aedcpr.com American AED/CPR Association fraudulent certification not recognized scam Satellite Beach, Florida
This organization came to my attention when I was asked to verify the CPR skills of a person who had taken their "Healthcare Provider" course, which the organization claims is "accepted nationally," "nationally accredited," "follow the same ECC guidelines in accordance with state mandates" and last but not least "100% Online Course: No skills demonstration required."
The student performed compressions in the wrong place and far too weakly to make any difference in the outcome. While he recognized rescue devices such as the Bag Valve Mask and the AED, he made elementary errors in their placement and use. A person who listened to dispatcher instructions to give "Hands Only CPR" or had taken a layperson CPR course would have done much better for the victim than this student was able to.
Healthcare organizations, emergency response organizations, employers and schools cannot afford to employ anyone who cannot actually do the skill. Without accurate feedback, you can't learn CPR from a book or even a video or online course. Reputable organizations such as the American Heart Association and American Red Cross do not issue on-line certifications. Instead, skills learned in on-line classes are verified in person by a certified instructor.
Misleadingly, the organization's Web site mentions blended learning but does not require any skills verification. Their card superficially resembles the certification card from a nationally recognized organization, but they will send it to anyone who can click-through a list of questions and pay $19.95
This is like buying a driver's license through the Internet -- except that you won't get into legal trouble. You just won't have the skill necessary to save someone's life with CPR.
This organization's claims to national acceptance and accreditation are bogus. On the contrary, many organizations including EMS agencies specifically state "We do not accept 'on line CPR cards.'
That the organization has to have a Web-based form for demanding refunds when their fantasy card is not recognized only proves the point: http://www.aedcpr.com/refund.asp
1 Updates & Rebuttals
Doctor A
Colorado Springs,Colorado,
American AED/CPR not as illegitimate as described
#2Consumer Comment
Sat, November 02, 2013
I beg to differ with the Rip Off Reports written about the American AED/CPR Association. I am a pharmacist and am required to have my CPR certification. I first learned about this company from my former employer, CVS Pharmacy, who recommended that their employees complete their re-certification through this website. I obtained my original certification through a live course with AHA, and I believe that this online course is perfectly adequate for a re-certification. CVS recommeded that their pharmacists use it, and the current company I work for (another large, national pharmacy chain)never questioned this certification. Perhaps for some people, this is not an appropriate class, but for someone who has already taken a live course (or several live courses), and is looking for an alternative to driving an hour one-way every two years to take a class that they'e already familiar with, I would say to give this online course a chance.