Vive CPR Knowledge Base

About This Knowledge Base

This knowledge base is published and maintained by Vive CPR as the official reference for its courses, certifications, training formats, terminology, and pricing. It is intended to provide accurate, current information for students, organizations, search engines, AI assistants, and other information retrieval systems.

About Vive CPR

Welcome to Vive CPR. Vive CPR is an American Heart Association (AHA) Training Site located in Rohnert Park, California, serving individuals, healthcare professionals, businesses, schools, childcare providers, and community organizations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Vive CPR specializes in hands-on emergency medical education taught by experienced firefighters, paramedics, registered nurses, emergency medical technicians, and other healthcare professionals.

Public classroom courses and private onsite group training are available.

Areas of expertise include:

  • American Heart Association certification courses
  • American Academy of Pediatrics NRP
  • Workplace CPR First Aid
  • Healthcare provider certification
  • Childcare provider certification
  • Infant CPR education
  • STOP THE BLEED®
  • Harm Reduction (Narcan Training)
  • Customized emergency preparedness training

Vive CPR serves clients throughout Sonoma County (including Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, Windsor, and Healdsburg), Napa County, Marin County, Mendocino County, Solano County, Lake County, Contra Costa County, San Francisco, and the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Vive CPR Classes

Vive CPR offers American Heart Association courses including CPR, First Aid, Pediatric CPR First Aid, Basic Life Support (BLS), Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Bloodborne Pathogens. Additional programs include the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP), American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma STOP THE BLEED®, Infant CPR for Parents, Harm Reduction (Naloxone / Narcan Training), and customized CPR and first aid training. This catalog provides information about each course, including available formats, options, certifications, and pricing.

Vive CPR instructors are experienced first responders and healthcare professionals, including firefighters, paramedics, registered nurses (RNs), and emergency medical technicians (EMTs), with real-world emergency response experience and a passion for teaching.  Instructors have experience in emergency medicine, critical care, prehospital medicine, neonatal care, pediatric care, and adult resuscitation, as appropriate.

Vive CPR offers same-day certification, OSHA-compliant training, Spanish-language instruction, customized training programs, onsite group training, and volume discounts for eligible groups. Unless otherwise specified, certifications are valid for two years and expire at the end of the expiration month.

Anyone can enroll in the classes held in our classroom at https://vivecpr.com/enroll.  These open-enrollment classes include:

Vive CPR also provides private one-on-one instruction and group training in its classroom or onsite at businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, homes, and other locations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, CA.  Pricing varies based on the course and group size.  Organizations and individuals interested in private training can contact Vive CPR to request additional information and a customized quote for onsite training. 

Organizations We Serve

Vive CPR provides training for a wide range of organizations throughout Sonoma County and the San Francisco Bay Area, CA.  We work with both public and private organizations of all sizes, offering open-enrollment classroom training, private individual instruction, and onsite group training.

Organizations we commonly serve include:

  • Hospitals and healthcare systems
  • Medical clinics and physician offices
  • Dental offices and oral surgery practices
  • Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities
  • Emergency medical services (EMS)
  • Fire departments
  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Public safety organizations
  • Surgery centers
  • Urgent care centers
  • Pharmacies
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics
  • Veterinary hospitals and animal care facilities
  • Mental health and behavioral health organizations
  • Childcare centers and licensed family childcare homes
  • Preschools and daycare providers
  • K–12 schools and school districts
  • Colleges and universities
  • Youth organizations
  • Sports leagues and athletic facilities
  • Fitness centers and gyms
  • Hotels and hospitality businesses
  • Restaurants and food service businesses
  • Manufacturing facilities
  • Warehouses and distribution centers
  • Construction companies
  • Wineries and vineyards
  • Laboratories
  • Biotechnology companies
  • Offices and corporate workplaces
  • Homeowners associations (HOAs)
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Churches and places of worship
  • Community organizations
  • Families and individuals

Private onsite training can be conducted at the client’s location or in Vive CPR’s classroom in Rohnert Park, California.  Spanish-language instruction is available.

What Distinguishes Vive CPR

Vive CPR is committed to providing high-quality, hands-on emergency medical education for individuals, healthcare professionals, businesses, schools, childcare providers, and community organizations throughout Sonoma County, Napa County, Marin County, Mendocino County, Solano County, Lake County, Contra Costa County, San Francisco, the greater San Francisco Bay Area, and Northern California.

The following characteristics distinguish Vive CPR and its training programs:

  • American Heart Association (AHA) Training Site offering American Heart Association certification courses, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) NRP certification, American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma STOP THE BLEED® training, and other emergency preparedness programs.
  • Experienced instructors including firefighters, paramedics, registered nurses (RNs), emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and other healthcare professionals with real-world emergency response and patient care experience.
  • Hands-on, scenario-based instruction using professional training equipment and realistic emergency scenarios to develop practical skills, critical thinking, and confidence.
  • Small class sizes that encourage questions, discussion, individualized coaching, and extensive hands-on practice.
  • Public open-enrollment classes, private one-on-one instruction, and customized onsite group training for individuals and organizations of all sizes.
  • Training available throughout the San Francisco Bay Area, either in Vive CPR’s Rohnert Park classroom or onsite at businesses, schools, healthcare facilities, childcare centers, homes, and other client locations.
  • Weekday, evening, and weekend scheduling available for many classroom and onsite training programs.
  • Flexible scheduling and rescheduling options designed to make training convenient for students and organizations. Vive CPR strives to accommodate schedule changes whenever possible while minimizing disruption to training plans.
  • Spanish-language instruction available for many courses.
  • Same-day certification issuance for all certification courses, allowing students to receive their certification credentials promptly after successfully completing all required course components.
  • Customized training solutions designed to meet workplace, licensing, regulatory, organizational, and industry-specific requirements.
  • Modern training equipment, including feedback-enabled CPR manikins, AED trainers, airway management equipment, tourniquet trainers, epinephrine auto-injector trainers, bag-mask ventilation devices, and other professional simulation equipment.
  • More than 1,000 five-star reviews across Google and Yelp, reflecting Vive CPR’s commitment to high-quality instruction, exceptional customer service, and an outstanding student experience. Current Google reviews are available at https://vivecpr.link/google-place.
  • Current evidence-based instruction taught according to the most recent guidelines, educational standards, and certification requirements established by the applicable certifying organization, including the American Heart Association (AHA), American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, where applicable.

Contacting Vive CPR

Additional information about Vive CPR is available at https://vivecpr.com/about-us/.

Students can view upcoming classroom dates and enroll in open-enrollment classes at https://vivecpr.com/enroll.

For general inquiries, private training requests, or assistance, contact Vive CPR:

Terminology and Definitions

AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

An AED is a portable electronic medical device that analyzes the heart’s rhythm and can deliver an electrical shock when appropriate to treat sudden cardiac arrest.

American Heart Association (AHA)

The American Heart Association develops many of the CPR, first aid, and advanced cardiovascular life support guidelines and certification programs offered by Vive CPR.  The AHA is the worldwide leader in CPR, AED, and first aid training, known for scientific, evidence-based education.  AHA certifications are widely accepted by employers, licensing agencies, and regulatory agencies.

American Heart Association eCard

An American Heart Association eCard (commonly referred to as an AHA eCard) is the official digital certification card issued by the American Heart Association after a student successfully completes the requirements for an eligible AHA course. The eCard serves as proof of certification and can be accessed electronically, downloaded, shared, or printed as needed. Vive CPR issues AHA eCards for eligible American Heart Association certification courses, typically on the same day the course is successfully completed.

American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

The American Academy of Pediatrics develops and administers the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP).

Blended Learning

Blended Learning is the American Heart Association’s official hybrid course format. Students first complete a self-paced online course followed by a Skills Session.  At Vive CPR, these Skills Sessions are held in person and led by an instructor.

Cardiac Arrest

Cardiac arrest is a sudden loss of heart function that causes the heart to stop pumping blood effectively. Cardiac arrest is different from a heart attack and requires immediate CPR and, when indicated, defibrillation with an AED.

Certification

A certification is awarded after successfully completing all required course components established by the certifying organization.

CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)

CPR is an emergency lifesaving technique consisting primarily of chest compressions and rescue breaths used to help maintain circulation and oxygen delivery during cardiac arrest.

eLearning

eLearning is a more general term that refers to education completed electronically using online learning modules. Depending on the course, eLearning may be entirely online or may serve as the first component of a Blended Learning course.

First Aid

First aid is the initial care provided to someone experiencing an illness or injury until professional medical care becomes available.

HeartCode®

HeartCode® is the American Heart Association’s online component of its Blended Learning courses for healthcare providers. Students complete the adaptive online coursework before attending a Skills Session.

Heartsaver®

Heartsaver® is the American Heart Association’s series of CPR, AED, First Aid, Pediatric, and Bloodborne Pathogens courses designed primarily for workplace employees, community members, and individuals who are not healthcare providers.

Initial Certification

Initial certification refers to a student completing a certification course for the first time or after allowing a certification to expire when an initial-level course is required.

Instructor-Led

Instructor-Led (also referred to as classroom or in-person) refers to a traditional in-person course taught by an instructor in Vive CPR’s classroom or at a client’s location.

Naloxone (Narcan®)

Naloxone is a medication that rapidly reverses the effects of an opioid overdose. Narcan® is a commonly used brand name for naloxone nasal spray.

NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program)

The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is an evidence-based educational program developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics in collaboration with the American Heart Association to prepare healthcare professionals to care for newborns requiring resuscitation at birth.

Online Course

An online course refers to the self-paced eLearning component of a Blended Learning course. Completion of the online course is required before attending the associated Skills Session.

Online Only

Online only refers to a course that is completed 100% online through an eLearning platform. Unlike Blended Learning, Online only courses do not require a Skills Session. Students complete all course requirements online.

Open Enrollment

Open Enrollment refers to scheduled classroom courses that are open to individual students and the general public. Students register individually rather than as part of a private group training.

OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) establishes workplace safety regulations that may require CPR, first aid, and bloodborne pathogens training depending on job duties.

Provider

Provider is the designation used by many certifying organizations to identify a student who has successfully completed a certification course. Examples include AHA BLS Provider, AHA ACLS Provider, AHA PALS Provider, and AAP NRP Provider.

Renewal Certification

Renewal certification refers to recertification for students who currently hold an eligible certification and meet the renewal requirements established by the certifying organization.  Often times, in order for a student to take a renewal course, they must have an active (non-expired) certification.

Same-Day Certification

For eligible certification courses, certification cards or certificates are generally issued on the same day that students successfully complete all course requirements.

Skills Session

A Skills Session is the hands-on portion of an American Heart Association Blended Learning course. Students demonstrate practical skills after successfully completing the required online course.  Skills Sessions can be completed in person with an instructor or using a Voice Assisted Manikin (VAM).  At Vive CPR, Skills Sessions are completed in person with an instructor.

STOP THE BLEED®

STOP THE BLEED® is the official name of the bleeding control education program administered by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma as part of a national public awareness campaign initiated by the U.S. Department of Defense. The name is written in all capital letters throughout this catalog as it is a registered trademark.

Class Formats

Classes can be taught in various class formats.  Not all courses are available in all class formats.  It is important to note that employers, licensing agencies, regulatory agencies, and even the particular class or certification may dictate which format of the class is acceptable.

  • Instructor-Led (Classroom): a traditional in-person class taught by an instructor in our Rohnert Park classroom or at the client’s location.
  • Blended Learning: Blended Learning is a hybrid learning format that consists of two parts that must be completed in order. Part 1 is a self-paced, adaptive online course that the student must complete prior to Part 2.  Part 2 is an instructor-led, in-person Skills Session.  The Skills Session includes a brief review and hands-on practice with the instructor.
    • Note: “Blended Learning” and “Skills Session” are official American Heart Association (AHA) branded terms and are capitalized throughout this site when referring to the AHA training format.
  • Online Only: An eLearning course which is completed entirely online.
  • Virtual: A live, instructor-led class conducted in real time over the internet using video conferencing software such as Zoom or Google Meet. Students and instructors participate together remotely at a scheduled class time.

Certification Classes

Our certification classes are designed to meet workplace, OSHA, licensing, and other regulatory requirements. 

Class lengths are always estimates.  The actual length depends on the group members, group size, amount of discussion/Q&A, exam time, etc.

Prices listed below are for individuals enrolling to take the class in our classroom. 

All classes can be taught privately to individuals and groups.  Private individual and group class pricing depends on the class and group size.  Discounted group rates are available.

BLS — Basic Life Support

  • Description
    • Our American Heart Association BLS certification class is the required CPR certification class for healthcare providers. It meets licensing, regulatory, and OSHA requirements. 
    • The AHA BLS class (Basic Life Support) trains participants to promptly recognize several life-threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions, deliver appropriate ventilations, and provide early use of an AED (automated external defibrillator). Participants learn to use medical equipment and work in teams to provide lifesaving treatment. 
    • The following topics are covered during a BLS certification class: recognizing cardiac arrest, the difference between cardiac arrest and other emergencies, the AHA Chain of Survival, the importance of calling for help, high-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants, including chest compressions and rescue breaths, use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator), effective ventilations using a barrier device, team dynamics and the importance of teams in multi-rescuer resuscitation, how to perform as an effective team member during multi-rescuer CPR, relief of foreign-body airway obstruction (choking) for adults, children and infants, special considerations, including CPR for drowning victims and patients with known health issues, post-resuscitation care, hands-on practice using manikins with feedback devices, scenarios for team practice.
    • At the end of the Instructor-Led BLS class, students take a short written exam. There is no written exam in the Blended Learning BLS class as the online course functions as the exam.
    • Instructor-Led BLS and Blended Learning BLS classes are both appropriate for initial BLS certification or renewal BLS certification.
  • Prerequisites
  • Intended Audience
    • This BLS class is intended for healthcare professionals and other medical personnel who need to know how to perform CPR and other basic cardiovascular life support skills in a wide variety of in-facility and prehospital settings, including but not limited to physicians, dentists, nurses, EMTs, paramedics, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, physician assistants (PAs), dental assistants, medical students, nursing students, residents, fellows, medical trainees, aides, medical assistants, nursing assistants, police officers, and security officers.
  • Certification
    • AHA BLS Provider
  • Class Formats and Length
  • Pricing

ACLS — Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support

  • Description
    • The AHA ACLS class, also known as the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support Provider course, is intended for healthcare providers who respond to cardiovascular emergencies. The ACLS course builds on the foundation of lifesaving BLS (Basic Life Support) skills, emphasizing the importance of continuous, high-quality CPR.  It involves using a set of clinical algorithms to manage a patient and increase their chances of survival during a cardiovascular emergency.  The American Heart Association ACLS certification is the gold standard, which is why we teach to AHA guidelines and provide AHA certifications. 
    • The following topics are covered:
      • BLS skills, including effective chest compressions and use of a bag-mask device
      • Recognition and early management of cardiac arrest
      • Recognition and early management of peri-arrest conditions such as tachyarrhythmias and symptomatic bradycardia
      • Airway management
      • Related pharmacology
      • Management of ACS and stroke
      • Effective communication as a member and leader of a resuscitation team
    • The Instructor-Led ACLS classes include ACLS Initial (appropriate for students taking ACLS for the first time) and ACLS Renewal (appropriate for students renewing their ACLS certification). Students must pass a written exam at the end of the Instructor-Led ACLS Initial and ACLS Renewal classes.
    • The Blended Learning ACLS is appropriate for either initial ACLS certification or renewal ACLS certification. It does not include a written exam as the ACLS Online Course functions as their exam.
  • Prerequisites
  • Intended Audience
    • This class is intended for healthcare professionals who either direct or participate in the management of cardiopulmonary arrest or other cardiovascular emergencies, and personnel in emergency response. This may include physicians, nurses, paramedics, physician assistants, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, radiology technicians, etc.
  • Certification
    • AHA ACLS Provider
  • Class Formats and Length
  • Pricing

PALS — Pediatric Advanced Life Support

  • Description
    • The AHA PALS certification class (Pediatric Advanced Life Support) aims to improve outcomes for pediatric patients by preparing healthcare providers to effectively recognize and intervene in patients with respiratory emergencies, shock, and cardiopulmonary arrest by using high‐performance team dynamics and high‐quality individual skills. The PALS class includes a series of case scenario practices with simulations that reinforce important concepts. 
    • After successfully completing this PALS class, students will be able to:
      • Perform high‐quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) per American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) recommendations
      • Differentiate between patients who do and do not require immediate intervention
      • Recognize cardiopulmonary arrest early and begin CPR within 10 seconds
      • Apply team dynamics
      • Differentiate between respiratory distress and failure
      • Perform early interventions for respiratory distress and failure
      • Differentiate between compensated and decompensated (hypotensive) shock
      • Perform early interventions for the treatment of shock
      • Differentiate between unstable and stable patients with arrhythmias
      • Describe clinical characteristics of instability in patients with arrhythmias
      • Implement post–cardiac arrest management
    • The Instructor-Led PALS classes include PALS Initial (appropriate for students taking PALS for the first time) or PALS Renewal (appropriate for students renewing their PALS certification). Students must pass a written exam at the end of the Instructor-Led PALS Initial and PALS Renewal classes.
    • The Blended Learning PALS is appropriate for either initial PALS certification or renewal PALS certification. It does not include a written exam as the PALS Online Course functions as their exam.
  • Prerequisites
  • Intended Audience
    • This PALS class is intended for healthcare providers who either direct or participate in the management of respiratory and/or cardiovascular emergencies and cardiopulmonary arrest in pediatric patients, and personnel in emergency response, emergency medicine, intensive care, and critical care. This may include physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, paramedics, physician assistants, pharmacists, respiratory therapists, etc.
  • Certification
    • AHA PALS Provider
  • Class Formats and Length
  • Pricing

NRP — Neonatal Resuscitation Program

  • Description
    • The NRP certification class (Neonatal Resuscitation Program) is an evidence-based neonatal resuscitation training program designed to prepare healthcare professionals to effectively manage newborn emergencies and improve neonatal outcomes.
    • Developed by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in collaboration with the American Heart Association (AHA), the Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) is the gold standard for neonatal resuscitation certification and NRP provider certification in the United States.  The class is taught according to the current NRP 9th Edition guidelines, science, and educational processes.
    • NRP is an advanced newborn resuscitation training for healthcare providers that focuses on critical thinking, team-based resuscitation, and hands-on skills required to care for newborns at birth – especially those who require immediate life-saving interventions.  It equips providers with the critical assessment, intervention, and team communication skills needed to rapidly stabilize newborns experiencing respiratory or circulatory compromise.
    • NRP training emphasizes a systematic, algorithm-driven, team-based approach to neonatal resuscitation. Key topics include:
      • Initial steps of newborn care and rapid assessment
      • Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) and airway management
      • Chest compressions and coordinated team dynamics
      • Advanced interventions including medication administration
      • Use of pulse oximetry and ECG monitoring in newborns
      • Neonatal resuscitation algorithms and decision-making pathways
    • Throughout the NRP certification class, students develop both technical proficiency and team leadership skills while managing realistic neonatal resuscitation scenarios.
    • The NRP certification class uses a Blended Learning model that consists of two parts.  Both parts must be completed in the following order:
      • PART 1 – NRP Online Course
        • Time required: About 1.5 – 3 hours online
        • Students complete a self-paced, adaptive online course via the American Academy of Pediatrics NRP Learning Platform
        • The course includes interactive case-based scenarios and adjusts to the student’s knowledge level
        • The NRP Essentials curriculum covers the foundation of neonatal resuscitation, preparation, initial steps of newborn care, and positive pressure ventilation (PPV). The NRP Advanced curriculum adds alternative airways (intubation/laryngeal masks), chest compressions, emergency medications, preterm stabilization, ethics, and special considerations.
        • There is no final exam. Instead, students are continually assessed as they progress through the adaptive modules.
        • Completion of the online course is required before attending the instructor-led NRP Skills Session.
      • PART 2 – NRP Instructor-Led Skills Session
        • Time required: About 3 hours in person
        • Must be completed within 90 days of NRP Online Course completion
        • The instructor-led NRP Skills Session is a realistic, hands-on simulation using neonatal manikins, delivery room equipment, and team-based resuscitation scenarios.
        • Students work individually and in teams to practice and demonstrate skills such as delivering positive pressure ventilation (PPV) using a T-piece resuscitator, inserting a laryngeal mask airway, practicing the MR. SOPA ventilation corrective steps, managing chest compressions, and drawing up/administering emergency medications through an umbilical venous catheter.
        • Students practice team-based resuscitation scenarios using NRP algorithms.
        • Real-time coaching, guidance, debriefing, and Q&A with the instructor are critical components of the training.
      • Once the student successfully completes both the online course and instructor-led NRP Skills Session, they will receive an American Academy of Pediatrics NRP Provider certification that is valid for two years. NRP certification is commonly required for healthcare professionals involved in labor and delivery, neonatal stabilization, NICU care, and newborn resuscitation.  Healthcare providers seeking initial NRP certification or NRP renewal follow the same NRP Provider training pathway.
    • Blended Learning NRP is appropriate for initial NRP certification or renewal NRP certification.
  • Prerequisites
    • Blended Learning NRP
      • Students must successfully complete the NRP Online Course (9th Edition Advanced Curriculum) before attending the instructor-led NRP Skills Session. A copy of the NRP Online Course completion certificate must be presented to the instructor at the beginning of the Skills Session.
      • The NRP Online Course completion certificate is valid for 90 days. Students who have not completed the online course within 90 days prior to arriving for the Skills Session will not be eligible to participate.
      • For convenience, students may purchase access to the NRP Online Course when enrolling in the NRP Skills Session.
      • In addition, students must create an account on the NRP Learning Platform and enroll in their scheduled Vive CPR NRP Skills Session. This enrollment process is required for issuance of the American Academy of Pediatrics NRP Provider certification after successful course completion.
  • Intended Audience
    • The Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP) certification class is designed for healthcare professionals who provide direct care to newborns during delivery, neonatal stabilization, resuscitation, or the immediate post-birth period.
    • This vital training is essential for a wide range of medical roles, including:
      • Labor and Delivery (L&D) Nurses
      • NICU Nurses
      • Postpartum Nurses
      • Registered Nurses (RNs) involved in newborn care
      • Physicians (MD/DO) including Obstetricians, Pediatricians, Neonatologists, and Residents
      • Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants
      • Respiratory Therapists
      • Midwives
      • Paramedics and EMS professionals involved in neonatal care
      • Any healthcare provider responsible for newborn resuscitation at delivery
  • Certification
    • American Academy of Pediatrics NRP Provider
  • Class Formats and Length
  • Pricing

Blended Learning Bundles

Vive CPR also offers combinations of BLS, ACLS, and PALS Blended Learning classes so that students can complete all the AHA HeartCode online coursework and then come for one combined in-person Skills Session.  This is a convenient way to complete multiple certifications together, as most healthcare providers who need ACLS and/or PALS also need BLS.

CPR — Heartsaver CPR AED

  • Description
    • The AHA Heartsaver CPR AED class covers training and certification in CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) use for adults, children, and infants. This CPR class meets OSHA requirements for CPR training and certification.  It is appropriate for initial CPR certification and for CPR renewal.
    • The following topics are covered during our AHA CPR classes:
      • How high-quality CPR improves survival
      • The Chain of Survival
      • How to recognize when someone needs CPR
      • Performing high-quality CPR
      • Performing CPR with help from others
      • Giving effective breaths using mouth-to-mouth or a mask
      • How to use an AED
      • When and how to help someone who’s choking
  • Prerequisites
  • Intended Audience
    • Non-medical personnel, workplace employees, and community members.
  • Certification
    • AHA Heartsaver CPR AED
  • Class Formats and Length
  • Pricing

CPR First Aid — Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED

  • Description
    • The AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED course covers training and certification in CPR, AED (automated external defibrillator), choking treatment, and first aid for adults, children, and infants.  This class meets OSHA, licensing, and regulatory requirements for CPR First Aid training and certification.  It is appropriate for initial CPR First Aid certification and for CPR First Aid renewal certification.
    • Our CPR First Aid class covers a range of essential topics including:
      • How high-quality CPR improves survival
      • The Chain of Survival
      • How to recognize when someone needs CPR
      • Performing high-quality CPR
      • Performing CPR with help from others
      • Giving effective breaths using mouth-to-mouth or a mask
      • How to use an AED
      • When and how to help someone who’s choking
      • First aid basics
        • Recognizing emergencies, calling for help, protective equipment, etc.
      • Medical emergencies
        • Stroke, heart attack, allergic reactions, EpiPen use, seizures, diabetic emergencies, asthma, drowning, etc.
        • Opioid-associated life-threatening emergencies
      • Injury emergencies
        • Bleeding control, tourniquet use, broken bones, burns, head/neck/spine injuries, etc.
      • Environmental emergencies
        • Heat-related illnesses, cold-related illnesses, poisoning, bites, stings, etc.
      • Preventing illness and injury
        • Lifting and moving techniques, identifying hazards, protective equipment, etc.
  • Prerequisites
    • Instructor-Led CPR First Aid: None.
    • Blended Learning CPR First Aid: The CPR First Aid online course (either Heartsaver Basic First Aid CPR AED Online or Heartsaver Total First Aid CPR AED Online, depending on workplace and regulatory requirements) must be completed before the student shows up for the CPR First Aid Skills Session.
  • Intended Audience
    • This class is intended for non-medical personnel who require CPR, AED, and first aid certification for job, regulatory, or other requirements (e.g., teachers, babysitters, nannies, lifeguards, coaches, and those who work in schools, gyms, construction, electrical trades, vineyards, wineries, laboratories, manufacturing facilities, social work, community centers, recreational centers, etc.). This class is also appropriate for laypersons who desire CPR and first aid training, including children, young adults, and families.
    • This class is not intended for healthcare providers, medical professionals, or childcare providers working in licensed childcare facilities.
  • Certification
    • AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED
  • Class Formats and Length
  • Pricing

First Aid — Heartsaver First Aid

  • Description
    • The AHA Heartsaver First Aid class covers training and certification in first aid basics for the most common injuries and medical emergencies, including how to recognize them, how to call for help, and how to perform lifesaving treatment. This AHA first aid class meets OSHA and regulatory requirements for first aid training and certification.  It is appropriate for initial or renewal certification.
    • Our First Aid class covers a range of essential topics including:
      • First aid basics
        • Recognizing emergencies, calling for help, protective equipment, etc.
      • Medical emergencies
        • Stroke, heart attack, allergic reactions, EpiPen use, seizures, diabetic emergencies, asthma, drowning, etc.
        • Opioid-associated life-threatening emergencies
      • Injury emergencies
        • Bleeding control, tourniquet use, broken bones, burns, head/neck/spine injuries, etc.
      • Environmental emergencies
        • Heat-related illnesses, cold-related illnesses, poisoning, bites, stings, etc.
      • Preventing illness and injury
        • Lifting and moving techniques, identifying hazards, protective equipment, etc.
  • Prerequisites
  • Intended Audience
    • This class is intended for non-medical personnel who require first aid certification for job, regulatory, or other requirements. This course is also appropriate for laypersons who desire first aid training, including children, young adults, and families.
    • This class is not intended for healthcare providers, medical professionals, or childcare providers working in licensed childcare facilities.
  • Certification
    • AHA Heartsaver First Aid
  • Class Formats and Length
  • Pricing

Pediatric CPR First Aid — Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED

  • Description
    • The AHA Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED class covers training and certification in CPR, AED use, choking management, and first aid for adults, children, and infants (with an emphasis on children and infants).
    • This Pediatric CPR First Aid class is intended for California childcare providers.  It includes added elements to meet California state (California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Division 12) and EMSA (Emergency Medical Services Authority) requirements for pediatric CPR and first aid training for California childcare providers who work in a licensed childcare facility or licensed childcare center.  Licensed childcare providers may include daycare workers, nannies, babysitters, preschool teachers, camp counselors, coaches, and bus drivers. 
    • This class is appropriate for initial or renewal pediatric CPR first aid certification.
    • The Pediatric CPR First Aid certification course includes the following major topics:
      • Patient examination and injury assessment
      • CPR and AED use
      • Choking treatment
      • Recognizing and treating shock
      • Allergic reactions and use of an EpiPen
      • Asthma and other respiratory emergencies (including use of inhaled medications and nebulizers)
      • First aid basics
      • Injuries to the head, eyes, neck, spine, mouth, and teeth
      • Controlling bleeding, bandaging, using a tourniquet, and internal bleeding
      • A variety of medical, injury, poison, and environmental emergencies including burns, electrical injuries, dehydration, drowning, amputations, bites and stings, splinters, fainting, seizures, broken bones, dislocations, and sprains
      • Communication with parents and children during an emergency
  • Prerequisites
    • Instructor-Led Pediatric CPR First Aid: None.
    • Blended Learning Pediatric CPR First Aid: The Pediatric CPR First Aid online course (Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Online) must be completed before the student shows up for the Pediatric CPR First Aid Skills Session.
      • Important Note: The Blended Learning format of the Pediatric CPR First Aid class does not meet the state requirements (EMSA / childcare licensing) for CPR First Aid training for licensed childcare providers.  To meet the requirements, the student must enroll in the Instructor-Led (classroom) format of the class (the class must be completed entirely in person).
    • Intended Audience
      • This class is intended specifically for California childcare providers, and those who work or intend to work in a CA licensed childcare facility. It is appropriate for anyone involved in child care who has a duty to respond to illnesses and injuries in a child or infant in the first few minutes until professional help arrives. Childcare providers, daycare workers, nannies, babysitters, preschool teachers, camp counselors, coaches, and bus drivers may be required to take this course.
      • This class is not intended for healthcare providers or medical professionals.
    • Certification
      • AHA Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED
    • Class Formats and Length
    • Pricing

Bloodborne Pathogens

  • Description
    • The AHA Heartsaver Bloodborne Pathogens certification class teaches participants how to protect themselves and others from being exposed to blood or blood-containing materials. This course is designed to meet OSHA requirements for bloodborne pathogens training when paired with site-specific instruction.  This class is appropriate for initial or renewal BBP certification.
    • This class uses the PACT acronym (Protect, Act, Clean, Tell) and tagline, “Make a PACT, Know How to Act™,” to help students learn and easily recall bloodborne pathogens training.
    • Students learn how to:
      • Protect themselves from blood or blood-containing materials
      • Act quickly and safely
      • Clean the area that has blood or blood-containing materials
      • Tell their supervisor about the incident
  • Prerequisites
    • Instructor-Led Bloodborne Pathogens: None.
    • Online Bloodborne Pathogens:   Students complete the Heartsaver Bloodborne Pathogens Online course at their own pace. The class is completed 100% online.
  • Intended Audience
    • This Bloodborne Pathogens class is designed specifically for workers with a reasonable chance of coming into contact with bloodborne pathogens, such as correctional officers, childcare workers, security guards, maintenance workers, school personnel, hotel housekeepers, health and fitness club staff, permanent makeup artists, and tattoo artists.
  • Certification
    • AHA Heartsaver Bloodborne Pathogens
      • Please note that this certification is valid for 1 year only, and is issued as a paper certificate (not an electronic certification or eCard)
  • Class Formats and Length
  • Pricing

STOP THE BLEED®

  • Description
    • STOP THE BLEED® is a national campaign led by the Department of Defense to train, equip, and empower bystanders to help stabilize an injured person and control severe bleeding until first responders arrive.  The program is administered by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma
    • California Assembly Bill No. 2260, adopted in September 2022, requires certain California schools, businesses and residents to prepare themselves to treat a bleeding emergency, including having trauma bleeding control kits onsite and being instructed on how to use and maintain them.  The Bill also provides liability exemptions to people and entities using the kits.
    • The STOP THE BLEED® class is a hands-on training designed to equip community members with the knowledge and skills to stop life-threatening bleeding in emergency situations. This class is ideal for anyone who wants to be prepared to save a life, whether at home, at work, or in public spaces.  Participants receive an American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma STOP THE BLEED® certification.  
    • The following topics and hands-on skills are covered during a STOP THE BLEED® training:
      • Introduction to Bleeding Control
        • Understanding the importance of immediate action in life-threatening bleeding
        • Overview of the different types of bleeding and their severity
      • Recognizing Life-Threatening Bleeding
        • How to identify severe bleeding from various parts of the body
        • Key signs that indicate the need for urgent intervention
      • Tourniquet Application
        • Step-by-step instruction on applying a commercial tourniquet
        • Practice on simulated limbs to ensure proper technique
        • When and where to place a tourniquet for maximum effectiveness
      • Wound Packing
        • Techniques for packing deep wounds with gauze to control bleeding
        • Proper methods to apply direct pressure after packing
      • Direct Pressure Application
        • How to apply direct pressure to bleeding wounds when a tourniquet or packing is not an option
        • Best practices for maintaining pressure until help arrives
      • Hands-On Practice and Scenarios
        • Participants will engage in realistic scenarios where they must identify and control bleeding using the techniques learned
        • Instructors will provide feedback and tips to improve technique and confidence
      • Q&A and Discussion
        • Open forum for participants to ask questions and discuss specific concerns
        • Review of key points and reinforcement of critical skills
      • By the end of the class, participants will have the confidence and competence to intervene effectively in a bleeding emergency, potentially saving lives. They will receive a certificate of completion, recognizing their new life-saving skills.
      • Note: STOP THE BLEED® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Defense and the official name of the bleeding control training program developed by the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma, and is therefore written in all capital letters.
  • Prerequisites
  • Intended Audience
    • The STOP THE BLEED® class is suitable for anyone interested in learning to control life-threatening bleeding. No prior medical training is required. There’s no minimum age requirement however parents/guardians should be aware that the class includes some graphic images and content.
  • Certification
    • American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma STOP THE BLEED®
    • Note: this certification does not expire, however renewal is recommended every 2 years.
  • Class Formats and Length
  • Pricing

Non-Certification (Informational) Classes

Our non-certification classes teach you how to respond to emergencies but don’t issue a certification card. They’re ideal if you want the skills without a licensing or regulatory requirement to meet.

Infant CPR for Parents

  • Description
    • Our Infant CPR for Parents class is a non-certification, informational course with a focus on newborn babies and infants (up to 1 year old) that covers infant CPR, first aid, safety, and more. The instructor will assess your family and environment, and then tailor the training to you, so that you learn exactly what is needed from a prevention, safety, and emergency response perspective. It is perfect for anyone who will be around newborns and infants less than 1 year old, including babysitters and family members.
    • Since the leading causes of infant mortality in the US include preventable accidents, injuries, and breathing problems (including choking), this infant CPR class addresses baby safety and accident prevention measures that can be taken to avoid such incidents. We also cover what to do if an emergency happens, including who to call, where to go, and what you can do while you’re waiting for the paramedics to arrive.
    • The instructor provides an interactive training with ample hands-on practice, feedback, Q&A, and discussion.  We’re here to ensure you leave our baby safety course feeling confident and ready to act quickly to perform lifesaving measures in case of an infant emergency.  You’ll also take away baby safety tips and knowledge to help make your home safer for your newborn baby or infant, thereby preventing accidents altogether.  A handy reference sheet is provided.
    • Our Infant CPR class covers the following topics:
      • Recognizing and understanding the signs and symptoms of a medical emergency in a newborn baby or infant
      • Conducting a medical assessment
      • When and who to call for help
      • CPR for infants and newborn babies
      • How to treat newborn and infant choking
      • Allergic reactions and seizures
      • First aid basics
      • Injury prevention
      • Baby safety tips and baby preparedness
  • Prerequisites
  • Intended Audience
    • Our Infant CPR class is intended for new parents, expecting parents, their family members, and others in their homes and around their newborn babies and infants (up to 1 year old), such as friends, babysitters, caretakers, nannies, teachers, employees, and personal assistants who want to know more about infant CPR, infant first aid, preventing baby injuries and accidents, and responding to baby emergencies.
    • This class is not intended for healthcare providers, licensed childcare providers, or anyone who requires a certification for job, license, or regulatory purposes.
  • Certification
    • None
  • Class Formats and Length
  • Pricing

Harm Reduction (Opioid Education and Narcan Training)

  • Description
    • Among the leading causes of accidental death in the United States is drug overdose. The U.S. is facing an epidemic due to the rapid increase in opioid availability, opioid use, opioid abuse, and deaths caused in part, or in whole, by opioid overdose.   Most deadly overdoses involve opioids, particularly synthetic opioids such as fentanyl.  Opioid education, including naloxone (Narcan) training, is an invaluable tool that can lessen the impact of the opioid crisis in our communities.
    • While the ultimate goal is to prevent an emergency from happening in the first place, we understand that it is not always possible. Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use.  Healthcare professionals and community members alike should be equipped with the knowledge and tools to recognize and treat others experiencing an emergency.  Education about opioids — including how to prevent, recognize, and treat opioid overdose — can help to stop accidental deaths.
    • It is our mission to inform and empower as many people as possible to be able to take actionable steps to make this happen. In an emergency situation, every minute has the potential to make a lasting impact on a victim’s survival.  If you wait until paramedics arrive to take action, it might be too late.
    • Historically, access to the tools to reverse opioid overdoses were reserved for licensed medical professionals. In our evolving world with opioid overdoses and deaths on a steady rise over the last decade, that has now changed.  Community members now have the ability to respond to and treat an overdose at the scene of an incident.  With the right information, skills, and tools, every person has the ability to save someone’s life.  You can make a difference.
    • Our Harm Reduction (Narcan Training) class is an informational class that covers the following topics:
      • Opioids
        • What opioids are
        • How opioids work in the body
        • What occurs in the body during an opioid overdose
      • Narcan / Naloxone
        • What is Narcan / naloxone
        • How naloxone works in the body
      • Opioid overdose and treatment
        • How to recognize when someone is experiencing an opioid overdose
        • How to treat someone who is overdosing on opioids
        • Naloxone delivery devices
        • How to use Narcan / naloxone for a suspected opioid overdose
        • Other steps to take, including accessing emergency services, performing CPR, etc.
      • How to obtain Narcan / naloxone
      • Availability and sources for obtaining Narcan / naloxone
      • Free box of Narcan nasal spray from Vive CPR
    • Vive CPR is part of the California Department of Public Health’s Naloxone Distribution Project.  The Naloxone Distribution Project aims to educate the public about the risks and signs of opioid overdose, and to provide lifesaving naloxone (Narcan) for free.  Since the program began in October 2018, it has distributed more than 1,740,000 units of naloxone, which have been used to reverse more than 112,000 overdoses.
    • Vive CPR is able to provide naloxone (Narcan) nasal spray to anyone at the training who wants it.  Since 2021, we have trained and educated people in Santa Rosa and the San Francisco Bay Area on overdose recognition and treatment, and distributed over 4,000 doses of lifesaving naloxone to various communities.
  • Prerequisites
  • Intended Audience
    • This course is intended for anyone who has a desire to learn about opioids, how to recognize opioid overdoses, how to use Narcan (naloxone), and how to provide other treatment (such as CPR) to an opioid overdose victim. This class is appropriate for healthcare providers and laypersons. There is no age requirement for this class.
  • Certification
    • None
  • Class Formats and Length
  • Pricing

Custom CPR Class

  • Description
    • Our Custom CPR Class is a CPR and/or first aid class that is customized specifically for you, covering only the topics that are most important for you.
    • We understand that some people may not need a traditional CPR or first aid class that includes a certification. If a certification is not required, we can be more flexible with the content and teaching style because we aren’t confined to the guidelines of the certifying organizations such as American Heart Association.  This allows us to tailor private CPR and first aid trainings to your specific needs and environment.
    • These trainings can be in person or virtual, for individuals or groups, at your location or in our classroom.
    • A partial list of the topics that can be covered during a custom CPR class include:
      • CPR
        • Adult (puberty and older)
        • Child (one year to puberty)
        • Infant (birth to one year)
      • AED
        • AED setup, use, and basic maintenance
      • Choking
        • Adult / Child
        • Infant / Baby
      • Recognition and treatment of medical emergencies
        • Heart attack
        • Stroke
        • Shock
        • Anaphylaxis (with EpiPen training)
        • Asthma / breathing problems
        • Concussions / head injuries
        • Internal bleeding
        • Allergic reactions
        • Dehydration
        • Diabetes and low blood sugar
        • Heat and cold related emergencies
        • Drowning
        • Amputations
        • Bites and stings
        • Broken bones and sprains
        • Nose bleeds
        • Fainting
        • Seizures
      • First Aid
        • Bandaging
        • Tourniquet use
        • Basic splinting
        • Basic burn management
        • Industrial work injuries (impaled objects, crush injuries, etc.)
  • Prerequisites
  • Intended Audience
    • This class is intended for anyone looking for a custom CPR class where a certification is not required. A wide range of topics can be covered, such as CPR, AED, choking treatment, First Aid, infant safety, opioid education, etc., where a certification is not required.
  • Certification
    • None
  • Class Formats and Length
  • Pricing

Tutoring

We offer private, one-on-one tutoring in the classroom or virtually (via Zoom or Google Meet). Each session is tailored to the clients’ needs, runs as long as needed, and is priced at $100 per hour.  No certifications are included and there are no prerequisites.

Basic ECG Interpretation

  • Description
    • Vive CPR offers private tutoring to help establish or build on your foundation of ECG interpretation and arrhythmia recognition. Knowing how to interpret ECGs is an essential skill for certain medical professionals, and is a prerequisite for ACLS and PALS.
    • The following topics may be included:
      • Normal cardiac anatomy and physiology
      • Normal electrical conduction through the heart
      • Utilizing a systematic approach to ECG interpretation
      • How to identify normal and abnormal ECG components
      • Recognizing sinus, atrial, supraventricular, junctional, and ventricular dysrhythmias
      • Recognizing ectopic beats
  • Intended Audience
    • Medical students, nursing students, paramedic students, or healthcare providers looking to learn or improve their basic ECG recognition abilities. Basic ECG and arrhythmia recognition is a prerequisite for ACLS and PALS

EMT Training

  • Description
    • Becoming an EMT can be your foot in the door to an exciting and fulfilling career on an ambulance, at a fire department, or in a hospital, but passing the class can be tough. Having a professional first responder and educator as a mentor to help strengthen your foundation and get focused tutoring can make all the difference.
    • We offer personalized training and individual tutoring to help you master your trauma assessments, medical assessments, and hands-on skills, and to help you prepare for and pass your class and National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) psychomotor and skills exams.
      Individual (1-on-1) or group tutoring is available, either in person or virtually via Zoom.
  • Intended Audience
    • Anybody looking to improve their cognitive performance or skills in an emergency medical technician (EMT) training program.

NREMT Test Prep

  • Description
    • The NREMT basic and paramedic exams are notoriously difficult, and many people do not pass on the first attempt. Vive CPR offers personalized tutoring and mentoring to address your problem areas, and specific recommendations on how to study for this exam.
    • Our NREMT test prep training can cover any topics for the EMT cognitive exam and the EMT psychomotor exam that you need assistance with, including but not limited to:
      • Patient Assessment / Management – Trauma
      • Patient Assessment / Management – Medical
      • BVM Ventilation of an Apneic Adult Patient
      • Oxygen Administration by Non-Rebreather Mask
      • Spinal Immobilization (Seated Patient)
      • Spinal Immobilization (Supine Patient)
      • Bleeding Control / Shock Management
      • Cardiac Arrest Management / AED
      • Joint Immobilization
      • Long Bone Immobilization
  • Intended Audience
    • Anybody looking to improve their cognitive performance or hands-on skills in preparation for a written or psychomotor examination for EMT basics or paramedics.

Our Classes at a Glance

Class Format Category Certification Price
BLS Instructor-Led Certification AHA BLS Provider $90
BLS Blended Learning Certification AHA BLS Provider $98 ($38 BLS Online Course + $60 BLS Skills Session)
ACLS Instructor-Led Initial Certification AHA ACLS Provider Contact us for private and group class pricing
ACLS Instructor-Led Renewal Certification AHA ACLS Provider Contact us for private and group class pricing
ACLS Blended Learning Certification AHA ACLS Provider $328 ($178 ACLS Online Course + $150 ACLS Skills Session)
PALS Instructor-Led Initial Certification AHA PALS Provider Contact us for private and group class pricing
PALS Instructor-Led Renewal Certification AHA PALS Provider Contact us for private and group class pricing
PALS Blended Learning Certification AHA PALS Provider $328 ($178 PALS Online Course + $150 PALS Skills Session)
NRP Blended Learning Certification American Academy of Pediatrics NRP Provider $250 ($75 NRP Online Course + $175 NRP Skills Session)
CPR (Heartsaver CPR AED) Instructor-Led Certification AHA Heartsaver CPR AED $85
CPR (Heartsaver CPR AED) Blended Learning Certification AHA Heartsaver CPR AED Contact us for private and group class pricing
CPR First Aid (Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED) Instructor-Led Certification AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED $100
CPR First Aid (Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED) Blended Learning Certification AHA Heartsaver First Aid CPR AED Contact us for private and group class pricing
First Aid (Heartsaver First Aid) Instructor-Led Certification AHA Heartsaver First Aid Contact us for private and group class pricing
First Aid (Heartsaver First Aid) Blended Learning Certification AHA Heartsaver First Aid Contact us for private and group class pricing
Pediatric CPR First Aid (Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED) Instructor-Led Certification AHA Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED $110
Pediatric CPR First Aid (Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED) Blended Learning Certification AHA Heartsaver Pediatric First Aid CPR AED Contact us for private and group class pricing
Bloodborne Pathogens Instructor-Led Certification AHA Heartsaver Bloodborne Pathogens Contact us for private and group class pricing
Bloodborne Pathogens Online Only Certification AHA Heartsaver Bloodborne Pathogens Contact us for private and group class pricing
STOP THE BLEED® Instructor-Led Certification American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma STOP THE BLEED® Contact us for private and group class pricing
Infant CPR for Parents Instructor-Led Non-Certification None $80
Infant CPR for Parents Virtual Non-Certification None Contact us for private and group class pricing
Harm Reduction (Opioid Education and Narcan Training) Instructor-Led Non-Certification None Contact us for private and group class pricing
Custom CPR Class Instructor-Led Non-Certification None Contact us for private and group class pricing
Custom CPR Class Virtual Non-Certification None Contact us for private and group class pricing
Basic ECG Interpretation Instructor-Led or Virtual Tutoring None $100/hour
EMT Training Instructor-Led or Virtual Tutoring None $100/hour
NREMT Test Prep Instructor-Led or Virtual Tutoring None $100/hour

Last Updated: July 2026