Maine Adult Education

The American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED r.21 program is designed to help participants recognize and respond appropriately to cardiac, breathing and first aid emergencies. The courses in this program teach participants the knowledge and skills needed to give immediate care to an injured or ill person when minutes matter, and to decide whether advanced medical care is needed. This is a blended learning program with an instructor-led skill session (in person). The online portion must be completed prior to the in person skill session. A link will be sent to participants upon registration to complete the online portion.There are no prerequisites for the core courses within the First Aid/CPR/AED r.21 program.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how to recognize an emergency and gain confidence to act.
• Explain how to lower the risk for infection when giving care. Understand legal concepts as they apply to lay responders, such as consent.
• Describe the emergency action steps: CHECK—CALL—CARE.Identify when it is necessary to call 9-1-1 or the designated emergency number.
• Explain how to check an injured or ill person who appears to be unresponsive.
• Explain how to check a responsive injured or ill person.
• Demonstrate high-quality CPR and use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) for a person who is in cardiac arrest.
• Demonstrate first aid care for a person who is choking.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of, and describe appropriate first aid care for, the following sudden illnesses: shock, asthma attack, anaphylaxis, heart attack, opioid overdose, diabetic emergencies, high fever, vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.
• Describe methods used to control life-threatening bleeding, including the application of direct pressure and the application of a commercial tourniquet.
• Demonstrate the application of direct pressure to control life-threatening bleeding.Explain when a commercial tourniquet should be used, and describe the basic principles of using a tourniquet.
• Recognize the signs and symptoms of, and describe appropriate first aid care for, the following injuries and environmental illnesses: burns; head, neck and spinal injuries (including concussion); heat stroke; hypothermia; poison exposure.

Certification Requirements:

• Attend and participate in all class sessions and successfully complete the online session (blended learning courses only).
• Actively participate in all course activities, including assuming various roles during skill practices and assessment.
• Demonstrate competency in all required skills.Successfully complete all assessment scenarios.

Certificate Issued and Validity Period:

All First Aid/CPR/AED certifications, except for Bloodborne Pathogens Training, are valid for 2 years from the date of course completion. Bloodborne Pathogens Training certification is valid for 1 year from the date of course completion. Upon successful completion of a course in the First Aid/CPR/AED program, participants receive American Red Cross certification specific to the course they completed.