American Red Cross-Santa Clara Valley Chapter

Great experience getting: California Child Care: Pediatric first aid & CPR class :)

I love the Red Cross. However, DO NOT recommend their testing services, unless you’re prepared to be subject to random testing expectations not based on the State’s rubrics but rather whatever they feel like criticizing at that moment. LARGE numbers of folks are being failed for rediculously trivial, so-​called errors that RC evaluators choose at random.
What your classmate was complimented for during her test, you may be reprimanded for doing. You may fail for forgetting a skill, but your classmate passes for forgetting the same skill.
Also be prepared for some of their evaluators, who’re impatient, seemingly burned out, or too tired to exert the energy to be respectful rather than condescending & robotic. Note that RC also teaches test matter, so your failure may benefit them economically if you choose to retake their course, because your previous course supposedly didn’t teach you sufficiently how to perform the necessary skills that would make you SAFE, ETHICAL, & SKILLED (what the State of CA wants to assure). Funny how most courses in the Bay Area are doing it wrong, according to RC.
I knew the entire textbook (3 in thick) & was top of my class percentile, but I failed for an «error» that would not go against any of the three areas the State is examining, & in fact, she incorrectly thought she saw because I saw her looking down during the whole second part of that skill where she should have been checking. I was also told I passed, told I was an outstanding candidate, & then failed by only that evaluator, for a very, very easy skill I have performed many times before.
I recommend Pearson Vue, for professional testing that is based on state requirements & fairly identified by Pearson Vue. You will know what you are expected to perform, how you will be evaluated, & be treated as an equal who is there to prove that you are safe, ethical, & skilled.
Unfortunately, you’ll have to drive to Southern CA to test with them right now. I guess this is great news for RC. At least RC does great things with our money.
Also unfortunate is that they likely scare potentially skilled & dedicated folks from ever getting their licenses. This, in a field where we need good people who are in it because they want to care for people in a way that will make a positive difference in the most powerful way. I actually considered giving up on my dream, because I felt like my very best wasn’t good enough. I’m emotionally strong & confident, as well as resilient, but what about the people who aren’t.

This is a special place for me, and one I could never say enough positive things about. I have taken First Aid classes with ARC, CPR, Disaster Services classes, I’m a Disaster Services and Human Resources member, as well as a blood donor and platelet donor, and I have always been pleased with the training and the service. From buying earthquake preparedness materials, to first aid kits, to the training, and the donation services and staff, everything has been wonderful. I am thankful for the opportunity to serve my community through the American Red Cross, and I’m thankful for the Silicon Valley Chapter of ARC for providing me with services and training and a place to give blood and platelets. Great job to you all!!!