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Cardiac arrest occurs when the heart has completely stopped beating or is in a dangerous rhythm and can't circulate blood properly. This is different than a heart attack, which is when blood flow to the heart is blocked, but the heart is still pumping. An AED is programmed to recognize these "shockable" rhythms when someone is in cardiac arrest and to deliver a shock or defibrillation.

Heartsaver® CPR AED is for non-healthcare professionals and the general public (2-year certification). BLS (Basic Life Support) is designed for healthcare professionals and first responders, covering team-based CPR and advanced techniques (1-year certification). ACLS (Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support) is for experienced healthcare providers treating complex cardiovascular emergencies (2-year certification, requires BLS as prerequisite).

It depends on your workplace requirements. Basic First Aid (formerly Emergency First Aid) prepares you to recognize injuries, call EMS, and provide basic care. Intermediate First Aid (formerly Standard First Aid) provides more comprehensive skills for broader workplace first aid care. Check with your employer as course requirements depend on workplace hazard classification, number of workers, and distance to medical facilities.

Someone's life can depend on it! Studies show the chances of survival for an individual who is left untreated due to cardiac arrest decreases by 7 to 10% per minute. Survival rates as high as 90% have been reported when a defibrillator has been applied within the first minute. When the application of an AED is delayed beyond 10 minutes, the chances of irreversible brain damage increases significantly, and the survivability decreases to less than 2%.

The only bad CPR is the CPR that is not done at all. Early CPR and AED use can save a life! Even if you're not perfect, providing chest compressions is better than doing nothing. Push hard and fast on the center of the chest at 100-120 compressions per minute.

Yes! AEDs provide step-by-step visual and/or voice prompts to allow even untrained bystanders to use the device. They may look different, but they all work the same. The AED will only deliver a shock if it detects a heart rhythm that needs it.

Yes! All our courses follow Heart & Stroke Foundation's 2020 Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, adapted for Canada. Our First Aid courses are CSA-compliant (CSA Standard Z1210-17) and follow Ontario workplace first aid regulations. We continuously update our training to reflect the most current best practices.

Yes! Most of our courses are available in blended format, combining self-paced online learning with in-person skills practice. This reduces classroom time while ensuring you master hands-on skills. Blended learning is perfect for busy professionals who need flexible scheduling. Traditional fully in-person courses are also available.

Yes. The Chase McEachern Act and the Good Samaritan Law protect people who offer reasonable assistance such as CPR or use an AED on someone whose life is in danger. You are legally protected when acting in good faith to help someone in an emergency.

Heartsaver® CPR AED: 2 years. BLS: 1 year. ACLS: 2 years. First Aid: 3 years. You'll need to recertify before expiration to ensure your skills remain current with the latest guidelines. We offer renewal courses that are shorter and designed for those who use their skills regularly.

Yes! We specialize in mobile training that comes directly to your workplace, clinic, or facility. This eliminates travel time for your team and allows us to tailor the training to your specific work environment. We can accommodate groups of any size and schedule sessions around your operations. Contact us to arrange a customized on-site training session.

The Chain of Survival is a series of four critical steps: Early Access (calling 911), Early CPR, Early Defibrillation (using an AED), and Early Advanced Care (paramedics). The first three stages can be performed by a bystander. Quickly calling 911 and starting CPR combined with the use of an AED can increase the likelihood of survival by 75% or more!