General Info

Background
For nearly a century, the American Red Cross has prepared people to save lives through health and safety education and training. From first aid, CPR and bloodborne pathogens training to swimming and lifeguarding, HIV/AIDS education and Babysitter's Training, American Red Cross Preparedness programs help people lead safer and healthier lives. The Red Cross constantly strives to respond to the preparedness concerns of Americans at home, in school and in the workplace. Today's innovative programs also include teaching lay persons and professionals how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to save victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Last year, nearly 12 million people enrolled in American Red Cross health and safety courses.

First Aid, CPR and AED Programs
American Red Cross First Aid, CPR and AED programs are designed to give you the confidence to respond in an emergency situation with skills that can save a life.

Additional training in bloodborne pathogens, oxygen administration and injury prevention can be added to CPR and first aid training to prepare you to prevent and respond to life-threatening emergencies.

Red Cross Preparedness programs in first aid, CPR and AED are available for any age and can be tailored to the needs of specific groups and individuals. Whether you work with children, want training for employees, are a professional rescuer, or simply want to know how to help someone in an emergency, the American Red Cross has a program for you.

Swimming and Water Safety Programs
The American Red Cross has been the leader in swimming and lifeguarding training since 1914. Now the winning tradition continues with an exciting new collection of courses designed to make learning easier and to help you benefit from the latest research on instructional techniques.

Swimming
Nearly 2 million people learn to swim each year with American Red Cross programs.

Lifeguarding
The American Red Cross trains more than 170,000 lifeguards each year. Lifeguard training and first aid certificates are valid for three years (CPR certificates for one year) from completion date.  If more time has passed or you cannot obtain your training records from the local chapter, it is best to take another class to get recertified.

Other Health and Safety Programs
In keeping with current national health care needs, the American Red Cross also offers health promotion and injury prevention courses such as Babysitter's Training, Sports Safety Training and Pet First Aid.