What are these programs?
The Aurora Medical Team sponsors a regular series of first aid classes to the community, public, business, and youth groups. We have a 2 1/2 hour class for adult and child CPR/AED, a one day program for standard first aid + adult/child CPR, a two day program of advanced/wilderness first aid + CPR/AED (can be used to fulfill the BSA requirement for Wilderness First Aid). Each March we teach our annual First Responder course on weekends.
Note for Scouters: Some scouting activities require that leaders and/or participants have formal first aid training. There are many groups that participate in high adventure activities that want a percentage of their staff and participants to be first aid certified. Some BSA high adventure programs and Philmont scout ranch require at least the advanced/wilderness level of certification.
Are these “certified” classes?
Absolutely. The certification agency is National Safety Council. We use NSC because costs are low, materials are excellent, there is a lot of hand-on time and practice, and this is OSHA and Mine Safety Association compliant. The CPR program is also compliant with American Heart Association standards. These certifications are accepted by employers and the medical community. In most classes the certification cards are handed out at the end of the day…no waiting.
Who is the training for? Is this just for kids?
This training is for anyone — public, employees, volunteers, family. There are minimum age requirements because these are not “kiddie” classes. These are adult and teen level presentations
How do I register?
Participants use the web to register online for classes . Participants receive certification cards for standard, advanced, or first responder level first aid. The class dates are found on the web, with training usually on weekends. We do some classes in the workplace during the workweek for employers.
What kind of CPR card will I get?
There are two basic types of CPR certification: “layperson” and “Professional Rescuer/Healthcare Provider”. CPR with the standard level class is for volunteers, or “layperson” CPR. CPR with the advanced and first responder classes is professional level.
What is this “AED” thingy?
The Automated External Defibrillator is an important part of CPR. They are found in many public areas, restaurants, airplanes, workplaces, and stadiums. Training on how to use an AED is part of your CPR certification.
How long are the certifications good for?
AMT will issue first aid cards with three year expiration and CPR with two year expiration dates. Remember that the agency, employer, or group that required first aid training can specify that training be accomplished before the cards expire.
What are the age recommendations?
For Standard/CPR training we recommend 12 as the minimum age. For Advanced/Wilderness and First Responder we recommend 14 as the minimum age. We have had occasional younger participants with parental approval if the maturity and reading levels are sufficient. All classes are taught at the adult/teen level.
How are these classes priced?
One mission of AMT is to provide affordable first aid to the community, businesses, and groups. This is not a fund raising activity or profit center. The fees we charge cover the books and materials for the student with the national registration fee. Our costs include expendable supplies, training aids, and maintenance of our equipment. It takes a trailer to bring all the training aids and materials for an AMT first aid class. This is not a “lite” class! Each student works on their own CPR dummy and we can handle classes up to 50 folks!
Why do I pay in advance?
Materials are purchased for you in advance so it is important that we know how many are attending. It is important to have as many as possible register online to minimize the number of walk in participants, although we can usually accommodate a limited number of walk ins.
Can I get a discount for groups?
Sorry, but our pricing is already a “discount” compared to what is generally available on the market. We are a non-profit group.
Does this training qualify for concussion awareness per Colorado SB11-40?
Yes. The standard, advanced, and first responder classes contain information that will provide an official of organized youth sports with concussion awareness and first aid to fulfill the requirements of Colorado Bill SB11-40. This bill becomes effective January 2012. Requirements:
(i) information on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a concussion;
(ii) the necessity of obtaining proper medical attention for a person suspected of having a concussion; and
(iii) information on the nature and risk of concussions, including the danger of continuing to play after sustaining a concussion and the proper method of allowing a youth athlete who has sustained a concussion to return to athletic activity.
Are there first aid and CPR providers that are not universally accepted? Are all national providers accepted in the workplace or medical field?
There are first aid agencies, including a few national providers, that are not acceptable to some employers, government agencies, and medical providers. Beware of companies that offer CPR and first aid cards with brief online courses, mail in courses, or classes that only require very short training. When in doubt, check with the employer for required CPR standards and first aid card requirements. The most universally accepted certifications are in alignment with American Heart Association’s ECC guidelines and are OSHA compliant. Not all of the national providers are compliant with these standards.