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Difference between CPR/AED/First Aid Certification Difference between AHA and RC?

Wondering if there's a difference in getting CPR certification from either the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross

Public Comments

1. There is no major differences. The techniques and recommendations are pretty much the same. Additionally, the cost to take the course is pretty comparable.

One difference lies in the length of time your certifications will be good for. With the AHA, any course you take will be good for two years. With the RC, your certification could vary from 1 to 3 years, depending on the class you take (e.g First Aid certification is good for 3 years, whereas CPR certification is only good for 1 year). Another minor difference is that RC classes are generally geared slightly more toward the general public, while AHA courses are generally geared toward people in the medical or human services field. This difference is only negligible unless you get into the BLS, ACLS or PALS courses through AHA.

With regards to the first part of your question, any CPR course will teach you how to assist a victim whose heart has stopped through providing breaths and compressions. A course with an AED component will also train you on how to use an AED (an electronic device used to shock the heart). A course with a First Aid component will also include information on how to treat other injuries such as burns, bleeding, shock, seizures, etc.

Hope this helps...