and blended learning formats, giving you the flexibility to

complete part of the training online and then attend an in-person skills session with an instructor.

This course covers essential skills for responding to illnesses and injuries in children and infants, making it ideal

for anyone working in childcare settings such as daycares, preschools, and early education centers.

A: If you're looking for a general CPR course to help you be prepared to save the life of a loved one, the Family Friends® CPR course is a great choice. This course provides basic CPR training for adults, children, and infants in a relaxed, group setting.

It uses the research-proven practice-while-watching method, which allows participants to learn CPR skills by watching a video and practicing with a manikin—making it ideal for families, caregivers, and anyone who wants to be ready in case of an emergency.

No certification is required or provided, making it perfect for those who want the knowledge and confidence to help a loved one, without the need for a formal credential.

A: No, first aid is not included in the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) courses. BLS is designed specifically for healthcare professionals and focuses on high-quality CPR, AED use, and advanced resuscitation skills—not first aid.

If you need training to respond to first aid emergencies, the AHA offers several other courses tailored to those

needs, including:

Heartsaver® First Aid

Heartsaver® First Aid CPR AED

Heartsaver® Pediatric First Aid CPR AED

These courses are ideal for individuals in workplace, school, or community settings who need comprehensive

CPR and first aid training.

A: Yes, it's possible to arrange on-site training. Basic Training LLC is an independent business authorized to provide courses from the American Heart Association (AHA), Health & Safety Institute (HSI), and the American Red Cross. We offer CPR, First Aid, and advanced cardiovascular care training using current, up-to-date materials and guidelines.

To find out if an instructor can come to your office, home, or another location for on-site training, please

contact us directly.

Call us at 458-243-4646 for more information and scheduling options.

A: Yes, we offer courses in Spanish. If you need a course in a language other than Spanish, you can visit the American Heart Association (AHA) website to locate a nearby Training Center that may offer courses in your preferred language.

A: Our CPR and First Aid courses include hands-on practice sessions, so it’s best to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. If you have long hair, we recommend wearing it tied back to keep it out of the way during training.

A: First, ask your Training Center, CPR Basic Training (TC). The TC may offer the course materials to you as part of the overall course. The TC may also direct you to purchase training materials through the AHA directly.

A: No, the American Heart Association states that each student must have his or her own current and appropriate manual or workbook readily available for use before, during, and after the course. The AHA owns the copyrights to AHA textbooks, manuals, and other CPR, First Aid, and advanced cardiovascular care training materials. These materials may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the prior written consent of the AHA.

To request permission to reprint, copy, or use portions of CPR, first aid, and advanced cardiovascular care materials, submit a written request to the AHA at copyright.heart.org.