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Frequently Asked Questions
I am a healthcare provider; what course do I need?
We always recommend that you confirm with your employer/the state/etc. which classes you are required to complete before you enroll.
If you are required to complete a CPR class, you likely need to take BLS CPR/AED.
Some other healthcare provider courses available include PALS, ACLS, Basic Rhythm Interpretation, and Airway Management Training.
Do I need a BLS card/certification if I am taking ACLS/PALS?
You are not required to have a current BLS Provider card to be certified in PALS and/or ACLS; however, you need to be proficient in BLS skills in order to be successful in these classes.
How do I schedule hands-on skills once I have completed the online (ACLS/PALS/BLS) course?
To schedule skills, please call our office at 509.820.3883 or email us at info@columbiasafety.net
How many times can I take the HIV/AIDS exam?
The HIV/AIDS exam can be attempted two times. If you are not able to pass the exam, please contact us via phone or email.
What is the difference between Heartsaver CPR and BLS?
Heartsaver CPR is intended for lay rescuers (non-healthcare professionals). BLS is intended for healthcare professionals
Does BLS include First Aid?
No. BLS is not offered as a combo course. If you need First Aid, you will need to sign up for Heartsaver First Aid and BLS separately.
Is BLS included in PALS/ACLS courses?
BLS is not included in PALS/ACLS courses. If you are required to be BLS certified, you will need to enroll in BLS separately.
Are your courses OSHA compliant?
Our Heartsaver courses are for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card for job, regulatory, or other requirements. While these courses are designed to meet OSHA requirements, OSHA does not review or approve any courses for compliance.
Through the AHA/OSHA Alliance, we work with OSHA to raise awareness about workplace safety and health to prevent injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the workplace. Read about the OSHA/AHA Alliance: https://www.osha.gov/alliances
How can I avoid scams when shopping online for training?
Look For and Avoid:
- Online CPR cards/cards that you can download instantly (These are not valid in WA State)
- Courses that do not require hands-on skills/Courses that are 100% online (Hands-On is required in WA State)
- Courses that claim to be “validated”, “recognized”, and/or “authorized”. All courses should be accredited by appropriate governing bodies such as AHA, DOH, DSHS, etc.
Buyer Beware! Don’t Be Fooled by Online-Only CPR or First Aid Certification Scams.
They’re everywhere on the Internet: seemingly legitimate organizations offering “instant” CPR or first aid certification for busy people required to hold a current certification. Scam websites often claim that online-only CPR or first aid certification is “nationally accepted“. THIS IS NOT TRUE! No major nationally recognized training program in the United States endorses certification without the practice and evaluation of hands-on skills. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) online training alone does not meet OSHA first aid and CPR training requirements.
Which CPR course should a “first responder” or “professional rescuer” take?
First responders or professional rescuers generally include fire, police, and emergency medical personnel. These types of prehospital professionals usually need to complete a BLS course. The AHA now offers a BLS course specifically for prehospital providers: BLS for Prehospital Providers.
Which course should a daycare provider take?
The AHA’s Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Course is designed to meet regulatory requirements for child care workers in all 50 United States. The AHA offers this course in both classroom-based and eLearning formats.
WATCH OUT for On-Line First Aid/CPR “SCAMS”
Buyer Beware! Don’t Be Fooled by Online-Only CPR or First Aid Certification Scams.
They’re everywhere on the Internet: seemingly legitimate organizations offering “instant” CPR or first aid certification for busy people who are required to hold a current certification. And it often says right on those websites that online-only CPR or first aid certification is “nationally accepted“. THIS IS NOT TRUE! No major nationally recognized training program in the United States endorses certification without practice and evaluation of hands-on skills. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) online training alone does not meet OSHA first aid and CPR training requirements.
eLearning formats.
How old does my child need to be in order to take a CPR or First Aid class?
There is no minimum age requirement for CPR and First Aid training; however, to pass the class and receive a certification card a student must be physically capable of performing the skills learned during the class and describe the concepts of the class competently.
How do I know which CPR class I need?
If you are a daycare provider, caring for a loved one, or would like to learn CPR skills then the Heartsaver CPR class is probably best for you. If you are a healthcare professional working in the hospital or ems the BLS course is typically required.
When does the next NAC course start?
The NAC course begins on the first Monday of each month. Enrollment will remain open from the first of the month to the 20th. Any NAC course submission after the 20th will be assigned to the following month.
What is a titer?
A titer is a laboratory test that measures the presence and number of antibodies in blood. A titer may be used to prove immunity to disease. To perform a titer, a blood sample is taken and tested.
Do I need to get the COVID-19 vaccine to enroll in the EMT or NAC programs?
No, the COVID-19 vaccine is not currently required for clinicals with our partner facility.