I'm a certified instructor for the American Red Cross (ARC) and the American Heart Association (AHA). It's simplistic to say that either the ARC or the AHA has the "better" CPR classes. In fact, starting in 2011 many of the big differences between the organization's courses disappeared when the ARC shortened their courses. Still, there are differences in price and employer acceptance; hence, depending of what your objective is, one organization's CPR class may be a better fit for you than the other's. What follows is a brief summary of the similarities and differences between ARC and AHA CPR classes so you can make an informed decision before enrolling.
Certification Length
Heart Health
For a standard CPR certification, sometimes referred to as CPR for the layperson, the obvious choice used to be the AHA. Their certifications are good for two years, while the ARC always had a one-year certification. That changed on January 1, 2011 when the ARC began giving two-year CPR certifications as well.
Healthcare providers are required to take a more advanced CPR course. Both the AHA's "Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers" (often just called "BLS") and the ARC's "CPR for the Professional Rescuer" are good for two years.
Class Length
In 2011, the ARC updated their courses and made some big changes. In the past, the ARC's courses were significantly longer than the corresponding AHA courses, and this drove many people to the AHA courses. Now the ARC and AHA courses are about the same length.
Price
In general, AHA courses are slightly less expensive than the ARC's. However, AHA prices can vary significantly since private companies primarily teach them.
Students are required to buy an AHA course manual ahead of time - and they cost between to . Some companies teaching AHA courses include the manual in their course price and some don't. Find out if the manual is included. If the AHA course manual isn't included, it can make a big difference on the bottom line.
The ARC includes an excellent skills reference guide with the class price. The ARC course manual is not included in the course price, but I recommend buying it (about ) if you want to read in depth about the skills you've learned.
Certification Acceptance
If you need a CPR certification, ask whomever is requiring it if they prefer an AHA or ARC certification. Many employers and agencies accept one, but not both.
For healthcare providers, the AHA BLS class is frequently the desired certification by employers. In the San Francisco Bay Area, all of the dental societies I've been in contact with only accept AHA's BLS class. And that appears to be the case with several hospitals as well. But again, ask whoever is requiring the healthcare provider certification which organization they prefer.
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Omron HR-100C Heart Rate Monitor Feature
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- Chest transmitter belt sends data to the receiver at a distance of up to 98 feet (30 meters)
- Built with a backlight function, time of day display, and daily reminder alarm
Omron HR-100C Heart Rate Monitor Overview
Omron HR-100C Heart Rate Monitor HR-100C Personal Health MonitorsOmron HR-100C Heart Rate Monitor Specifications
The Omron HR-100C Heart Rate Monitor is easy to program and a cinch to wear with a ventilated watch band. Knowing your heart rate is important because if you're working out too hard, your activity can actually become counter productive and strain or damage muscles. Monitor your heart rate with Omron's HR-100C. View larger. |
Omron includes a chest transmitter belt with the wristwatch-style monitor. This transmitter sends data to the receiver on your wrist at a distance up to 98 feet (30 meters). The HR-100C is built with a backlight function for exercising after nightfall, and it also displays time of day and a daily reminder alarm feature. Also included is a mounting bracket that makes it easy to attach the watch receiver to most treadmills and bicycles and a soft, zippered storage case.
What's in the Box
HR-100C hear rate monitor, chest transmitter, mounting bracket, and zippered storage case.
| Compare Omron Fitness Monitors | ||||
 |  HB-400 |  HB-500 |  HBF-306 |  HR-100 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Measurement |
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| Product Placement | Flat level floor | Flat level floor | Hold in front of body | Watch on wrist Transmitter around chest |
| Memory | 4 person profile with previous reading | 4 person profile 1/7/30/90 day(s) memory | 9 person profile | None |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Batteries | 4 "AA" (included) | 4 "AA" (included) | 2 "AA" (included) | 2 CR2032 3 volt (included) |
| Estimated Battery Life | Approx. 1 year (when used four times a day) | Approx. 1 year (when used four times a day) | Approx. 1 year (when used four times a day) | Approx. 1 year (varies depending on storage and use) |
Q&A - Fitness Monitors
What is the Bioelectrical Impedance Method?
Bioelectrical Impedance (BI) is considered one of the most accurate and accessible methods of screening body fat. Muscles, blood vessels and bones are body tissues having a high water content that conduct electricity easily. Body fat is tissue that has little electric conductivity. The monitor sends an extremely weak electrical current through your body to determine the amount of fat tissue. The weak electrical current is not felt while operating the Body Fat Analyzer. The monitor is calculated by a formula that includes five factors; electric resistance, height, weight, age and gender.
What is visceral fat?
Visceral fat is located around the organs. Too much visceral fat is thought to be closely linked to increased level of fat in the bloodstream, which can lead to common conditions such as high cholesterol, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Sedentary life style causes excess visceral fat, and exercise can reduce it quicker than subcutaneous fat (fat located under skin).
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Resting metabolism is the energy to maintain vital functions and it counts 60 to 70% of total energy consumption. Knowing your resting metabolism can help your dietplan. If you can increase daily activity while keeping food intake at resting metabolism level, you can lose weight.
What is skeletal muscle?
Skeletal muscle is muscle attached to the bones that is used to move the body. If you do weight loss without exercise, you may lose skeletal muscle. Skeletal muscle is important to maintain your resting metabolism as well as your functionality. Monitoring skeletal muscle during weight loss is key to avoid weight rebound in the future.
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