As the in-house CPR instructor for your organization, you want to be sure that you choose the right CPR training provider so your training program will run smoothly, be cost effective, and thoroughly equip your team members to save lives in an emergency. But how do you choose between providers?
While there is no one-size-fits-all solution, there are several key factors that can help you make the right choice. Examining things like accessibility, technology and integrated tools, costs, and educational offerings will help you compare training providers and select the one that best fits your needs.
Here are five questions to ask when choosing a CPR training provider for your organization.
Is It Accessible Remotely?
One of the first questions to ask when considering a CPR training provider is how accessible it is to you and your team. Are the course materials only available in hard copies or on a local device, or can you access them remotely?
Even if you’ll be conducting in-person classes at your workplace, having remote access to the course will help prevent issues if you run into technical problems or if any team members need to view the materials outside of class.
Additionally, remotely accessible training makes it easy to offer your team flexible options. If some need to attend in-person training but others can’t make it or would benefit more from a blended learning model, you can accommodate them all and ensure everyone gets the training they need.
Does it Stay Up-to-Date on ILCOR Guidelines?
Guidelines and best practices for administering CPR come from the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR). This organization meets every five years to discuss and refine recommendations for effective CPR and then updates previous guidelines accordingly.
When choosing a CPR training provider, you’ll want to be sure it can update its course content quickly whenever new ILCOR guidelines are published. That way, you’ll know your training materials are always up-to-date and your workers are equipped with the most current data-backed best practices.
Look for providers that take advantage of the latest technology to stay up-to-date and that clearly state their adherence to ILCOR guidelines. It’s also important to confirm that the provider you choose is accepted in your industry for compliance purposes.
How Much Does It Actually Cost?
When comparing prices on CPR training providers, don’t just look at the basic cost for the course or certification — there are often hidden costs that factor into the total. These include:
- Labor costs, including compensation for team members’ time and travel.
- Logistical and rescheduling costs to cover scheduling conflicts or lower-than-minimum attendance.
- Organizational costs, especially if the training causes extra inconvenience to employees.
- Administrative costs for keeping track of certifications and following up with students.
Before settling on a CPR provider for your organization, take the time to calculate these hidden costs and add them to the sticker price for each provider you’re considering. Then decide which fits within your budget.
How Will You Organize Team Members’ Certifications?
Handling the CPR training itself is only part of building an in-house CPR program. You’ll also need to keep track of workers’ certifications and ensure that everyone stays up-to-date and compliant. This means you’ll need to choose a CPR provider that makes it easy to store students’ information and remind them of upcoming renewals.
As an instructor, you have a lot on your plate already without having to track down everyone’s information in a spreadsheet or — even worse — physical files. Choose a CPR provider that allows you to store that information digitally, easily share it with the applicable team members, and send automated reminders about trainings and certification renewals.
Also check that the provider is compatible with your existing technology, so you don’t have to spend extra time, effort, and potentially money installing and learning an entirely new system.
What Options Are There for Continued Learning?
Whether CPR training is required for your industry or not, it’s always a good idea to provide as many opportunities as possible for your team members to expand their lifesaving skill sets. Choosing a CPR training provider that offers additional training is a great way to do just that.
When comparing CPR providers, consider what additional courses they offer and which ones might be most interesting or useful to the people in your organization. Common continued learning options include things like:
- First aid
- Basic life support (BLS)
- Workplace safety training
- Advanced instructor courses
The additional courses that will be most useful to you and your team may depend on your industry and the nature of your workplace. Are there any additional skills, such as first aid, that are required or strongly recommended for your industry? Are there any skills that would help make your workplace safer?
Ready to Choose Your CPR provider?
When choosing a CPR provider for your organization’s in-house training program, it’s helpful to know ahead of time which features you need so you can select the provider that will be most effective for you and your team.
By comparing factors such as cost, accessibility, ability to update content quickly when needed, tools for managing your workers’ certifications, and options for continued learning, you can make an informed decision on a CPR training provider that truly equips your workers to save lives.
For an even more in-depth comparison of popular CPR providers, check out our full Buyer’s Guide for CPR Instructor Certification here!