1. Why choose Responder Services?
We offer flexible and convenient scheduling, reliable and experienced instructors and customized site specific scenarios and educational materials. We are a local company serving central Wisconsin, and we work hard to make safety training simple and fun.
2. What is the difference between the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC)?
Both the AHA and ARC offer certification classes in First Aid, CPR and AED. While both organizations are nationally recognized and accepted leaders in providing quality training programs, AHA offers a two year certification with all training programs. ARC only does a 1 year certification. Responder Services is an authorized provider of AHA programs and saves you time and money.
3. How long is certification valid?
First Aid certification is valid for up to 3 years, depending on the course you attend. Cardioplumonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certifications are valid for 2 years.
4. What is a recertification course?
A recertification course is a modified training program for individuals who have already taken an American Heart Association or National Safety Council CPR and/or AED training program. These recertification courses are shorter, quicker paced and often do not include a textbook. There are no recertification courses for First Aid offered by AHA or NSC. You are expected to complete an entire first aid course every 2 or 3 years.
5. How far will Responder Services travel for an on-site class?
Responder Services is based in Berlin, Wisconsin and we generally offer our programs to locations in the central portion of Wisconsin, roughly from Portage to Wausau and Marshfield to Oshkosh. However, we will always consider special arrangements for classes elsewhere. If we're not able to meet your needs, we can usually help you find a suitable alternative. Travel fees may apply to locations more than 50 miles from Berlin, WI.
6. How many participants can I enroll for my on-site training?
Responder Services can accommodate from 6 to 30 participants per certification class. We are sometimes limited by the space available at your facility and we must follow established guidelines for student-to-instructor ratios. We will always work with you to meet your specific needs.
7. What equipment or space is required for an on-site training?
You will need to provide an area large enough for all participants to sit during lecture and to get onto the floor for skills practice and testing. Normally, a VCR & TV are required. If you don't have a VCR/TV, let us know and we’ll bring them.
8. How much does on-site training cost?
Responder Services charges a per person fee. We ask for a guaranteed minimum of 6 participants, up to a total of 30. Costs per participant range from $25 to $40, depending on the specific training program. We typically maintain a maximum ratio of 1 instructor per every six participants.
9. How do I schedule a class?
Contact our office by phone (toll free) @ 866-999-1033 or simply complete the on-line request form in our "Contact Info" section.
10. What if I have less than 6 participants?
For groups smaller than 6, Responder Services offers open enrollment classes on a regular basis in the Berlin area. However, contact us, as we are happy to discuss alternative arrangements.
11. When I help someone, am I protected? What if I make a mistake?
Your certification in CPR, AED or First Aid does not mean that you must respond to an emergency situation. You will always have a choice, unless your job description includes emergency response or you are a licensed first responder, EMT, etc. The decision to help or not to help in any situation is yours to make. If you choose to act outside your workplace, then you would be protected by the Good Samaritan Law. Some workplaces or job descriptions require that you assist in an emergency. However, acting responsibly and within the scope of your training, and following your company's policies and procedures will normally keep you out of trouble.
12. What is the Good Samaritan Law?
The law is based on the principle that any person attempting to aid another who may be in imminent danger, shall be exempted from liability and/or contributory negligence, unless the rescuer attempts or provides first aid that is unreasonable or acts with gross negligence in attempting rescue or first aid.
The Good Samaritan law's purpose is to keep people from being so reluctant to help a stranger in need, for fear of legal repercussions if they made some mistake in treatment. Therefore, this doctrine was primarily developed for emergency first aid encounters and every state has it's own adapted version. Remember, a person is not obligated by law to perform first aid in most states, unless it's part of a job description. In fact, some states will consider it an act of negligence, if we don’t at least call for help. Beyond this, assisting is optional and voluntary, partly due to preserving the rescuer's own safety in the process.
To view Wisconsin's Good Samaritan statute, click on our "downloads" section.
