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