How to Get Certified for CPR and First Aid by the Red Cross

You don't have to be a doctor to save a life. When disaster strikes, you can provide critical and potentially life-saving support with Red Cross certification in CPR and first aid. According to the American Heart Association, 80 percent of all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests occur in private residential settings; performing CPR on someone doubles his chance of survival after cardiac arrest. Certification in CPR and first aid is an invaluable skill and is required in some careers, especially those involved in working with children and the elderly.

Instructions

• 1

  Visit RedCross.org to find your local Red Cross chapter.

• 2

  Click on the pink "Preparing and Getting Trained" tab on the left side of the page.

• 3

  Enter your zip code in the space provided under the "Preparing and Getting Trained" section.

• 4

  Click the link to your chapter's website under "Your Red Cross Chapter" or find your preferred chapter by clicking the "list of chapters" link located below.

• 5

  Find the "Get Trained," "Take a Class" or similarly titled tab on your local chapter's website.

• 6

  Browse the course schedule to find the CPR and first aid class you want to take: infant, child or adult.

• 7

  Sign up for the class and pay the class fee.

• 8

  Wear comfortable clothing and show up on time for your scheduled classes.

• 9

  Pass the test on the final day to receive your certification.