I went to the Red Cross website to register for a First Aid, CPR, AED class. The Red Cross then directed me to Nationwide CPR. They offered a variety of classes in different locations at convenient times. I prepaid $130 and signed up for a Saturday class on Old Wesley Chapel in Decatur, parking was free.
Class 3/5
The class was upstairs in an old building behind McDonalds. Don't follow your GPS or it will lead you to I-20. There's no signage. Classes are taught in individual small rooms and I use the word 'taught' loosely. The mask-less instructor was nice but the class consisted of watching dramatic video scenarios and being checked on every 15 minutes or so. It wasn't very hands on like it would be in a classroom setting but I did get to practice breaths and chest compressions.
Environment 2/5
Unfortunately, bass music could be heard from the recording studio below which was very distracting. It wasn't turned down despite being asked twice. The room smelled overwhelmingly of air freshener, glad I wore my mask! The class was over in about 3 hours. Because participants were coming in and out at different times, the instructor had to go back and forth between us. The certification card was emailed.
Certification and Contact Info. 1/5
I was given the wrong card with no contact information for Nationwide CPR on it. Instead, there was a training center in California and a phone # which directs you to a website for an entirely different company! I tried that number first but it was automated. I then tried the Red Cross, since that's where I signed up online. They directed me to the American Heart Association, since their emblem was on the (incorrect) card. One hour and four phone calls later, I figured out on my own that the class had been contracted out to Nationwide CPR.
Customer Service 1/5
When I finally spoke to the owner of Nationwide CPR, he could have easily apologized for the inconvenience and taken my suggestion to provide contact information to customers in the future. "If you have any problems, please call this number." Instead, he was unprofessional and condescending, denying all responsibility and implying that he was doing me a favor by quickly replying to my email. I was given the wrong card twice. When customers spend that much time and money, it's important to get the correct certification.
I added a star because eventually I did receive the correct card and an apology, two emails later.. But honestly, it wasn't worth the headache. I cannot recommend Nationwide CPR but if you risk taking a class, please verify that you have the correct certification before you leave and ask for a phone number (or use the one on Yelp.) The contact info on the card is worthless. read more