So I was wondering, how many of you have taken red cross classes, and if so what ones, what were your expiriences and such, and if not, why? I have taken many red cross classes(read: 4) and am about to take CPR/AED for the professional rescuer. I have taken CPR 3 times and First Aid 2 times.

I've taken Firts Aid/AED a couple of times, and it's time to re-cert when I get the time.

I took First Aid and it was a horrible experience...instructor started out by saying, "I know you guys don't want to be here so I'll try to get this over with as quickly as possible"...I WANTED to be there. I think everyone else in the room was there for recert...I had never taken the class and wanted to learn something...not just get a card with my name on it...

Basic & standard first aid, CPR/AED, and WFASRM (wilderness first aid). I'm planning to take Pet First Aid next month, and if time allows, I would like to begin instructor training.

Jim

Hi All, being a R/C instructor I apologize for the bad experience Ors. Sometimes Instructors get burned out or have bad days. FYI there is supposedly in development a new 1st aid course 'When Care is Delayed', that will focus more on 1st Aid after a Disaster.

"...Instructors get burned out..."

Indeed they do! I was a departmental CPR instructor for a long time, it is hard to keep motivated when all you do is re-cert people who don't want to be there (as many are in re-certs, specially if they have never had to do CPR for real).

I have had many Red Cross certified classes, most were pretty good...

my last class, was all re-certs, and we were all having a good time, it seemed that everyone wanted to be there, even the guy who had to do it for his job! We were all laughing a lot, especially at the videos which are hilarious!!!

that would be...scary

"...The teacher kept having to look back into a book for how to do things..."

Sometimes the old saying, "Those who can, do. Those who can't, teach" is sadly true...

Has anyone taken CPR/AED for the pro rescuer?

Yes. Many times. Why?

cause I'm taking it tomorrow and was just wondering what kind of things you learn.

Well, pay attention, and ask lots of questions...

I love asking questions! I just hope my instructor is capable of answering most of them, and if not then able to find out or be humble enough to admit that he/she doesn't know.

Just took it! A truly great class that was really fun! I really feel bad for anyone who ever has to bag a baby or do CPR on a baby! It seems like so sad, even when its on a manikin! ): The videos seem much better then the CPR/AED class. I played with the BVM for a while and it was a lot of fun(easily entertained, I know!). But for 10 dollars more I highly recommend that you take this class instead of normal CPR. Plus, you get a Res-Cue mask, as part if the class, which made me really happy! Really a fun class!

Around here even the basic class costs $45, with CPR or other modules the price goes up. . We are finding it hard to sell to our group because of the price.

I took something called "Save A Life Day." Basic first aid, CPR and AED in one class.

Mine was free, paid for by the hospital I work at. The trainer does CPR recert once a month for the hospital employees, and in return they let her use one of our conference rooms to bring outside groups in for different types of more advanced training.

We had a good time, and it was comfortable, since I already knew the trainers, but there was so much info, that by the AED portion at the end, I felt we were rushed, and I would really like to repeat that, even though the devices are very user-friendly.

I would be interested in that "When Care is Delayed" course, and will ask if they are going to offer it here.

I think someone mentioned DVDs...I just ordered some SAM splints and an instructional DVD. I know it's not as good as hands-on practice and instruction, but it's better than nothing, esp if the price for classes gets prohibitive. I wonder if the Red Cross does DVDs? It would be good to have one to watch occasionally to keep skills sharp.

I'm going to volunteer at my local Red Cross. I need to feel I am contributing, and maybe I can get a discount or free class or two.

Good for you! Please keep us updated on the process and how it goes!