American Red Cross Announces the Next Generation of CPR and First Aid Courses

American Red Cross Announces the Next Generation of CPR and First Aid Courses

News Release: May 2, 2011
Contact: Janice Osborne, Director-Communications and Marketing
American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley
(610) 865-4400, ext. 262; pager (610) 830-9771

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley today announced the launch of the next generation of Red Cross health and safety training, featuring a two-year certification for first aid and CPR training, and other cost and timesaving benefits for course takers and instructors.

The first program in the series is the First Aid/CPR/AED program which was released in March 31, 2011. This program trains individuals in workplaces and communities to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies, injuries and sudden illness until advanced medical personnel arrives. The program incorporates the latest science, meets OSHA guidelines and now offers:

2-year certification with free digital refreshers
Choice of free digital or affordable print course materials
Concise, learner-centered course offering more hands-on skill practice
An online learning center that allows individuals to register for courses and instructors to manage course records and print certificates.

Training is available through a variety of flexible delivery options, including classroom, online and blended learning options. The Red Cross offers organizations the choice to train their employees onsite, at a Red Cross chapter, or through a train-the-trainer model, and can provide large organizations with multiple locations a standardized nationwide training option. As always, the training offers continuing education credits.

"We believe that the new First Aid/CPR/AED program provides our customers with a better, more interactive training experience, along with greater value and convenience," said Jen Castellano, director of sales at the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley. "In addition, we think participants will enjoy the new courses because they emphasize hands-on skills practice," said Castellano. "So when people complete their training, they truly feel confident in their skills to save a life."

A recent Red Cross survey shows that one in every four people say they have been in a situation where someone needed CPR. "Getting trained in CPR and first aid skills is important for everybody," said Castellano. "You never know when you might need to respond to an emergency, so being prepared is key. Nobody can help you do that better than the Red Cross."

Optional training covering the use of asthma inhalers, epinephrine auto-injectors and manufactured tourniquets as well as Bloodborne Pathogens Training is also available.

The next generation of Red Cross training will expand throughout 2011 with the release of additional training programs including CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers, Emergency Medical Response and Lifeguarding.

To schedule individual or group training, contact the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley at 610-865-4400, ext. 247 or visit www.redcrosslv.org for more information and to register online.

The American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley serves residents of Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties. Last year the Red Cross helped more than 76,500 people through preparedness and training, military personnel support, senior lifesaving programs and services, emergency relief and information and referral. The Red Cross is a charitable organization - not a government agency - and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information about the American Red Cross of the Greater Lehigh Valley or volunteer opportunities, call (610) 865-4400 or visit www.redcrosslv.org.