First Aid Instructor Certification

First aid instuctors teach emergency response.

In the event of an emergency, the knowledge of CPR and basic first aid may save a life. Many individuals with basic first-aid and CPR knowledge and experience wish to share that knowledge with others. To teach other lay personnel and prepare them for the certification exam, a First-Aid Instructor's certification is required.

Choose An Affiliation For Certiication

Prior to attaining certification as a First-Aid Instructor, candidates must decide which organization they wish to represent and be affiliated with. The American Red Cross (ARC), the National Safety Council (NSC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) are the three major national organizations that offer training and instructor certification. Each organization requires prior CPR and first-aid certification. To qualify to work as a First-Aid Instructor, candidates must take the required classroom instruction, work with mannequins and simulators and be able to teach the basic principles of classroom instruction, first-aid procedures for adults and children, cardiopulmonary resuscitation for infants, emergency response methods, automated external defibrillator operation and safety procedures in emergency care.

American Heart Association

The American Heart Association (AHA) offers training courses as a First-Aid Instructor. Contact your local AHA office for training locations and class availability.

American Heart Association
National Center
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
[phone]

Candidates can also earn specific designations, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support Instructor, Heart saver Instructor, Basic Life Systems Instructor or Pediatric Advanced Life Support Instructor.

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross delivers disaster relief supplies.

The American Red Cross, a humanitarian relief organization composed of thousands of volunteers, provides disaster relief and medical support in the event of catastrophic emergencies. They provide hands on training and education to medical personnel, law enforcement and volunteers. The ARC offers first-aid instructor training at its many offices across the country. Prior to taking the ARC Emergency Instructor classes, students are required to complete a written test and successfully pass pre-testing in basic first aid, adult and child CPR/AED as well as infant CPR. Contact your local office for class availability and scheduling. (Prior to acceptance in the ARC Emergency Instructor program, candidates participate in an in-depth interview and review of their resume and background.)

American Red Cross National Headquarters
2025 E Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20006
redcross.org

First responders, ambulance workers and search and rescue volunteers need emotional support. The devastation of a natural disaster may seem over-whelming, the workers feel they haven't done enough and they are exhausted. ARC first-aid instructor training also includes classes on how to teach laypersons to provide comfort and emotional aid to care givers as well as victims of a disaster.

National Safety Council

The National Safety Council offers classes and certification as an Emergency Care Instructor Trainer. The NSC suggests that instructors are also certified to teach information about blood pathogens, blood-borne and airborne diseases. (Anyone that may encounter infectious materials as part of their job duties should be trained in disease control and prevention. This includes first responders, lab technicians, dentists, dental hygienists, healthcare professionals as well as fire, police, ambulance and EMS personnel.)

1121 Spring Lake Drive
Itasca, IL 60143-3201
[e-mail]
[phone]

Certification

Certification is valid for two years.

References

• American Red Cross: Prepare for Emergencies with American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Courses
• University of Nebraska: Nebraska Psychological First Aid Curriculum
• National Safety Council: Emergency Care Training
• American Heart Association: CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care