The American Red Cross has rolled out the next generation of its CPR and AED training for professional rescuers and health care providers -- those with a duty to act. They include EMS personnel, firefighters, athletic trainers, and lifeguards. The CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers program is a 5.5-hour course updated to match the 2010 AHA guidelines for CPR and using an automated external defibrillator.
It includes:
- Skills based on the latest science
- Two-year certification with free quarterly digital course refreshers
- Choice of free digital or affordable print course materials
- More hands-on practice time
"Your professional rescuer team is often first on the scene of an emergency," said Dr. Richard N. Bradley, a member of the ARC Scientific Advisory Council and chair of its CPR subcommittee. "They need the knowledge and skills to respond appropriately and help save lives."
Training is available in several ways, such as classroom or blended learning programs. Organizations can have a Red Cross instructor come to their workplace, send employees to a Red Cross chapter, or have staffers trained as instructors to teach their colleagues. The training offers continuing education credits.
"The next generation of Red Cross training offers more flexibility than ever," Bradley said. "Optional training covering the use of emergency oxygen, asthma inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors, and bloodborne pathogens training is also available."
To schedule group training, visit http://redcross.org or contact your local Red Cross chapter. Individuals who need training can visit http://redcross.org/training and register online.