Intended Audience
Designed for individuals, workplaces, schools, childcare programs, and community groups who need practical emergency response training.
American Red Cross Community Safety Program
First Aid /
CPR / AED
American Red Cross First Aid / CPR / AED equips students with the knowledge and skills to recognize and respond effectively to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies when minutes matter.
No Prerequisites
Instructor-Led + Blended + Online
Skill Boost Options
Quick Course Facts
What to know before registering for American Red Cross First Aid / CPR / AED.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required for the core course. Skill Boosts require valid first aid and/or CPR certification or enrollment in an equivalent Red Cross course.
Course Length
Varies by selected course combination and format. Total duration can range from under 1 hour to just over 5 hours.
Customization
Optional Skill Boosts can be added for bleeding control, naloxone, asthma, epinephrine, and injuries/splinting.
Choose Your Training Format
Select the course format that best fits your schedule and training needs.
Most Common
Instructor-Led
Traditional classroom training with instructor guidance, hands-on skill practice, and in-person learning from start to finish.
- Strong fit for workplaces, schools, and churches
- Best for guided practice and in-person coaching
- Good option for private group training
Flexible Option
Blended Learning
Complete the online learning first, then attend the instructor-led skills session for hands-on practice and verification.
- Helpful for busy schedules
- Still includes hands-on skills practice
- Good for employers coordinating multiple staff members
Self-Paced
Online Only
For eligible Red Cross online-only course pathways when no in-person skills session is required by the selected program option.
- Best for select learners and compliance needs
- No classroom attendance for eligible versions
- Availability depends on the exact Red Cross offering
Upcoming Red Cross First Aid / CPR / AED Classes
Register for an upcoming American Red Cross First Aid / CPR / AED course.
Course Schedule
No upcoming classes are posted yet.
Check back soon or contact us about private training.
Course Details
What This Course Covers
The American Red Cross First Aid / CPR / AED program equips participants to recognize and respond to cardiac, breathing, and first aid emergencies. It is designed for situations where immediate care matters and helps students make informed decisions about when advanced medical assistance is needed.
Formats
Instructor-Led, Blended Learning, and Online Only options are available depending on the course pathway selected.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites are required for core courses. Skill Boosts require valid first aid and/or CPR certification or current enrollment in an equivalent course.
Customization
Optional Skill Boosts can be added for injuries and splinting, life-threatening bleeding, naloxone, asthma, and epinephrine.
Length
Course time varies based on the selected training path and can range from under 1 hour to just over 5 hours.
Why It Matters
Built for Real Emergencies When Minutes Matter
This course is designed to help individuals respond confidently in cardiac, breathing, choking, injury, and sudden illness emergencies. It provides practical emergency action steps and supports better decision-making until advanced medical help is available.
Emergency Steps
CHECK — CALL — CARE framework for lay responder action
Best For
Workplaces, childcare staff, schools, churches, community organizations, and general preparedness
Boost Options
Can be expanded with targeted modules for asthma, epinephrine, naloxone, tourniquet use, and splinting
What You’ll Learn
Major topics covered in American Red Cross First Aid / CPR / AED training.
Emergency Recognition
- Recognize emergencies and act with confidence
- Understand consent and legal concepts for lay responders
- Know when to call 9-1-1 or a designated emergency number
- Reduce infection risk while giving care
Assessment & Care
- Check responsive and unresponsive individuals
- Provide CPR
- Use an AED for cardiac arrest
- Give first aid for choking
Sudden Illnesses
- Shock
- Asthma attacks
- Anaphylaxis
- Heart attacks
- Opioid overdose
- Diabetic emergencies
Bleeding, Injury & Environment
- Direct pressure for life-threatening bleeding
- Commercial tourniquet awareness and use
- Burns and injuries
- Heat stroke and hypothermia
- Poison exposure
Common Questions
Quick answers for students and organizations considering American Red Cross First Aid / CPR / AED training.
Do I need anything before taking this course?
No. Core First Aid / CPR / AED courses do not require prerequisites.
Are Skill Boosts included automatically?
Not always. Skill Boosts are optional add-ons that can be included to meet
specific training needs like naloxone, asthma, epinephrine, tourniquet use, or splinting.
Is this course available online?
Yes. Depending on the pathway, Red Cross offers instructor-led, blended learning,
and online-only options for the First Aid / CPR / AED program.
How long does the course take?
It depends on the selected course version. Total course time can range from under 1 hour to just over 5 hours.