I just had to re-do my Red Cross First Aid, CPR, AED. It was about $75, took most of a Saturday. The First Aid is good for 3 years, and the CPR/AED for 1 year. I couldn't find anyone local doing the American Heart Assoc. CPR course, which gives you 2 years. I happen to need it for some of the trips we take with the Scouts. I would have rather renewed my SOLO WFA cert, but, the course being held locally is on a weekend I can't attend.

I think you'll find that Red Cross and American Heart Association are recognized certifications anywhere in the US. Most places also will recognize organizations like SOLO and the NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute courses in WFA, WFR, and WEMT.

I'm not sure what your instructor means by Emergency First Response either. There are First Responder certifications, and Wilderness First Responder certifications provided by several agencies.