FAQ

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CPR is short for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, a lifesaving technique that's useful in many emergencies in which a person's heart is no longer beating and their breathing has stopped.

The main difference between CPR for adults and infants is the technique and depth used for chest compressions. 

A person in cardiac arrest is 100% guaranteed to die without CPR intervention so administering CPR will not worsen their condition.  In fact, with immediate high-quality CPR, a person's survival chances can double or even triple their chances of survival.

A.E.D .stands for "automated external defibrillator" and it's a portable machine whose job is to analyze a heart's rhythm and deliver a shock, if needed, to put the heart back into an effective rhythm. A.E.D.s. are safe to use when the directions given by the machine in use are followed.

CPR should absolutely be started, whether an AED is present or not. However, it might be worth having your business look into purchasing an AED as scientific studies have found that people have a greater chance of survival from cardiac arrest when high-quality CPR includes use of an AED. 

The answer is no; Good Samaritan laws exist in all 50 states in the U.S., protecting bystanders if they are administering CPR out of good faith and keeping in line with their training. Additionally, the federal Cardiac Arrest Survival Act, signed into law in 2000, provides civil immunity for users of A.E.D.s. 

Our training materials and certification testing is provided through the American Heart Association (AHA). (Note: Sauk Valley CPR and its instructors are not employees of the AHA). Certification is good for two years.

It is at the student's discretion if they wish to wear a mask but use of masks will not be required unless it is the expressed policy of the location of the class. Whenever possible, we try to have one mannequin per student. However, when that is not possible, we utilize measures to ensure your safety by issuing individual equipment (i.e. breathing masks, mouthpieces), providing hand sanitizer and gloves, and having the mannequins wiped down with antibacterial wipes between shared uses.

There is not a mandated minimum age requirement for learning CPR. The ability to perform CPR is based more on a person's body strength than age. Studies have shown that children as young as nine years old can learn and retain CPR skills. Please contact your instructor prior to class if you have any concerns.

Definitely. While it's ideal to learn on the floor (where most people end up in a real-life cardiac event situation), it is not required for the purpose of learning or skill testing. Please contact the instructor in advance of your class date to discuss any concerns so that we can do our best to accommodate you for a positive learning experience.

No. Your book, pen, and certification processing cost (if applicable) are all included in your course fee.  Your book and pen will be available to you at the beginning of class. Please do not bring older copies of materials from previous CPR trainings as its contents may no longer be up to date.

We offer two options of classes to best meet your learning and time needs: blended (online) and traditional (instructor led). Instructor-led classes teach through hands-on activities and video integration to optimize student learning. This is ideal for those who are new to acquiring CPR and first aid skill sets or learn more easily with 1:1 instruction. Blended classes are perfect for those who are on a busy schedule and would like to complete the education piece at their own pace. When it is completed, an appointment is scheduled with our instructor for an in-person skills validation in order to complete certification.  Our adult and infant CPR mannequins provide real-time feedback to students and the instructor regarding compressions and breaths, and we use training equipment that simulate real-life scenarios to help with learning. Class sizes are kept to a maximum of 6 students or less per class which allows for more one-on-one instruction opportunities as needed.

Yes, if you are taking a course that requires certification to provide for your employer or school. Certification for Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Workers requires both a successful demonstration of skills and a minimum of 84% or greater on the written test.  Certification for all Heartsaver courses requires only a successful demonstration of skills (the written test is optional depending on your employer's requirements).  Family and Friends does not involve certification and does not require testing.

Your certification card will be available to you within 20 days of successful completion of your course and can be obtained online and printable through a link that will be emailed to you from the American Heart Association. (Employers can also verify certification through this link). Your instructor will have a specific handout going over this information with you on the day of class.

First of all, don't feel embarrassed for CPR can be both physically and mentally demanding for even the most experienced users. It's not uncommon for students to experience performance anxiety when it's time to be formally observed and tested. Your instructor will have a remediation session with you at the end of class to go over any areas which require more work and allow you extra time to ask questions and practice before being given another chance to test.  This remediation time has proven to be very successful as most students go on to pass their test with having these skill deficits addressed and improved.  If testing is failed a second time, you will need to retake the course.

We encourage you to plan to be present for the entire class; if an emergency comes up, please contact the instructor to reschedule for another date where you can be present. Testing and certification cannot be granted for only partial attendance.  Refunds are not offered for partial attendance.

Please dress comfortably! Wear clothing that allows you to move about freely as you will be actively participating with hands-on activities during class. If you have long hair, it's strongly recommended that you wear it pulled back from your face.

Of course! We teach a Family and Friends class which is geared towards how to recognize a cardiac event and perform CPR on adults and children with a focus on Hands Only CPR. as well as using an AED and what to do in choking situations. No testing or certification needed!

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. 

The Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Course is a certified 6-hour course designed to meet regulatory requirements, including 4-C's, for childcare workers in all 50 United States. 

No problem! You will need to attend a Basic Life Support (BLS) class or purchase the HeartCode BLS class for recertification; the good news is that, depending on your familiarity with the content, it's a faster option for refreshing what you know and a great update for what may have changed since your last certification. A skills test and written exam will still be required for recertification per AHA guidelines.

No;  however, Heartsaver First Aid and Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid are available add-on classes if you are seeking additional certification in First Aid.

We offer a variety of classes which can be found with descriptions and costs under Course Info. At this time, we accept only check , cash or Venmo in payment which must be made in full by the start of class. Payments can also be mailed in advance to Sauk Valley CPR, PO Box 451 Sterling, IL 61081.  If you need to cancel, please provide the courtesy of at least 24 hours notice to the instructor prior to your scheduled class.  No refunds will be issued for partial attendance, no shows, or failure to cancel within 24 hours.

Visit our Course Info link and click on the "Book" button beneath the class you want to take to schedule your class or appointment. If you would like to schedule a group for training, please email us at info@SaukValleyCPR.com and we'll contact you to review your needs and arrange a convenient place and time for class.  Be sure to also like and follow us on FaceBook at Sauk Valley CPR.