The First Aid/CPR/AED class combines three different methods of instruction: instructor lecture, video demonstration, and hands-on practice of the methods and techniques. Students learn the correct way to respond to a variety of First Aid situations such as burns, wounds, injuries, including those to the head, neck or back, and other medical emergencies. Students also learn how to perform CPR on both adults, children, and infants. Finally, the course teaches students how to use an AED when one is available, and the great advantage that this piece of medical equipment offers victims when used by capable first responders. The length of the class varies and depends on the instructor's selection of topics to cover.
The Red Cross offers a course providing the same information and training to Spanish speakers. This course is called "La Programa de Primeros Auxillous, RCP y DEA," as some of the acronyms for techniques are different in Spanish. It may be a good idea to take this class even if you speak English if you are gaining your training for a bilingual environment. Part of the course teaches responders what to say to calm victims, what to ask them to assess their condition, and how to direct the emergency responders. You may find it useful to learn these phrases in both Spanish and English.
This class is designed to supplement the First Aid/CPR/AED class in cases where more information is necessary. The information is relevant to people who work in an environment where they may become contaminated by blood-borne pathogens. In addition to other job duties, exposure could occur during the process of administering First Aid to a victim. This class teaches responders how to protect themselves from infection. The class is approximately two hours long and the certification only lasts for one year.
This class is designed for high-school students, whereas the regular First Aid/CPR/AED class is geared more to working professionals. This class covers much of the same information: CPR on adults, children, and infants, responding to injuries, and preventing disease transmission. The Responding to Emergencies class is 27 hours.