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Where do I go to get first-aid ceirtified, how much is the cost, and what are some things I would be doing?

I am looking (along with a few friends) to become first-aid certified.

We have no idea where to start.
We have no idea the cost.
And, we have no idea what we would be doing during the certification.

If someone could help us out it would be nice.

Thank you. Joe

Public Comments

1. call your local red cross chapter. they have classes periodically and will be able to tell you when and the cost. you will take an 6-8 hr class and then a written and skills test. then u are certified :)

2. Contact the Red Cross--they are the ones who certify the programs. The cost is low or nothing. You should probably get a class with CPR if it is available. A lot of it is bookwork--they give you books, filled mostly with common sense, so that you'll know what wisdom you already have that is good, what you've heard of that is a bad idea (like sucking snake venom out of a bite), and you'll get a systematic way to look at a bad situation (this guy's all messed up--what should I do first?). The practical hands-on part is mostly on CPR and breathing, and there is usually class discussions on scenarios that could come up.

Mostly your job in first aid is to keep someone alive until you can get a doctor or ambulance there. More than anything, the training gives you the confidence in what you are doing that you would be less likely to panic into inaction or into doing the wrong thing first, like taking care of blood on someone not breathing.

3. like everyone else said, red cross. they also offer instuctor courses if that interests you. 3 days and the cost is on $100 or so. as an instuctor you will co teach a few classes till you know what you are doing but its rewarding, as a volunteer.