Which CPR class do you need? Do you know how AHA and ASHI cards are different?

Throughout the healthcare industry, the American Heart Association (AHA) has long been considered “the gold standard”. Traditionally, anyone working in a hospital (or as a First Responder) has been required to have a valid AHA BLS (Basic Life Support) card.

AHA classes have a relatively low instructor-to-student ratio and a relatively low student-to-mannequin ratio. The class requires a current AHA textbook, has a written exam, and it requires a decent time commitment of generally three or four hours (depending on whether you are certifying for the first time, or renewing). If you are a medical professional, go with the AHA certification.

The curriculum used by the American Health and Safety Institute (ASHI) is based on the AHA’s materials, but an ASHI BLS card is not currently recognized by hospitals or First Responders.

However, it is largely accepted nationally by assisted living facilities, nursing and rehabilitation centers, in-home caregivers, dental offices, schools and childcare facilities, along with national associations, state regulatory agencies, occupational licensing boards, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and more.

ASHI classes can take less time and money to complete and allow a higher instructor-to-student ratio, so it may work better for groups larger than six. If you are not a medical professional, the ASHI classes like the CPR BLS course in Melbourne are a great choice.

We are authorized by both the AHA and ASHI to teach these CPR classes. We want to make sure you earn the correct CPR certification!