The American Red Cross is an organization that is internationally recognized for providing public safety and health classes in such areas as first aid and CPR. For many jobs in the United States, first aid and CPR certifications are required. They are also good to know in case of a medical emergency.
Training Classes
First aid is the most basic health and safety class that the Red Cross offers. In this course, you will learn how to treat cuts, wounds and burns, how to approach someone who is injured and how to splint broken bones. CPR is a technique that uses compressions to the chest to help blood flow to the heart. This technique is used on victims of cardiac arrest. In addition to the basic CPR and first aid classes, the Red Cross also offers classes on how to use an automated external defibrillator, which is an electronic device that attempts to regularize heart rhythm by delivering shock treatments. Most of the time, this certification can be added to a CPR class for a nominal fee.
Training Delivery
First aid and CPR training can be taken online, at the workplace at an employer's request, or at your local Red Cross community center. You can get your CPR certification through a combination of in-person and online components, and you can complete your first aid certification online. Each training course concludes with a multiple-choice test, and some courses require a session with an instructor where she will watch you complete the skill correctly.
Certification Validity
The American Red Cross CPR certification is good for one calendar year in the United States. The first aid certification is good for three calendar years. If you currently have a certification, you can request a skills challenge or renewal course to renew your certification. These options are less expensive and less time-consuming then taking the entire courses again. If you earned your certifications in any other country, they will not be recognized in the United States, and you will need to take the complete courses.
Training Cost
Training costs will vary depending on the course, local chapter and state. As of 2010, the Red Cross Oregon Pacific chapter offered a combination first aid and CPR class for $40 and a CPR review for $25. You can often save on your training by taking your classes online or taking advantage of combined classes.
Languages
Training classes are offered in both English and Spanish in the United States. All locations do not offer Spanish classes. If you need to take your CPR or first aid class in Spanish, you should contact your local Red Cross chapter to see if there are Spanish language instructors available.
