Frequently Asked Questions

Like every other decision you make, a question you should ask is "Am I getting the quality I deserve, for the price I am paying"? We love to teach! Our instructors combine experience, knowledge, and a passion for teaching, to deliver first class courses that go above and beyond student expectations. Of course you could find a cheaper course, and you would receive exactly what you pay for.. a cheap course. You could also find a more expensive course, but why would you do that? Please don't just rely on what you are reading here: See what others are saying.. click here.

• There are no age limit restrictions for taking a class. If the student can understand and retain the class material, perform the hands-on skills, and pass the written test, they should be provided certification. Attending a class without obtaining certification IS possible, just contact us prior to class to discuss the discounted cost. 
• CPR/AED classes include training that covers the most current CPR and ECC Guidelines: Clear, concise direction on how to perform CPR for Adult, Children, and Infants, and use an AED during an emergency.​ 
• First Aid classes include training on injuries and illnesses. New and updated content on the use of homeostatic dressings, application of tourniquets, administering epinephrine, use of Narcan, dental care, and more. 
• Every manikin is cleaned and sanitized prior to class. We have several female manikins!
• Manikins have disposable (plastic bag type) lungs that are used only during class and thrown away after use. Each student will also be provided a throw-away barrier device to use during class or a Pocket Mask for training, if AHA Course. 
• Students will be provided feedback devices to help them understand correct depth and strength of compressions, and correct compression rates performed. 
• First aid training supplies will be provided (as applicable).
• Every student will be provided their own book to use during class and one to keep afterwards. 
• Each student will receive a Keychain CPR Mask for use in an emergency. This is FREE for each student to keep after class. 
• Plan for class to end at posted end time, but know that they usually end sooner (depending on number of students, time for skills sessions, time for test taking, prior knowledge of students, number of breaks, etc.)
• Wear comfortable clothing, CPR skills are usually practiced and demonstrated on the floor. Bring a pillow for kneeling if you need one. 
• If you are not able to perform CPR skills on the floor you may do it on a table as needed - no doctors note is needed, just tell your instructor. 
• Experience has taught us that students with long hair might want to put their hair in a ponytail when performing CPR. 
• Please dress appropriately as low-cut shirts could be revealing when bending over a manikin. 
• Certification is usually issued, within a few hours, directly after class. 

The steps of performing CPR are as follows:

1. Check for responsiveness and call for help.

2. Check for breathing / movement / pulse.

3. Start chest compressions if not breathing / no movement / no pulse

4. Perform rescue breaths - or at least do chest compressions non stop.

5. Continue CPR until help arrives or an AED arrives (use the AED right away).

Hands-Only CPR is CPR without rescue breaths. If you see a teen or adult collapse, you can perform Hands-Only CPR with just two easy steps:

1) Call 911 and

2) Push hard and fast in the center of the chest to the beat of the Bee Gees’ classic disco song “Stayin’ Alive.” The song is 100 beats per minute – the minimum rate you should push on the chest during hands-only CPR (best rate is 100 to 120 beats per minute).

Check out this video from the AHA. 

The main difference between CPR for adults and infants is the technique used for chest compressions. For adults, the compressions should be about 2 inches deep and at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute. For infants, the compressions should be about 1.5 inches deep and at a rate of 100-120 compressions per minute.

Yes, you can perform CPR on someone with a pacemaker. The pacemaker will not be affected by the chest compressions or rescue breaths. AED's are very smart and will work as needed - they will recognize pacemakers and act accordingly. Note: If you are doing CPR (using an AED) on someone with a pacemaker... there is a very good chance that the pacemaker is not working! It is important to follow the standard CPR protocol and call for medical help if the person does not respond.

Everyone uses "AHA Standards" these are standards that come from ILCOR, they are commonly called the AHA Standards. Since everyone uses the same standards, the true question is "Do I need certification with the AHA logo on it?" We offer classes for medical professionals that have the AHA logo, we also have classes for everyone else (using "AHA Standards of course). Click here for details about our AHA course options and click here for course information for non medical professionals. 

First responders or professional rescuers generally include fire, police, and emergency medical personnel. These types of prehospital professionals usually need to complete a Basic Life Support (BLS) course. Check with your employer or licensing authority and Click here for details about our AHA course options

The standard CPR / AED / First Aid is designed to meet regulatory requirements for childcare workers in all 50 United States. We offer this course in both blended learning and classroom-based formats. Click here for course information for non medical professionals. 

We offer hybrid courses for busy people. Our hybrid courses are presented in two parts: First part is an online course, second part is a skill session. Important note: This is NOT an 'Online course". Many companies will not accept 'online certification'. Our certifications are the exact same as those issued after a live classroom session, and do NOT indicate online training. This is because our students MUST meet an instructor and complete a Skills Session before we issue certification. Click here for the AHA BLS Provider CPR hybrid course information (usually for medical professionals). Click here for non medical professionals CPR/AED/First Aid hybrid course information. 

There is no mandated minimum age requirement for learning CPR. The ability to perform CPR is based more on body strength than age. Studies have shown that children as young as nine years old can learn and retain CPR skills. Reach out to us to join a class. 

Our courses are for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card for job, regulatory or other requirements. While these courses are designed to meet OSHA requirements, OSHA does not review or approve any courses for compliance. This is an important note: Since OSHA never reviews or approves courses, they will never (obviously) be OSHA compliant. Anyone telling you they have courses that are "OSHA compliant" is lying to you. Courses might meet the OSHA requirement (like all of ours) but none can be "OSHA compliant". 

The steps to become an instructor are easy!

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have current CPR card for whatever you want to teach (AHA, ECSI, or Both). 
• Complete all necessary classes, tests, forms, and other paperwork. 
• Sign, and agree to, the rules and guidelines of the AHA Training Center, if becoming an AHA Instructor.
• Successfully be monitored teaching within 6 months of completing their Instructor Course, prior to teaching on your own.

Big Texas CPR LLC offers the most comprehensive and up-to-date CPR training. Once you become an instructor, you will have access to the most current emergency cardiovascular care science, course updates, training resources and tools. Click here to learn more about becoming an Instructor.