ASHI: American Safety and Health Institute

Although many people may not have heard of the American Safety and Health Institute, it is gaining popularity throughout the U.S. and internationally.  It is endorsed by the United States Coast Guard.

ASHI CPR and first aid courses are based off the American Heart Association guidelines just as all other CPR training courses are based on these guidelines. Also, ASHI certification is valid for two years and offers CPR certification at the same levels as the AHA and American Red Cross (ARC).

But is ASHI certification legitimate? Here are two things that you need to know about ASHI CPR certification, and why this CPR certification may prove to be the right choice.

1. ASHI CPR (BLS) Training Programs Meet The Requirements Of Many Agencies.

ASHI CPR training programs satisfy the requirements of thousands of state regulatory and occupational licensing boards. As such, the training programs offer excellent choices for a wide range of individuals, including:

• Emergency medical services (EMS) providers

• Health care professionals of all types

• Sports Coaches

• Fitness Professionals (Personal Trainers, Yoga Instructors, Pilates Instructors)

• Dance Coaches

• Martial Artist Instructors

• Camp Counselors

• Teachers

• Parents

• Foster Parents, Foster Care - See below

• Adoptive Parents - See below

• Babysitters

• Nannies

2. ASHI CPR (BLS) Training Programs are based on the AHA Standards

ASHI CPR training programs follow AHA standards that meet the requirements of the Joint Commission and the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services. These ASHI programs also are nationally approved by the Continuing Education Board for Emergency Services, National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians and many prominent medical and healthcare organizations.

So if you have the choice between the American Heart Association and the ASHI CPR class, which one should you choose? 

If you are a health care professional, you may only have the option of taking an AHA certification course as that is the only one your profession may accept.

For everyone else, the American Safety and Health Institute typically will satisfy the requirements.  Better yet, the ASHI classes are usually less expensive than those of the AHA and the administrative procedures make getting your card or replacing your card much faster.