Red Cross prescribes first aid course

    23

    By Chenoa McKnight

    In preparation for summer, the American Red Cross Mountain Valley Chapter will offer two courses: an emergency response course and an extensive First Aid course that is just shy of Emergency Medical Technician certification.

    The classes start April 5, and the 56-hour course is offered at the Mountain Valley Chapter located at 865 N Freedom Boulevard in Provo. The cost is $250 and is open to anyone.

    The course is offered annually right before summer and is targeted for river raft guides and other summer jobs that require certification, said Annya Becerra, the director of health and safety services for the American Red Cross Mountain Valley Chapter.

    The course is offered evenings on weekdays and Saturdays. The difference between the emergency response course and EMT certification is that the latter includes ambulance certification and authorization for the distribution of pharmaceutical medications. Also EMT certification requires more hours of training and in Provo an EMT must join the county fire department.

    Michael Bell, an instructor trainer for the course, said it is for anyone who wants to provide more than a minimum of First Aid care.

    The course goes into a little more detail about anatomy in how the systems of the body work and how to assess injuries, Bell said. He said the course would be valuable for those who plan to go hiking and camping this summer as well. The American Red Cross also offers a Wilderness Survival Course that is similar to the emergency response course but geared toward emergency situations in the out back, Bell said.

    Those who finish the emergency response course are referred to as first responders because they can be the first certified person to help at the scene of an accident or other emergency.

    According to a brochure from the American Red Cross, the key content areas of the Emergency Response Course are:

    ? First aid for injuries and sudden illnesses

    ? One- and two-rescuer CPR for adults, children and infants

    ? Automated external defibrillation (AED)

    ? Assessing vital signs, blood pressure measurement

    ? Recognizing and caring for breathing emergencies

    ? Using basic and supplemental oxygen breathing devices

    ? Preventing disease transmission?blood borne pathogens

    ? Spinal injury management

    ? Emergency childbirth

    ? Muscle, bone and joint injuries

    ? Critical incident stress debriefing

    ? EMS operations

    ? Special considerations for seniors and children

    Print Friendly, PDF & Email