AHA CPR Instructors

[Jdefelice]

For anyone who is an AHA CPR instructor, do you ever have issues with your TC getting back to you?

I aligned with a small hospital in the Pittsburgh area over the summer. The woman who handles the TC responsibilities was very nice and helpful. I told her it might be a while before I actually teach a class since I have a full time job and was just getting my side business up and running. I finally got everything needed and scored some business with a construction company. They have 30 guys who need heartsaver with first aid and Bloodborn pathogens. I contacted the AHA coordinator at my TC, the same woman who helped me sign up over the summer, and she has yet to get back to me. I've emailed and called several times over the past 3 weeks and have gotten nothing back. I have questions about the Bloodborn pathogens part and don't want to teach the class until I get a definite answer from the TC. If they're not getting back to me about a simple question how am I supposed to trust them to give me the actual cards once the class has been taught? I'm not sure who to call except for the AHA directly.

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

There is always the chance that the TC you worked with has been on vacation/ leave or another individual has been assigned that role. Also, I'm aligned with a small hospital and my TC is always crazy busy with many responsibilities in addition to being a TC, it took me a while to figure out delayed responses were nothing personal just not enough hours in the day. Maybe consider calling the hospital and requesting to be connected to her dept and try making contact that way. There may be an admin asst who can provide you with assistance or direction.

My cards always get sent out quickly because the admin asst does those, not the TC.

Also, in regards to your questions about bloodborne pathogens, have you checked the AHA instructor website - there's lots of good info there.

Good luck in you venture!

[Icooka4u]

I was set up to do this through American Red Cross. My issues were people needing certification within 24-48hrs, and me needing a minimum of a week to request rental equipment from ARC (American Red Cross). Great advice vampiregirl, ASN, RN.

How are you handling that? Did you invest in buying your own equipment? Where do you provide your classes for small groups or individuals? I plan to restart in the next year with ARC/AHA. Jdefelice how did your secure your construction company gig? Do you guys charge the same rates as AHA?

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

I teach through my fire dept so I have a limited amount of equipment available for smaller classes. Large classes require reserving/ renting equipment from other sources.

I too have been trying to figure out how to best handle the "last minute/ emergency" certifications. My first thought is typically that your lack of planning is not my emergency:) But sometimes people do have legit circumstances come up that they need a cert fairly quickly and for me, the public relations aspect can also play in. Typically I cave and accommodate them IF I can. Several "last minute" students have made donations to our fire dept in addition to course fees, which then I put towards equipment. I teach as volunteer though, so overhead is very low (cost of cards, disposable supplies for classes and cleaning). In turn, we have very reasonable rates. We also have a few corporate contracts outside our fire dept service area that our rates are competitive with other area providers.

[Icooka4u]

Maybe, I'll try to network with some locals trying to do the same thing and arrange for us to make a group purchase which would qualify for a discount (at least 15%)...and/or wait to restart until I've saved a sufficient amount to purchase 3-6 sets of infant/child/adult kits.