If you do any search
of CPR in virtually any search engine, you will find a variety of views
as to what training is best and who does it better.
Statistics abound primarily to support the website promotion of the moment.
One
website supports statistics that say multi-media is better than the
American Heart Associations DVD style. Obviously it supports its own
brand of training that never puts you in front of an instructor.
Then
there is the Combo style, of which I somewhat support, that the Red
Cross and American Heart Association promote, (I being an AHA
instructor like American Heart better than The Red Cross, but have
taken both courses, so I feel I can comment fairly). The combo pairs
online course work and hands on skills together, which is far better
than the $19.95 brand currently being promoted across the web that
rarely puts you in contact with an instructor.
The style of
training I prefer is the classroom style that is promoted by EMS Safety
Services and American Heart Association, though the EMS version is
better than AHA because of the depth of training into the cause of
sudden cardiac arrest.
As I review comments from my students
feedback, I notice that in my AHA courses, the student wants more
instructor involvement and information, in my EMS course, I almost
always receive feedback that the student feels more prepared than they
were under other forms of instruction. Can we do without the instructor?
Sadly
I hear from some students and former trainers that the course just
takes to much time out of their day (once ever 2 years?? give me a
break) so they go for the short course. How does that make you feel if
you are the one having a sudden cardiac arrest.
My Doctor today
told me he stopped training his staff, in a VA hospital no less,
because it took to much time from their day and he didn't have time to
teach a 3 hour course to nurses who should know anyway.
Doctor,
I am sorry you feel that way, I thought the patient needs came first
and who doesn't need a refresher from time to time? OSHA recommends a
refresher every six months, and you think every two years is to much to
ask?
So it really comes down to you the student, do you want a
fast and easy course that doesn't' save lives or do you want to be
prepared to act? Stop the nonsense and get properly trained, prepared
and ready to act. It could be you lying on the floor.
Just my opinion, but I am confident with those I have trained if it were I in need of help.