CPR & First Aid Providers

What Kind of Class/Certification do I need? 

The terminology that different providers use is very confusing! Plus, ICO has some specific requirements. 

1. For both First Aid and CPR you need Adult certification. You do not need pediatric or infant training. 

2. For both First Aid and CPR you do not need a professional certification. Professional courses are acceptable, but layperson courses are sufficient. The American Heart Association (AHA) calls their layperson courses "HeartSaver." The American Red Cross (ARC) and the Health & Safety Institute (HSI) do not have specific names for their layperson courses. Courses that are named BLS, ACLS, and PALS are professional level. 

3. For CPR (only), we do not accept fully online courses. Some portion of the course must be in person. Hybrid courses or courses with a skills challenge are acceptable. This requirement does not apply to first aid. 

4. In recent years the scope of basic first aid has become more narrow. Consequently, first aid gets little attention in course names and descriptions. First Aid is often offered as a side-dish to a main entrée of CPR. If the course title says First Aid, it includes First Aid. Otherwise, it's likely a CPR-only course. 

5. More advanced certifications are always welcome! 

   1. Basic Life Support (BLS) is professional level CPR.

   2. Wilderness First Aid (WFA) is a 16-hour first aid course emphasizing first aid in a wilderness context. 

   3. Wilderness First Responder (WFR) is an 80-hour first aid course emphasizing first aid in a wilderness context. 

This list of providers is not exhaustive! You are welcome and encouraged to find other providers.