Course Purpose:
The primary purpose of the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor course is to train instructors to teach the basic-level American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED courses. The care steps outlined within this program are consistent with the 2020 International Consensus on CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) Science with Treatment Recommendations and the 2020 American Heart Association (AHA) and American Red Cross Guidelines Update for First Aid.
Ideal Instructor Candidate Qualities:
- A strong desire to teach
- Excellent First Aid CPR/AED performance & problem-solving skills
- Ability to follow directions & follow through with tasks
- Ability to communicate effectively in front of a group
- Views student assessment as a way to improve individual knowledge and skills
- Ability to facilitate learning and ensure students acquire the skills necessary for successful course completion
Course Prerequisites:
Click here to review the First Aid CPR/AED instructions for new - first time - instructor candidates.
■ You must be at least 16 years of age on the last day of the instructor course.
■ Possesses current American Red Cross basic-level certification or equivalent certification (see Red Cross Learning Center for equivalency chart).
■ Has successfully completed the online Introduction to the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/ AED Instructor Course prior to the Precourse Skills Session (This will be emailed to you directly from the Red Cross 1-2 business days after your registration).
■ Has obtained all instructor and participant materials before attending the first session of the instructor course (all materials are provided in your training confirmation email).
Course Objectives:
After completing the course, instructor candidates will be able to:
■ Exhibit the characteristics required of an American Red Cross representative and role model.
■ Follow the directives and procedures related to the conduct and administration of American Red Cross courses, including the Instructor Agreement and Code of Conduct.
■ Conduct courses in a manner that helps participants to stay engaged in the learning process and meet course objectives.
■ Perform applicable first aid, CPR and AED skills to the standard, at instructor-level skill proficiency.
■ Plan for and ensure instructor candidates’ health and safety during training.
■ Maintain complete and accurate records and reports.
■ Plan, organize and conduct the First Aid, CPR and AED courses in accordance with Red Cross policies and procedures and the requirements of the specific class they will be teaching.
■ Monitor instructor candidates’ practice, evaluate performance and provide corrective feedback and encouragement that is consistent with the skill assessment tools.
■ Recognize that the requirements in the skill assessment tools are criteria for ascertaining the proficiency of an instructor candidate’s performance.
■ Choose the appropriate course and materials to meet the specific training needs of instructor candidates or groups.
■ Effectively use program materials and training equipment for both the online prerequisite and the in-person classroom components.
■ Explain procedures for issuing course completion acknowledgments and accessing American Red Cross digital certificates.
■ Deliver quality, consistent and standardized content by following the American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor’s Manual.
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