FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What do your CPR classes cover?

This depends on which class you are registered for. All of our CPR classes cover Adult, Child and Infant, and also include AED. Though the curriculum will permit to “pick and choose” what we cover, all of our instructors cover every age group. Please do not ask us to skip a section or an age group to save time or money. We simply won’t do it. For specifics on what each class covers, please view the class descriptions on our schedule.

Which CPR class should I take?

Generally speaking, if you are involved in the medical industry (Doctor, Nurse, Paramedic, etc), or are studying the medical industry (Nursing Student, Pre-Med, Firefighter/Medic), the right class for you is our American Heart Association BLS (Basic Life Support). For most other requirements, any ANSI-accredited course such as Heartsaver CPR/AED or ASHI CPR/AED for the Community and Workplace should be sufficient. We can’t possibly stay on top of all of the different programs, certifications, and licensing boards that are out there, so please compare with what your requirements say. It should be noted that the American Heart Association BLS (Basic Life Support) course is the highest level of CPR that is offered, and should satisfy any requirement.

Why can’t you just tell me which class is the right one?

Seriously, we can’t read minds. We cannot conclusively know what your dean, your professor, your boss, or the head of your particular association wants you to take. For us to definitely say, “Oh, you need this,” would be highly presumptive on our part. We can take our best guess, but if we’re wrong, you’re going to be mad. As mentioned above, the BLS course will cover absolutely everything, and will satisfy pretty much any CPR requirement. However, for many folks, that will be too much. Please find out specifically which course or courses you may choose from, and compare to our list.

Do I really need the class textbook? You guys are just trying to make more money!

Lol. We don’t make anything from the textbooks. Well, maybe like a dollar. If a class textbook is required, it is because it is required by the curriculum, such as NSPF or AHA or ServSafe. However, if you have the ability to get your hands on the current version of the book that is required, please feel free to bring it and save a few bucks. It is really no skin off our nose. However, required means “required”, and we get audited. So, if you have changed from YES to NO on the “I need a book” part of the registration (it always defaults to YES, so you are making a conscious decision to change it to NO), please arrive in class with the book. If you do not, you will be required to pay a few bucks more, in exact cash, to the instructor in class. If  you do not have the cash, you will be sent an electronic invoice to include a $5 processing fee, and your certifications will be held until it is paid. We don’t do personal checks. Really. It’s just easier to order the book in advance.

What about taking the “All Online”, and “Print Your Own Card Today” websites that are out there?

No reputable organization that is requiring somebody to take CPR will be satisfied with an online course that does not require you to demonstrate skills. These websites may provide a sound “book” background on what CPR is and what to do, but that’s a little like telling somebody what they need to do to fly an airplane. Any true “certification” will require a verification of skills by a certified instructor, in person.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

In general, you may receive a refund if you cancel your class at least 7 days out. With less than 7 days, any changes will be assessed a $25 change fee. With less than 48 hours notice, class changes are not permitted, but another person may attend in your place.  Please view our policies page for specifics. There are too many “What Ifs” to put on the FAQ page.

Can I pay when I come to class, or do I have to pay in advance? 

Sure, you can pay when you come to class, but your seat is not guaranteed unless you pay in advance. Additionally, a class is subject to cancellation if there are not enough “confirmed” registrations before class. We have had to implement this policy due to the high number of “No-Shows” who swore they would be there for class. As such, due to the strict student to instructor ratio we are bound to, we will not “hold” a seat for you, unless you back up your reservation with payment. Please also know that, if you pay by personal check, we will hold your certification until the check clears. For their safety, our instructors are not equipped to provide change, either.

I lost my card. 

That’s not a question. try again.

Um. I lost my card. Can I get a new one? 

Sure. We generally scan copies of the certifications when we get them, so we usually have a backup copy that we will provide to you free of charge. However, if we are not able to provide this for any reason (file error, computer problem, etc), we are not responsible. We are also happy to provide a replacement card to you, at the reissue fee of $25. If you wish to request an actual replacement card (it will have your original expiration date on it), please email us or click here. We can usually get the cards out the same day requested. Usually. If you received an electronic certification (e-card), you should be able to log back in to the website that issued it, and reproduce the card on your own at no charge by us (though the issuer may assess their own fee).

I am having a hard time with one of the online courses. Who can I contact?

If you are taking an online course, it is through a 3rd party provider. We do not house, update, or take responsibility for the content or for providing technical support. Tech support is usually available on the site with which you are having an issue with. If you cannot find this information, we may be able to assist you in finding that contact information.

I purchased online codes, and distributed them to employees who are now no longer with the company. How can I get new ones? 

Codes, once used, are no longer available for issue, and may not be accessed by another person. If you need another code, one will need to be purchased. This is not our policy, but the policy of the issuing agencies. If there was a technical problem with one of the codes, please contact the technical support team for the agency or company in question.

What is the capital of Cambodia?

Phnom Penh.

I am registered for ACLS (or PALS), but I cannot find my BLS (or my BLS for Healthcare Providers) card. Can I still attend the ACLS class?

You may be allowed to attend the class (instructor’s discretion), but you will not receive your certification until you meet the prerequisite, which is to provide a copy of your current BLS card.

But the ACLS Class goes over BLS. Do I really need to take it?

ACLS requires that you know BLS and then builds on it. It’s also a requirement of the American Heart Association. So, yes.

Don’t we get certified in BLS when we certify in ACLS?

No. BLS is used and tested at the beginning of class. It is a prerequisite to ACLS. You can’t do calculus before you do addition. Anybody else seeing a trend here? Again, this is AHA policy, not ours, and we get audited.

I have a disability. Can I still learn CPR?

While that’s a broad question, the answer can actually vary. Of course, anybody can learn anything. In order to issue an actual certification, there is usually a performance check that is needed on skills. For example, a person must be able to do chest compressions to be certified in CPR. In terms of disabilities, we can and do make “reasonable accommodations”, in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), but we need at least 48 hours notice. Please contact us if you would like to request an accommodation.

In addition to having my team know CPR, I have decided that I wish to purchase an AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) for my personal or professional use. Can you assist me with this?

Absolutely. We do have some information and specials listed on our website, but we are happy to answer any questions you may have. We will have live AED ordering available on our website soon, but we can assist you now if you send us an email.

Should I get an AED for my home/office? Is knowing CPR enough?

Personally, it is our belief that AEDs offer a tremendous opportunity for lives to be saved, and that they only have this opportunity if there are more of them out there. Our owner personally believes that every business and public building should have an AED in it, especially businesses and buildings that routinely have more than about 25 people in it at a time. Of course, it’s easy for us to spend your money, too. Ultimately, it’s up to you, and every situation, budget, home, and company are a little bit different. Our blog offers several articles on this topic, and we are happy to assist you with other questions. There are a number of legal requirements that are in place in most areas, but we can help you to navigate those seamlessly.

What is the air speed velocity of an unladen swallow?

That depends on if it is African or European.

Am I liable if I have an AED if somebody dies? What if I do CPR and the patient doesn’t survive?

There are Good Samaritan Laws in all 50 states and US Territories. Generally speaking, these protect the volunteer responder(s), in the absence of obvious, gross negligence. We can assist with deciphering some of the legal terminologies, and we encourage you to investigate the laws in your area. However, in general, the owner of an AED is probably not liable if they use an AED and/or CPR to try to save a life, and they person dies.

What is the deal with all those testimonials on the front page. Are you making that stuff up?

Of course not. These are actual emails that customers have sent us, or that they have put on our post-class survey, which is emailed out a few days after class. Better than a “smile sheet” given out at the end of class, when people are just glad to get out. I keep them in an archive with the actual IP address, and simply cut and paste them into the home page. We truly let our students speak for themselves.

Do I have to learn ServSafe?

That really depends on your local health department, and what sort of Food & Beverage operation you are running. With so many localities, everybody is different, and there is not a single national standard. We encourage you to know what your requirements are (including knowing if you can take the 1 day course, or if you need 2 or more days of training). We simply offer the course and the exam. Of course, we have fun doing it, too!

I have more questions. Can I contact Newport Enterprises?

Of course! As we generally have a pretty busy teaching schedule, contacting us by email is the easiest way to reach us. You may also feel free to call us at 703-six six five-oh-three-nine-nine (darn spam robots keep finding our number and we end up on lists), and if we are available, we would be happy to speak with you, or to call you back! As mentioned, though, due to scheduling, it’s often “after hours” when we get to our messages, and we can usually get you a more timely response if we have email as a first option. We prefer not to call back folks after 9pm and before 7am, which, in many cases, is our office time.