CPR and First Aid clases at the American Red Cross?

Question

So how does the whole CPR and First Aid classes at the American Red Cross thing work? Like what kinds of things do they teach you? And what does First Aid and CPR certification allow you to do that people without certification cannot?

Answer 1

I applaud your interest in First Aid and CPR. As a paramedic, I have seen first-hand what a difference the general public can make in the survivability of my patients if care is rendered prior to my arrival.

There are two generally accepted organizations that offer CPR/First Aid classes: The Red Cross and the American Heart Association. Either organization will teach you important skills that could someday make a huge difference in someone's life. If you are looking at pursuing a higher level of medical training, I would recommend an American Heart Association course, as they are more often accepted as the standard for healthcare professionals.

Keep in mind that becoming certified in CPR doesn't really "allow" you to do anything more, it simply gives you a better understanding of what to do in an emergency than the untrained person would know. It also doesn't "require" you to act, should an emergency present itself. Many people have the fear that if they learn CPR, then they are required to perform it and perform it correctly if the situation arises. This is not true. However, most people who have received the training would have an ethical responsibility to act, and would act accordingly.

If you're not certain whether or not to take the course, I would strongly encourage you to. I've taught CPR to people who have gone on to save lives with their skill.

Answer 2

Well I needed my certification for work purposes. (I'm a caregiver taking care of people with developmental disabilities.) I just needed it to prove that I knew the material. You just look up wherever your local red cross is and ask them for a list of times to take the course. There is a first aid course and there is a CPR course and both of them are a one time deal (you meet once for four hours and after the four hours you take a test.) you must pass the test to get the certificate in both classes. The test is not hard at all it just goes over the basics of what you learned. then they give you a pamphlet to take home and review periodically to refresh your memory if you need. oh, and you have to pay for this course. its like $50 per course but my work reimbursed me for the cost because it was required. first aid courses teach you what to do in general emergencies, like burns, cuts of all kinds, heart attacks, choking, how to wrap up an arm, stuff like that. The CPR course teaches you CPR-rescue breathing. If you don't need the certification for work purposes the certification doesnt really distinguish you form anyone else other than that you know exactly what to do in an emergency. Some jobs don't allow you to work if you don't have certification.

Answer 3

You are taught basic first aid/CPR- It's generally administer in either one all day class or broken into acouple sessions.. You learn how to treat a burn, cut, insect bites, sprains, minor injuries and with CPR you learn and are certified to do CPR which in a situation that you use CPR and something happends to the recipient you are not liable "good samaritian" It's a good class, take it you could save a life..

Answer 4

I would go to the American Red Cross website, it has a lot of helpful information, and tells you exactly what you will learn (http://www.redcross.org/services/hss/). First Aid and CPR certification allows you to obtain jobs such as: lifeguard, daycare worker, city employee, etc.

Answer 5

First Aide... you'll probably read from a book/answer questions/simulated wrapping burns or broken bones, etc. CPR ... you'll probably kiss a dummy and do chest compressions. Remember two fingers below the breast bone... 15 compressions per 2 breaths. Jobs include: EMT/Paramedic/Lifeguards/New parents.

Answer 6

save lives