American Red Cross

**This is strictly a review for the ONLINE portion of the blended CPR/​FIRST AID training**
I spent nearly 3 frustrating hours trying to get through the little test modules they make you do; 3 levels each for CPR and FIRST AID (6 total) consisting of several sloooow videos within each level; so were talking about like 18 videos that you cannot skip through. This wouldn’t have been so frustrating if the information was given and then you were tested on it. No, they make you do a trial and error until you gather enough info to then move on to the next video. This takes forrrrrevver because when you include in all the lag times between their server and your connection you will have to repeat and repeat and repeat and repeat. The best way to describe this is like calling an 800 number and having to go through several layers of prompts only to get disconnected…
I highly recommend doing the in-​person training, because this online module actually takes way more time to complete.

I came here to recertify myself in Adult First Aid/​CPR/​AED. The class goes from 8:30 AM-1:45 PM in a building in the middle of an industrial park. The course mostly consists of watching videos, End of Lesson reviews/​questions, and the hands-​on training. You are also given a CPR mask, gauzes, gloves, and a wrap in the beginning of class. For me, the biggest downside of the class is watching the videos. Sometimes I felt like I could’ve taken the course online and watched these from home. Yes, the videos aren’t that long, but considering you spend most of the class watching them, it’s a bummer. I feel like the videos should’ve supplemented the lecture not BE the lecture. The instructor did talk fast and despite the class asking her to slow down, I did get lost at times. She was, on the other hand, incredibly knowledgeable about every section she went over. Despite being here for a recertification, I was surprised by how many new things I took from this course versus refreshing myself. Since the class energy at times was low, I did appreciate her outgoing personality bringing the class back together.
If you decide to take a class here, I would suggest bringing a lunch, a light snack, and some coffee. There aren’t many food/​coffee places in close proximity where you can order your food, eat it, and be back in the 30-​minutes allotted for lunch. There is a vending machine you can purchase from across the hall. As unexciting it would be to attend a five-​hour course, I think I would come back here to recertify myself only so I could refresh myself with the hands-​on training. I think that’s what the $ 70’s truly cover, not the videos. Coming here, I thought I would remember most of the things I learned from my last Adult First Aid/​CPR/​AED course, but taking this class physically gave me a nice experience that I know I would not have gotten from taking online.

We signed up for the «blended» or hybrid CPR/​FIRST AID course and TOTALLY DO NOT RECOMMEND!!! The Red Cross (RC) seems to been more interested in making money than helping the public learn about CPR/​FIRST AID. Part of the problem is that they do NOT have control of their instructors — instructors are contacted out and are not accountable to the organization. Secondly, the «blended class» requires one to pass several on-​line instructional tests prior to attending a physical class. The on-​line instruction was not only poorly done (more line a cartoon) but we experienced lag time issues between our computers and there servers (and we have very high speed gaming internet service!!). This was particularly frustrating when it came to counting the number of, say, chest compressions per minute my clicking on a computer or «mouse». There was just too many count error issues between computer and RC servers. Consequently, it was almost impossible to pass that «test». Recommend taking the 100% physical in class instruction — stay away from their «blended training»!!!

I signed up for the blended learning option, and completed the online portion several days before the in person class. On the day of the in person class, I was extremely sick and had to be treated for the issue. I returned home completely exhausted, not even aware of what day it was, and fell asleep for the rest of the day. Of course, I missed the class. Not only do I need to completely retake the class, but I have been charged a late fee for missing the in person portion while I was sick. After talking to customer service people there, I’ve decided to take the class elsewhere. This is the first experience I’ve ever had, anywhere, where no one is willing to work with me to resolve an issue that I had so little control over. Apparently no one at the American Red Cross cares if you’re sick. The irony isn’t lost on me.

I had John and Monica for my CPR/​AED for Professional Rescuers and Healthcare Providers class, from 9am-​4pm. I read from other reviews that they played long videos, and that coffee was a must. It turns out they only had short videos (5 mins at the most), and they made sure to engage you with practical examples through dummies or a partner system. And I have to admit John, a retired Firefighter, cracked a few jokes that helped the time fly by.
Monica was there always to help, and provided some much needed expertise if John needed any confirmation on anything. There was one question that no one seemed to ask in previous classes (15 compressions and 2 ventilations for children and infants when you have two responders, compared to 30 compressions and 2 ventilations when you have 1 one responder). Monica went to her supervisor and tried to get down to the bottom of it, even though it wasn’t really necessary.
Monica and John really seemed liked they cared that you learned the basics that you needed for this particular class, and really helped those that had a problem in certain areas. As long as you get 80% you pass, so make sure you pay attention! They tell you when they’re telling you something that might be on the practical or written exam, so take some notes to help jog your memory if you need it. And if you don’t get at least 80% or more, you paid $ 110 for some lessons, but no certification. SO PAY ATTENTION. Thankfully I passed with our instructors. They kind of went over some parts at the end really quick right before the test to finish in time, but at least it was fresh in our mind when we took the written exam. Overall, I had a good time, and I learned some lessons that might save a life one day.

Amazing staff. I have teenage daughters who are taking the babysitting/​CPR and it’s wonderful. I highly recommend this class for all teens. It’s so much more than basics. Teaches first responder skills that could someday save their lives. As a parent it gives me comfort that my children will know what to do in the event of an emergency, until professional help arrives.

Who is CPR/​AED certified? This girl, right herrrrrr.
For those that know me, I am a gym freak. I am working towards getting my AFAA Certification for Group Fitness Instructor, as well as my Zumba Certification, both of which requires you to have a CPR/​AED card under your belt. I don’t know why you wouldn’t have one as I feel it would be negligent to teach without one. Just sayin’. Lucky for me, my CPR partner just happened to get her Zumba certification a month ago so it was a match made in heaven… I’m so glad I took the seat next to her and introduced myself.
Katie and Rachel did an excellent job at training the class on the basics of CPR, how to work an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator), and First Aid. This class was held for roughly 6 hours. There were several videos to be watched, then live demonstrations where you paired up with a partner, worked with plastic mannequins to perform CPR while using simulated AED devices. We also learned different First Aid techniques on how to treat wounds, depending on the severity. I never felt more like a mummy during this part. We did not complete a written test, however, we were quizzed verbally throughout the duration of the class.
I highly recommend you jot down notes as we were not given any material to take with us besides whatever we had stored in our brains from the 8 hour session.
Aside from my fitness goals, I am just happy I know how to potentially save a life… it’s a great feeling of accomplishment and I plan on going back for a refresher in 3 months. Highly recommend!

I recently visited this Red Cross location and took the «Adult and Pediatric First Aid CPR/​AED» course. I attended the class on a Wednesday which was nice because there were only 10 of us. I have taken the same course in NY a couple years ago where there were about 25 of us and that was just too many.
I think the course is appropriately priced, very educational and the right length (our instructor got done an hour and a half earlier than scheduled), however there are some downsides to this location. The facility is not that nice and I felt that the equipment was very outdated. Also, it’s in a business-​y area so there are no places to grab lunch in the immediate area. The only food option in the classroom section of the building is a vending machine that must be at least 15 years old.

You definitely do not want to sign up for a life support class at the American Red Cross. I would recommend steering clear of the ARC entirely.
I need a current BLS for Healthcare Providers for my job/​license. I recently started to gather the paperwork to renew my license when I realized that my BLS certificate had expired a few months prior. My prior certification was through the American Heart Association. I called the American Red Cross 1 – 800 number and described my situation and a helpful lady told me what course I needed to take and talked me through the online registration process.
When I arrived at the Red Cross building on Calle Fortunada, there was nice older gentleman who opened the locked door for me and there were 3 – 4 people in the room. When I said that I was there for a CPR course, the receptionist sitting behind the desk asked my name and then said that she had no record of me. I handed her a copy of my registration form with proof of payment and she replied that she had my name on the registration list but that she had no proof that I’d taken a CPR course before. When I handed her a copy of my American Heart Association BLS for Healthcare Providers form, she was insolent and replied that she does not accept photocopies of certificates and that I would need to provide the original form. I explained that the hospital, where I work, kept the original thus I only have a photocopy; she promptly stated that she’d need to check with her supervisor. She started typing on her cell phone so I assumed she was texting or emailing her supervisor.
I had a seat while she was checking with her supervisor and about 3 – 4 minutes later she aggressively stated that she would accept the photocopy but that my card had expired thus making me ineligible for the recertification course. I tried to explain that I had called the 1−800-number prior to scheduling the course and was told explicitly to take this course even though my prior card had expired. She repeated that I absolutely would not be allowed to take the course so I asked for a refund of the $ 90 registration. The receptionist was rude and pushed a post-​in note with the 1−800-number on it toward me stating that was an issue for the back office and that she had nothing to do with registration fees. I asked the lady to write a note stating why she was refusing me access to the class and she had a fit stating that she couldn’t write anything down — that only her supervisor could write letters. Online, the website clearly states that registration fees will not be refunded after a certain date; I wanted proof that I in good faith tried to attend this course.
I sat down again and dialed the 1 – 800 number; I wanted to get some assistance with either admittance or a refund. While on the phone, I was relaying the story to Tim and repeated what the receptionist said; she interrupted my call by literally yelling across the room that she is NOT a receptionist and explained that she is an instructor! The phone call took approximately 10 – 15 minutes but Tim was pleasant and apologetic and promised to issue a full refund immediately.
While on the phone with Tim, the «instructor» continued a constant stream of snide comments in my direction. She must have been texting someone as at one point she picked up her phone and answered, «no, she’s still her… she’s refusing to leave.»
If this is any indication of the quality of instructors or of the level of customer service provided by the American Red Cross, you should run — not walk — to any other institution. Want to donate blood? Go to the San Diego Blood Bank. Want to get CPR certified? Contact Jurman’s Emergency Training Service (858−452−1543); Mr. Jurman is professional, friendly and was half the cost of the ARC!

After waking up SUPER EARLY to attend this, i’m glad I did! (4am to be exact!) It was fairly busy for the first class at 7am and thankfully we got there early around 6:!5am!
Heres the rundown…
1) PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE 45 MINUTE VIDEO!!!
2) Take a 20 question scantron test
3) People skills — Asking questions like «are you okay?» and performing the Heimlich maneuver.
4) The hard part came next… CPR skills.
The volunteers were cool and very helpful. They were really helpful about answering any questions we had about emergency situations. Oh did i mention the best part, its 2 years of certification!
Now I can save lives… I hope (?)

YAY, I’m finally CPR certified!!!
Yes, I’m in healthcare, but since I practice the business aspect in the field, it’s not a requirement for my line of work. I have always wanted to partake in this event, but was never able to get my butt up early enough to get downtown on a Saturday morning.
For the 7am session, I woke up at 4am and got there around 615am. The sessions fill quickly, so ensure your timeliness!!!
1. Watch a 45 min video — DRINK YOUR COFFEE PEOPLE!!! I didn’t have my caffeine fix and I was struggling to keep awake. Fortunately, it only gets better.
2. Take a 20 question scantron test and you must achieve ¹⁶⁄₂₀.
3. People skills session, to include the Heimlich Maneuver.
4. CPR skills session whereby you practice on mannequins.
The entire process took approximately 2 hours and 15 mins. All the volunteers were AMAZING to take time out to teach these important skills. It doesn’t hurt to have a little education and knowledge that may one day be useful in a life threatening situation.
NOTE: For the ARC, the certification is now valid for 2 years.

I went to the CPR Saturday event this past weekend for the first time and was pleasantly surprised at how organized they were to handle such a large turnout. There was a group each hour and by the time I arrived at around 6:50, the 7:00 was full so I had to be in the 8:00 session. Registering was pretty easy once I found out the procedure, just an info sheet and waiver form.
The certification took place with four stations. First was the video, which took the longest at about 45 minutes. The video just had demonstrations and reenactments of poorly paid actors/​volunteers feigning conscious as well as unconscious discomfort. I rate the video circa early 2000s. After that was the written test station, which had everyone answer 20 questions on a Scantron form, 80% gets you a passing grade. After than came the People Skills station, which basically involved assessing the emergency and making sure the person is sleeping or unconscious, or choking. I was paired up with a nice lady who happened to be on the heavy side, and I was unable to completely wrap my arms around her waist while demoing the Heimlich maneuver. I felt a little awkward, she probably felt worse. Final station was practicing on the plastic mannequins. Two 1-​second breaths and 30 chest compressions per cycle, and 5 cycles every two minutes. Got that? I was done by 10:00 which was less than the estimated 3.5 hours.
I’m now a certified lifesaver for the next two years.
I feel like a damn Boy Scout.

Make sure you actually attend the class you register for. If you don’t, you CANNOT reschedule, and you forfeit your payment.
Yes, this information– the no re-​schedule/​no refund policy is all over their website, etc. However, I personally don’t think this is the best way to run a business. (not customer oriented) Then again, if you are the RED CROSS, a national business, why worry about customer friendly service?
If you read the other reviews, it becomes obvious that the Red Cross classes are simply a large business, with large classes, like an assembly line.
When the representative asked if I would care to reschedule and RE-​PAY them, my reply was a curt: «yeah, that’s NEVER gonna happen.»
Personally, I would recommend using any OTHER CPR/​First Aid training company. I know I will.

I’ve been CPR certified before, let my card lapse and needed to get recertified. Thanks to ARC and their very generous sponsors, I got off of my duff and took the course for free at the CPR Saturday event.
Since each hourly session seats 400 people, I wanted to show up early to get a space in the Concourse and attend an earlier class. Every single Boy Scout and some Girl Scout troop in the county wanted to get the class done early as well so by the time I showed up at a shade after seven, the next available spots were for 9am.
I passed the time in line with a book but by the time you walk into Golden Hall, the whole process passes quickly. The first portion is the video which covers CPR, choking and AED material though we were not tested on the AED portion. Following the video, we took a Scantron based test on the video material and had our answered checked immediately after. If you didn’t pass, retakes were available at the end. The people skills portion was next which involved choking procedures and the recovery position. Finally, the CPR practical with a mannequin. If you passed the three parts, you are CPR certified.
Thanks again to ARC, their sponsors and volunteers. The process was very smooth and the group leaders gave everybody personal attention.

If you want to sign up for a CPR class that doesn’t require registration, get there EARLY. Registration starts at 7am, my friend and I got there at 730, because we had to get food first: D hah.
The lady at the front desk said it was full and we could wait to see if they’d let us in. She called to see if they could add 2 more people, because 14 people already signed up. Thankfully, they made room for us.
When the class actually started there were about 18 people taking the CPR class? um. what?
So $ 65 and 7 hours later I am now CPR/​AED (Adult) certified and certified to give standard first aid. but who isn’t?
The instructor used me as an example for when someone who was conscious and choking. My friend is a big guy and I wouldn’t be able to help him. when it came to practicing on the dummies (little annie) boy was I out of breath after 10+ cycles of 30 compressions and 2 breaths into the dummies mouth. Uhhh. :P
We watched a few videos that demonstrated how to do certain things. Pretty educational.
i’ll probably get cpr certified at AHA next time because it’s valid for 2 years, while at ARc it’s only 1 year. I am however certified to give standard first aid for 3 years.
You do take a written test at the end of each class but it’s not a pass/​fail type thing.
Anyways, GO GET CERTIFIED so you can be cool. (like Astrid and I – she was not the person I went with to get certified)
The instructors are helpful, you get a mini first aid kit (although i get the 97 cent ones at target all the time), it’s interesting and useful.
I’ll probably end up volunteering for ARC someday. So yeah… and it’s located near a bunch of food places: D

«The Red Cross is urging all those who have evacuated or who expect to evacuate Southern California’s wildfires to register their well-​being on the Red Cross Safe and Well Web site, available at https://disastersafe.r…
This Internet tool allows people in disaster-​affected areas to register their well-​being using several pre-​scripted messages. Family and friends can then log on and search for registered individuals to learn of their whereabouts and safety. People without access to a computer or without electricity or connectivity can call the Red Cross (1−800-REDCROSS) for help registering, or contact a loved one to register on their behalf.
The Web site safeguards the privacy of the disaster victim. Although these messages will be viewable by friends or family members who conduct a successful search, the site does not reveal a specific location or contact information.»
BRILLIANT!