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Red Cross First Aid Topics

Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross in 1881. Before World War I, the Red Cross taught the fundamentals of first aid, water safety and nursing programs. When war broke out, the Red Cross grew tremendously with local chapters going from 107 to 3,864 over the next four years. Today, in addition to numerous public services including providing shelter and relief for national and international disasters; the American Red Cross offers a variety of first aid courses.

  1. Basic First Aid

    • Participants learn how to treat injuries such as cuts, burns and wounds. They also learn what to do in an emergency situation when someone sustains a spine or bone trauma, heat or cold-related injury, bite or poisoning. Other skills include managing the onset of sudden illness, stroke or seizures. What to do when someone is choking may also be included. Classes vary from location to location.

    CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Course

    • This class teaches participants how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in an emergency situation until medical personnel arrive on the scene. Also included is training on how to use an automated external defibrillator for a cardiac arrest. The Red Cross provides take-home material for students to keep.

    Wilderness First Aid

    • The Red Cross has designed a first aid class for organizations and employees that work in remote and wilderness locations in which emergency response could take longer than one hour. It meets federal OSHA regulations as well as requirements for organizations such as Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. Topics covered include bone and joint injuries, burns, allergies, altitude sickness, hypothermia, heat stroke, wounds, spine and head injuries. Participants must have prior Red Cross first aid qualifications.

    Pet First Aid

    • Generally this course is available when a local organization such as an animal shelter teams up with the Red Cross. Pet owners learn skills needed to care for their pet in an emergency situation such as choking or other pet-related injuries. They also learn how to determine if their pet requires additional emergency help and if so, where to call.

    Babysitter's Training

    • The Red Cross babysitting course prepares young babysitters to deal with unexpected emergencies such as household accidents, illnesses and injuries. It also teaches them how to be good role models, make sensible decisions and how to stay safe. Participants learn how to interview for babysitting jobs and how to write resumes. Upon completion, participants receive a Babysitter's Training Certificate.

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