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CPR Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) HeartCode FAQs

What is the AHA HeartCode® BLS course?The AHA HeartCode® BLS course is a blended learning program that combines an online self-paced learning module with an in-person hands-on skills session. Upon successful completion of both components, participants receive an official American Heart Association BLS Provider eCard.
Who should take the AHA HeartCode® BLS course?HeartCode® BLS is designed for healthcare professionals and students who need AHA BLS certification but prefer the flexibility of completing the cognitive portion online before attending a brief skills session.
How does the HeartCode® BLS course work?Participants first complete the online HeartCode® BLS module at their own pace. After finishing the online portion, they schedule an in-person skills check with an AHA Instructor to demonstrate competency.
Is HeartCode® BLS accepted by employers and healthcare schools?Yes. After completing both the online module and the in-person skills session, you receive the same official AHA BLS Provider eCard accepted by hospitals, healthcare employers, and educational programs.
What topics are covered in HeartCode® BLS?The course includes adult, child, and infant CPR, AED use, rescue breathing, relief of choking for all ages, high-performance team dynamics, and effective communication during resuscitation.
How long does the online HeartCode® BLS portion take?The online learning module typically takes approximately 1 to 2 hours to complete, depending on your experience and learning pace.
How long is the in-person skills session?The hands-on skills check usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the number of participants and individual proficiency.
Do I need to complete the online portion before attending the skills session?Yes. You must successfully complete the HeartCode® BLS online module and bring proof of completion before participating in the in-person skills evaluation.
What proof do I need to bring to my skills session?You should bring your HeartCode® BLS completion certificate or completion email showing that you successfully finished the online portion of the course.
Will I receive an official AHA BLS certification card?Yes. Once you successfully complete both the online and in-person components, you will receive an official American Heart Association BLS Provider eCard valid for two years.
How long is the AHA HeartCode® BLS certification valid?Your AHA BLS Provider certification obtained through HeartCode® BLS is valid for two years from the date of completion.
Is HeartCode® BLS easier than the traditional instructor-led course?The certification requirements and learning objectives are the same. HeartCode® BLS simply offers greater scheduling flexibility by allowing participants to complete the cognitive portion online.
Can I complete the online HeartCode® BLS module on my phone or tablet?The online portion is compatible with many devices, but participants should review the AHA system requirements to ensure the best learning experience.
Is there a written exam during the skills session?No. The knowledge assessment is built into the online HeartCode® BLS module. The in-person appointment focuses on demonstrating hands-on skills competency.
What skills are evaluated during the HeartCode® BLS skills session?Participants demonstrate adult, child, and infant CPR, AED use, rescue breathing, team dynamics, and choking relief techniques according to current AHA guidelines.
Can nursing and medical students use HeartCode® BLS for school requirements?Yes. Many nursing, medical, dental, and allied health programs accept HeartCode® BLS because it results in the same AHA BLS Provider eCard as the traditional course.
What if my previous BLS certification has expired?You can still complete the HeartCode® BLS course. There is no grace period requirement, and both new and renewing providers may use this option.
Do you offer flexible scheduling for HeartCode® BLS skills sessions?Yes. We offer convenient appointment times to accommodate busy healthcare professionals, students, and shift workers.
Who conducts the HeartCode® BLS skills session?All skills sessions are led by certified American Heart Association instructors who are experienced firefighters, paramedics, nurses, and healthcare professionals.
What areas do you serve for AHA HeartCode® BLS skills sessions?We provide HeartCode® BLS skills sessions at our Northbrook training center and offer private on-site appointments throughout Chicago, Northbrook, Glenview, Park Ridge, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northfield, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, and all surrounding suburbs.

Basic Life Support (BLS) FAQs

What is the American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider course?The AHA BLS Provider course teaches healthcare professionals and other qualified individuals how to recognize life-threatening emergencies, perform high-quality CPR, use an AED, and provide effective team-based resuscitation.
Who should take the AHA BLS Provider course?This course is designed for healthcare professionals, including nurses, physicians, dentists, EMTs, paramedics, medical assistants, respiratory therapists, nursing students, and anyone whose employer requires AHA BLS certification.
Is this an official American Heart Association BLS course?Yes. This is an official American Heart Association BLS Provider course taught by certified AHA instructors, and participants receive an authentic AHA BLS Provider eCard upon successful completion.
How long does the AHA BLS Provider course take?The instructor-led AHA BLS Provider course typically takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on class size and participant experience.
What topics are covered in the AHA BLS course?The course covers adult, child, and infant CPR, AED use, rescue breathing, relief of choking for all ages, high-performance team dynamics, and special considerations for healthcare providers.
Will I receive an AHA BLS certification card?Yes. Participants who successfully complete the course receive an official American Heart Association BLS Provider eCard valid for two years.
How long is the AHA BLS certification valid?Your AHA BLS Provider certification is valid for two years from the date of successful course completion.
Do I need any prior experience to take the AHA BLS course?No prior healthcare experience is required. However, participants should be prepared for hands-on practice and written evaluations.
Is there a written exam in the AHA BLS course?Yes. Participants must successfully complete a written knowledge assessment as required by the American Heart Association.
Is there a skills test during the course?Yes. Students must demonstrate competency in adult, child, and infant CPR skills, AED use, and choking relief techniques.
Can this course be used to satisfy employment requirements?Yes. The AHA BLS Provider certification is widely accepted by hospitals, healthcare facilities, nursing programs, dental offices, and other healthcare employers.
Do you offer on-site AHA BLS training for businesses and healthcare offices?Yes. We provide convenient on-site AHA BLS Provider training at hospitals, medical offices, dental practices, clinics, schools, and businesses throughout the Chicago area.
What is the difference between BLS and standard CPR?BLS is intended for healthcare professionals and includes team-based resuscitation, bag-mask ventilation, and advanced response techniques that are not typically included in community CPR courses.
Do I need to bring anything to class?No. We provide all training equipment and materials needed for the course. Participants simply need to arrive on time and be prepared to participate.
Can nursing and medical students take this course?Yes. Many nursing, medical, dental, and allied health programs require students to obtain AHA BLS certification before beginning clinical rotations.
What happens if my AHA BLS certification has expired?You can still enroll in the AHA BLS Provider course. There is no grace period, and many participants take the full course when renewing an expired certification.
Do you offer private AHA BLS classes?Yes. We offer private classes for individuals, healthcare teams, medical offices, and organizations seeking flexible scheduling and personalized instruction.
Are your AHA BLS instructors experienced healthcare professionals?Yes. Our instructors are experienced firefighters, paramedics, nurses, and healthcare professionals who bring real-world emergency response experience into the classroom.
How soon will I receive my AHA BLS eCard?Most participants receive their official AHA BLS Provider eCard electronically shortly after successfully completing the course.
What areas do you serve for AHA BLS Provider training?We offer AHA BLS Provider classes at our Northbrook training center and provide on-site training throughout Chicago, Northbrook, Glenview, Park Ridge, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northfield, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, and all surrounding suburbs.

General

Are your instructors certified and experienced? Yes, our instructors are highly certified and experienced in CPR, AED, BLS, and First Aid training. They are dedicated professionals committed to providing high quality, hands on training to all participants.

Certification

Do you provide certification upon completion of the training courses?Yes. A two year digital certification is issued upon successful completion of the training.
Will participants receive certification upon completing the on-site workplace group CPR & AED training? Absolutely. Participants who successfully complete the on-site workplace group CPR & AED training will receive certification. The certification is in accordance with the guidelines set forth by the American Heart Association, American Red Cross and the American Health & Safety Institute and is a testament to the skills and knowledge acquired during the training session.

Scheduled Classes

What are your blended learning options?

Blended learning combines online coursework with a shorter in person skills session. This allows you to complete the theory online and then attend a hands on session to practice and receive certification.

How long does CPR and AED training take?

Most in person CPR and AED training sessions take about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the course type and group needs.

Do you offer flexible scheduling for workplace training?

Yes. Training sessions can be scheduled after hours or on weekends to accommodate different work shifts and team availability.

Can training be customized for specific workplace needs?

Yes. Training can be tailored to address specific workplace hazards, environments, and real world scenarios relevant to your team.

Is equipment provided for training sessions?

Yes. All necessary equipment, including CPR manikins and AED units, is provided to ensure a realistic and hands on learning experience.

Is there a minimum number of participants for group training?

Group sessions typically require a minimum of 8 participants, but smaller groups can be accommodated based on your needs.

Can participants with different experience levels attend the same training?

Yes. Training sessions are designed to support both beginners and those needing a refresher, ensuring all participants benefit.

Can I register for training online?

Yes. You can easily register online by selecting your preferred course, date, and time through the website.

On-Site Training

Do you provide certification upon completion of the training courses? Yes. A two year digital certification is issued upon completion of the training.
What are the blended learning options you offer? Blended learning combines online coursework with in person skills sessions, allowing participants to complete the classroom portion online and then attend a shorter hands on session.
Do you offer blended learning options for on site workplace training? Yes. Blended learning options are available for CPR, AED, and First Aid workplace training.
How long is the CPR and AED training session? Most training sessions last about 2 to 3 hours, depending on the course type and group needs.
Can training be scheduled after hours or on weekends? Yes. Flexible scheduling is available, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate different work shifts.
Can training accommodate different experience levels? Yes. Sessions are designed for both beginners and those needing a refresher, so all participants can benefit.
Is training equipment provided? Yes. All necessary equipment, including CPR manikins and AED training units, is provided for a hands on experience.
Can training be customized for specific workplace needs? Yes. Training can be tailored to address specific workplace hazards, response needs, and scenarios relevant to your team.
Will participants receive certification after training? Yes. Participants who complete the training receive certification aligned with national guidelines.
What is the minimum group size for workplace training? A minimum of 8 participants is typical, though smaller groups may be accommodated.

At Home CPR

What are at-home CPR classes for new parents and families?At-home CPR classes are private training sessions conducted in the comfort of your home. These classes teach life-saving skills such as infant CPR, child CPR, and choking relief for families and caregivers.
Why should new parents take an at-home CPR class?New parents benefit from learning how to respond confidently during emergencies involving infants and children. At-home CPR classes provide practical skills that can help save a child’s life in critical situations.
What topics are covered in at-home CPR classes for families?Topics often include infant CPR, child CPR, adult CPR, AED use, choking relief for all ages, emergency preparedness, and basic first aid for common household injuries.
Who should attend an at-home CPR class?New parents, grandparents, babysitters, nannies, family members, and anyone caring for children should consider attending an at-home CPR class.
How long does an at-home CPR class usually take?Most at-home CPR classes for families last about 2 to 2.5 hours, depending on the number of participants and the topics covered.
Do at-home CPR classes include infant and child choking training?Yes, most family-focused CPR classes include choking relief techniques for infants, children, and adults.
Can multiple family members attend the same at-home CPR class?Absolutely. At-home CPR classes are ideal for groups, allowing parents, relatives, and caregivers to learn together in one session.
Do we receive certification after an at-home CPR class?Yes, upon completion of the course everyone would receive a 2 year CPR and AED certification.
What are the benefits of learning CPR at home instead of in a classroom?At-home CPR classes provide convenience, personalized instruction, flexible scheduling, and a comfortable learning environment tailored to your family’s needs.
What areas do you serve for at-home CPR classes?We provide at-home CPR classes for new parents and families throughout Chicago, Northbrook, Glenview, Park Ridge, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northfield, Lincolnshire, Libertyville, and all surrounding suburbs. Our goal is to make life-saving CPR and first aid training accessible and convenient for families across the greater Chicago area.

Choking

What is choking?Choking occurs when an object blocks the airway, preventing normal breathing. This can happen with food, small toys, liquids, or other foreign objects.
What are the signs that someone is choking?Common signs include inability to speak, difficulty breathing, clutching the throat, silent coughing, wheezing, bluish lips or skin, and loss of consciousness.
What should I do if an adult is choking?If the person cannot cough or speak, call 911 and begin abdominal thrusts (Heimlich maneuver) until the object is expelled or the person becomes unresponsive.
What should I do if a child is choking?For children over age 1, use abdominal thrusts if they cannot breathe, cough, or speak. Be firm but careful, and call emergency services if needed.
How do I help a choking infant?For infants under 1 year old, use 5 back blows followed by 5 chest thrusts. Never perform abdominal thrusts on an infant.
Can a person still breathe if they are choking?If the airway is only partially blocked, the person may still breathe or cough. Encourage them to keep coughing to try to clear the obstruction.
Should I give water to someone who is choking?No. Giving water can make the blockage worse. Focus on clearing the airway first.
What foods are common choking hazards?Hot dogs, grapes, popcorn, nuts, hard candy, chunks of meat, marshmallows, and peanut butter are common choking hazards.
Are choking risks different for children and adults?Yes. Children often choke on small foods or toys, while adults may choke due to eating too quickly, dentures, or medical conditions affecting swallowing.
How can I prevent choking in children?Cut food into small pieces, supervise meals, keep small objects out of reach, and teach children to chew thoroughly.
How can seniors reduce choking risk?Seniors should eat slowly, sit upright, chew carefully, and discuss swallowing concerns with a healthcare provider.
What is the universal sign for choking?The universal sign is clutching the throat with one or both hands.
When should CPR be started for choking?If the person becomes unresponsive, begin CPR immediately and call 911.
Can CPR help someone who is choking?Yes. Chest compressions can create pressure that may help dislodge the object in an unresponsive choking victim.
What if the choking person is pregnant or obese?Use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts for pregnant or significantly obese individuals.
Can someone choke while sleeping?Yes. This can occur due to vomiting, saliva, or certain medical conditions. Sleeping positions and health issues may increase risk.
What should I do if I am choking and alone?Call 911 if possible and perform self-abdominal thrusts using your hands or by pressing your upper abdomen against a firm object like a chair.
Is coughing always a sign of severe choking?Not always. If the person can cough forcefully, encourage continued coughing. Severe choking usually involves silent distress and inability to speak.
What happens if a choking blockage is not removed?Without oxygen, brain damage can occur within minutes. Immediate action is critical.
Why is choking first aid training important?Knowing how to respond to choking emergencies can save lives and improve confidence in handling critical situations.

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