New Red Cross Online Training Lets Students Learn Lifesaving Skills
PITTSFIELD – Now Berkshire County community members have a new, convenient way to get trained in lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid – Online. The Berkshire County chapter of the American Red Cross has partnered with the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis to offer Red Cross online training.“We know that people are busy and it’s hard to find time to sit in a class and learn first aid, CPR and/or AED. However, we believe that these skills are extremely valuable because they make our homes, schools, workplaces and communities safer. That’s why we decided to offer online training,” said Michael P. Murphy, Coordinator of Health and Safety Services for the local Red Cross chapter.
Online training is extremely beneficial because it allows individuals to learn on their own time and at their own pace. Classes can be accessed any time of day from a computer with an Internet connection. Students may advance at their own speed, which allows individuals to absorb the information in a way that works best for them. Attending one in-person skills session vs. attending multiple evenings for a normal course is another selling point especially for the repeat-course participant although this option is available to the first-time course participant, also.
Red Cross online training was designed to meet a variety of learning styles. The courses offer a combination of written material, photos and videos. Red Cross online training was built with accessibility requirements in mind and can be used with screen readers or other tools. In addition, all user support technicians are Red Cross certified instructors who can help clarify course information and answer technology questions.
Some online training courses, including CPR and AED programs, require students to attend an in-person skill session before a certificate can be issued. Skill sessions are regularly scheduled at various times to accommodate most schedules. Students can expect to spend approximately two to four hours at a skills session depending on the course certification. Most skill sessions average 2.5 hours. Currently, all skills sessions will be held at the Red Cross chapter house located at 480 West Street in Pittsfield. Contact the chapter if you want to host a skills session at your location.
Some programs do not include an in-person skills session. The online basic first aid course for example. If you’re required to have current certification in any program please confirm with those requiring certification if you’re also required to have hands-on skills training as a part of your required certification.
It’s easy to sign up. Simply visit www.redcrossberkshirecounty.org and click on the Red Cross online training button. From there students can select, register for and begin a course in less than five minutes. Or, call the Berkshire Red Cross health and safety department at 413-442-1506 and they can assist with or take your registration over the phone. “Full service group trainings are also available but must be coordinated directly through the chapter,” Murphy said.
