One of the most common questions we get from Arizona businesses scheduling group CPR training is: what is the difference between AHA and ASHI certification, and which one do we need? Both are nationally recognized and accepted by employers across the country, but they serve different audiences. AHA BLS Basic Life Support is the gold standard for healthcare providers — nurses, doctors, EMTs, medical assistants, and anyone working in a clinical setting. It covers adult, child, and infant CPR, AED use, rescue breathing, and team-based resuscitation. If your team works in a hospital, clinic, dental office, or any healthcare environment, AHA BLS is almost certainly what your employer or licensing board requires. ASHI certifications are designed for everyone else — and they are the most popular choice for Arizona businesses, schools, warehouses, and organizations outside of healthcare. The ASHI First Aid CPR AED Combo course covers adult and child CPR, AED use, and essential first aid skills in one session, making it ideal for office teams, warehouse staff, teachers, and first responders in non-clinical settings. At Start CPR 1st we offer both AHA and ASHI courses onsite at your Scottsdale, Phoenix, or Maricopa County location. Not sure which is right for your team? Call us at 480-239-2707 — we will help you choose the right certification in about two minutes and get your group scheduled fast.
Not sure which course your team needs? Call Start CPR 1st at 480-239-2707 — we'll point you in the right direction at no obligation.
