American Heart Association CPR or American Safety and Health Institute CPR Certification – Which CPR Training Should You Choose?

It’s time to take a CPR class and you start searching for the best one.  As you search, you come across a certification that you have never heard of before: American Safety and Health Institute (ASHI).  The certification is valid for 2 years and they offer CPR in the same levels as the American Heart Association  (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC).  But is it legitimate?

Although many people may not have heard of the American Safety and Health Institute, it is gaining more and more popularity throughout the country and even the world.  It is an internationally recognized and also endorsed by the United States Coast Guard.  ASHI CPR and first aid courses are based off the American Heart Association guidelines just as all other CPR training courses.

So if you have the choice between the American Heart Association and the ASHI CPR class, which one should you choose?  The answer lies in what type of training you need.  Although the ASHI classes are gaining popularity, the healthcare CPR market is dominated by the American Heart Association.  So, until hospitals realize that ASHI CPR classes are equivalent to those of the AHA, it is best to stick with the AHA BLS for Healthcare Provider Course.

For all other CPR courses, the American Safety and Health Institute will satisfy the requirements.  Better yet, the ASHI classes are usually less expensive than those of the AHA.

AHA vs. ASHI? Who is the winner? It’s a split decision:

If you are in healthcare, go with American Heart CPR.

Any other profession? ASHI is your best bet.