How to Start a Business Teaching CPR First Aid Safety

These mannequins are often used in CPR training courses.

Cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses provide hands-on instruction to help rescuers keep a cardiac victim's heart pumping until professional assistance arrives. This training also addresses breathing and choking problems. First aid courses train participants to respond to medical issues ranging from cuts and bruises to poisonings and bone and joint injuries. Finally, safety instruction can be audience specific. Topics can include fall prevention, small child safety and disaster preparedness.

Things You'll Need

• CPR and instructor certifications for business owner
• First aid and instructor certifications for business owner
• Safety instructor certification for business owner
• Business license
• List of competitors
• List of competitors' courses
• CPR and instructor certifications for instructors
• First aid and instructor certifications for instructors
• Safety instructor certification for instructors
• List of group prospects
• Tee shirts
• Lists of upcoming courses
• List of local Chamber of Commerce members

Instructions

1. Update your CPR and First Aid certifications. Ensure that you have current CPR and first aid practitioner certifications. Next, acquire your instructor credentials in both disciplines. These certifications will add to your credibility, and ensure that you're eligible to teach both courses for clients.

   Contact the American Red Cross (ARC) for CPR and First Aid training courses (See Resources).

   The American Red Cross also certifies instructors who can teach CPR and First Aid courses to others (See Resources).

2. Obtain safety instructor certification. The American Red Cross certifies instructors to teach several safety courses: home fire safety, workplace safety (including updated Occupational Safety and Health Administration information on good safety practices), and summer safety, among others (See Resources).

3. Handle your business logistics. Contact a Certified Public Accountant experienced with service industry clients. Meet with a commercial insurance agent with similar background, plus exposure to general and medical liability issues. Finally, visit your city or county clerk's office for a business license.

4. Select a classroom and office location. Choose a location that's accessible via major highways and main roads. An office park or office/retail environment are acceptable, provided the location has easy access and plenty of parking. Ensure that your facility has sufficient classroom space to hold a 10-student CPR class, including room for mannequins spread out on the floor.

5. Identify your competition. You will have two types of competitors: instructors from the American Red Cross or American Heart Association (AHA); and instructors from other for-profit businesses. Regardless of the instructor's origin, the courses will likely be held at churches, civic centers, fitness centers, and other community venues. Courses scheduled by for-profit businesses will generally have the company's name associated with the course.

6. Recruit instructors to teach classes. Find American Red Cross instructors with current certifications. Instructors with expired certifications can easily renew their credentials through their local chapter:
   http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.d8aaecf214c576bf971e4cfe43181aa0/?vgnextoid=6139cf2d369af110VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD&vgnextfmt=default.

   American Heart Association instructors can also renew their expired credentials:
   http://myportal.americanheart.org/eccportal/ecc/ecc.

7. Market your services to clients. Meet with your instructors, and target several potential client groups. Prospects include medium- and large-sized businesses, local sports teams, and church or civic groups. Offer package pricing for a minimum number of students. With each registration, include a tee shirt and information on upcoming courses.

8. Join your Chamber of Commerce. Purchase a chamber membership, and gain access to many networking opportunities. Visit member businesses in person, and offer on-site courses with chamber member discounts. Finally, staff a table at Chamber Expos and other promotional events. Find your local chamber through the United States Chamber of Commerce website:
   http://uschamber.com/chambers/directory/default.

References

• American Red Cross: CPR, First Aid and Safety course overview

Resources

• American Red Cross: CPR & First Aid programs
• American Red Cross: Red Cross instructors
• American Red Cross: Safety Courses
• American Heart Association: Class connector
• American Heart Association: Becoming an instructor