How to Become Certified to Teach CPR First Responder & First Aid
Becoming a certified instructor in CPR and first aid can be fulfilling and useful. Not only do you learn valuable skills yourself; you're also responsible for teaching others who may become potential lifesavers. However, to become a certified CPR and first-aid instructor, you need to possess the correct materials, teach from a lesson plan created by a reputable organization, and have confidence and patience as a public speaker.
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Instructions
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Complete a certified CPR and first-aid course to hone your skills. Courses vary in length but are usually 6 to 10 hours and can be taken at once or spread out over days, depending on the needs of the class.
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Participate in a class online. Some organizations, such as the American Heart Association (AHA), offer instructor courses via the Internet. For those who've already completed their instructor courses, the AHA also offers continuing-credit education online.
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Contact local community colleges, hospitals, police or fire departments if you would prefer hands-on experience. These organizations may offer on-site courses if you're not comfortable learning long distance.
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Collect your materials, such as a sample first-aid kit, CPR masks and alcohol wipes. The organization that provides the lesson plans usually can also supply the physical tools you need to teach a class, often at cost. The AHA, for example, provides a CD-ROM for its instructor training course.
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Tips & Warnings
CPR and first-aid instruction is a valuable addition to other classes, such as health or fitness courses.
Check with your employer. Some employers, such as local government offices, provide certification to their employees for free.
Keep your certification current. Remember that the only way your students will become certified in CPR and first aid is if you are a certified instructor. Check with such an organization as the American Heart Association (AHA) to find out how to keep your certification current.
Only take instruction from teachers who are certified with a reputable organization, such as the American Heart Association (AHA).
References
- Photo Credit old first-aid set image by Krasser from Fotolia.com
