For three times over four years, I have been a customer of Start the Heart. Every two years, I…read morerenew my Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider certification here. Other classes include ACLS, PALS, bloodborne-airborne pathogens, and pet emergency training. I used Start the Heart's website to search and register for a 3-hour in-person class. The owners, Brenda and Scott, emailed reminders about the date, time (to show up 15 minutes early, because people who arrive to class late must reschedule), location (in the back of the building), and requirements such as bringing a paper and pen. The first two classes were taught by Brenda and Scott, and my most recent class was taught by their employee Kelly. All three possessed a great amount of knowledge about CPR for adults, children, and infants; how to use automatic and manual AEDs; and how to perform abdominal thrusts and back slaps for people who are choking. The students watched videos, practiced on mannequins, and answered questions orally. At the end, we took a written test. If we passed, which I think that everyone did, then the American Heart Association emailed us our BLS cards. The cost for the entire class in 2025 was $75.

I highly recommend Start the Heart. The owners, who are also the instructors, provide an excellent…read moreclassroom experience, and it was by far THE BEST Infant/Child/Adult CPR/First Aid class I've ever taken in my entire life! I took the class on April 28, 2024, and I was extremely satisfied with the educational experience that Brenda and Scott provided. The class was extremely well organized, informative, and thorough, including hands-on training. From the time I first called to schedule the class, Brenda put my mind at ease. And during the class, Brenda and Scott were patient and understanding while answering students' questions. They also took all the necessary precautions in cleaning and disinfecting all of the equipment that was being used. I was extremely pleased with this most wonderful course, and I think you will be, too. And as an added bonus, you receive your CPR & First Aid certification card on the same day before you leave. If you're looking for a great CPR/First Aid class, look no further! This one is by far the best in the greater Pittsburgh area IMHO.

This is THE BEST place to earn your CPR certification in Pittsburgh! Mike is a AMAZING instructor,…read morevery professional, and his class was EXCELLENT with following social distancing rules. Really paced nicely, easy to follow, quality and current manikins for the practical learning. The location is GORGEOUS, which is a nice change of scenery from the regular classroom atmosphere. I appreciated the free coffee and hot chocolate, beautiful facilities, etc. At the end of the class we all received face-shield keychains! Thank you so much Mike, I will be seeing you every 2 years!!! -Shay

From the owner: Providing quality BLS (Basic Life Support), CPR and first aid training certification training for…read morePittsburgh, Pa

I discovered Fragile Heart CPR by searching for IN PERSON classes THROUGH AHA, only to sign up &…read morefind out "due to covid, it's virtual." What should normally be $85 (on average) ends up being $125. I only agreed to this bc the 'closest' IN PERSON locations aren't so close. You receive the link for the videos and exams after you pay and they ship the box with inflatable "manikins" (mannequins.) *see attached photos* The AMBU bag doesn't even line up, there's no rise/fall of the chest. Not that it matters, you'll just say "give breath, look for rise/fall of the chest, continue with compressions" during the skills test part. You get a bracelet that blinks red until you've reached the desired compression rate and then it flashes green. There's nothing given for AED, you just need to state where to place the pads. They claim free shipping to send the box to you (so why am I charged $125?) and then to send it back -- YOU have to pay ($15.50) to do so-- unless your postal carrier advises you of the correct box to use and it will still get there the same time and you get a tracking number ($10.50 ***if in PA.) I will say this: any time I sent a text, I received a response within 24hrs. I received my card-- which is/was the goal, but I just don't like the idea of BLS classes being VIRTUAL and more costly! It doesn't make sense and it seems unprofessional. Also, upon returning the package, I learned that ANOTHER one was delivered to me. My postal carrier and I REFUSED the shipment. I called the company, they advised that there are no additional charges that sometimes more than one package goes out for the same person. Now you know what to expect. MAKE GOOD CHOICES! (Read: make a better choice than I did. Unless you like having stories to share with your friends.)

Communication has a lot to be desired and maybe it's because everything is virtual now, but I…read moredidn't have a good experience for $125... I received my CPR card which was the whole point so for that I will give one star

I interviewed today at Black Knight Security's downtown Pittsburgh office, and the experience was…read moreextremely disappointing and uncomfortable. I arrived on time, well-dressed, and prepared. When I met the interviewer, Melinda Staup, she gave me a strange look and did not shake my hand. Before the interview even began, I was required to take a urine drug test, after which the interview proceeded. I was then given what was described as a "personality test," but it felt less like a standard assessment and more like trick or elimination-style questions designed to weed candidates out rather than evaluate them fairly. This was followed by several pages of interview questions. With nearly every answer I gave, I was scrutinized and challenged in a way that felt excessive for a $16/hour, 32-hour-per-week overnight security position. I applied specifically for the overnight shift that the company advertised, yet I was questioned in a way that implied I wanted the shift so I could sleep. There were also assumptions made about me relying on public transportation, despite the fact that I drive and did not indicate otherwise. Prior to the interview, I completed extensive paperwork, including a 150-word essay on an exciting or emotional time in my life. During the interview, I was questioned as if I hadn't completed it -- even though I had. While I acknowledge I may not have answered every question perfectly, the overall tone and treatment felt unnecessarily judgmental and dismissive. As a Hispanic candidate, I left feeling that I was being judged more harshly than others might have been, including assumptions that I might be unsuitable for client sites. The entire process felt like a waste of time, especially considering the pay structure and the fact that the company does not pay weekly. Based on this experience, I would seriously question how other minority candidates are treated during their hiring process. I know my value and my talents, and I will continue pursuing my goals as an aspiring filmmaker. Unfortunately, this interview gave me a very negative impression of Black Knight Security

My workplace was offering CPR/AED and First Aid training and certification through the Red Cross…read more I decided to volunteer as a representative of the company. I honestly didn't realize how expensive these training classes are without the funding from my company. However, they see the benefit in having several employees certified in case of an emergency. The class took up the better part of a day and consisted of classroom training, hands on training IE mouth to mouth resuscitation on the torso "dummies" along with proper procedures on how to operate the AED machines, and some roleplaying with other volunteers. I found the instructor to be incredibly informative and engaging. She certainly maintain a level of competency, and kept the classroom structure flowing from one topic to the next. We covered a lot of ground in those 6 or so hours. Everything from preforming CPR, and all the steps surrounding the act itself, to the proper use of a defibrillator, how to handle a person in shock, breathing emergencies, diabetic emergencies, seizures, strokes, muscle, bone and joint injuries, concussions, environmental emergencies, anaphylactic reactions, chocking procedures, poisoning, burns, and bleedings. I will say after all that I have a new found respect for those in the medical community, and other lay responders. There are many steps to help determining and intervening in an emergency situations but a lot of it comes down to common sense, and observation. I am happy I had the opportunity to take this class and now am knowledgeable of how to react in an emergency situation, I still really hope I never have to! Great class, just wish it was a little more affordable for the classes if you were taking them without financial support.

Nice facility filled with supplies and support for all emergency situations…read more Volunteered for an immigrant health fair at the facility. Lots of space and laid out for any event. Thankful to have a large support base in our city.

My professional license requires that I complete CPR/AED training every two years. I've gone to…read moreRich at Safeguard multiple times to update my certification and cannot say enough good things about him. Two years ago I went through the Red Cross and will not make the same mistake again! I was especially grateful that during COVID I could attend a training session alone for the regular price of a group session. Rich's program is concise while still being extremely educational. You will walk away feeling confident in your skills and prepared.

From the owner: Safeguard CPR Training Services provides ASHI & ECSI instructor-led instruction, that is taught…read morestraight to the point and in a logical and easy to understand manner. We provide private/semi-private training sessions by appointment Monday-Saturday both in the morning and afternoon, and also group training classes conducted at the client's location. All training material is provided. Certificates & Certification Cards valid for 2 years are issued same day upon course completion. In addition to Standard Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED & BLS, we instruct both Basic & Wilderness First Aid training. First Aid can be customized to focus on topics related to specific occupations. Bloodborne Pathogens & Fire Safety training, and complete AED ownership package sales & training are also offered.

Cancelled my class the day before it started. Then I called the contact number from their website…read moreand the worker denied me a refund and said their system wouldn't allow it...

From the owner: at CPR Certification Pittsburgh we offer AHA BLS CPR Classes and First Aid Training. Our CPR…read moreTraining is hands on and in person and provided by an American Heart Association CPR Instructor. The CPR Training includes AED machine use and Infant Child and Adult CPR. Our classes are held in our offices in Pittsburgh and we also offer come to you onsite group mobile CPR training.

Very professional and enjoyable cpr class. Will receive a certificate from American Heart…read moreAssociation when finished with class. Would 100% recommend this class and instructor.

From the owner: We bring CPR to you! We have several classrooms and will come to your place of business, even your…read morehouse if you need us to. book your classes and let us take care of the rest!

Canceled on me 12 hours before class start time. Online learning already completed. Very…read morefrustrating experience and they didnt even automatically refund me. Still working on refund