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Berkshire Red Cross Schedules Instructor Course
The Berkshire County Chapter of the American Red Cross is continuing their campaign to recruit individuals interested in becoming volunteer instructors in adult/infant/child CPR, Basic First Aid, Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and other safety programs for the lay person.
The next First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Course will be held at Red Cross chapter house, 480 West Street, in Pittsfield. It will be held from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on September 24, 29, and October 1, 13, 20, 27, 29, and November 3, 2003. The course is open to anyone living or working in Berkshire County who is interested in teaching basic level CPR, First Aid, and AED for the Red Cross; for their place of work; or for another community organization.
The course is divided into four segments:
| Segment I | September 24, 29, 2003 | 6:00 p.m.--10:00 p.m. |
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Fundamentals of Instructor Training (FIT)
The purpose of this segment is to introduce instructor candidates to the history, structure and activities of the American Red Cross. To prepare instructor candidates to teach American Red Cross specialty courses to diverse populations. To introduce instructor candidates to the policies and procedures of the American Red Cross to ensure course consistency, quality and appropriate training.
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| Segment II | October 1, 2003 | 6:00 p.m.--10:00 p.m. |
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First Aid/CPR/AED Skills Practice
The purpose of this segment is to give you an opportunity to practice your skills in first aid and CPR and to learn how to use an AED machine. This is in preparation for Segment III.
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| Segment III | October 13, 2003 | 6:00 p.m.--10:00 p.m. |
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Precourse Session
First Aid/CPR/AED Program instructor candidates must take the written exams and be evaluated in areas of adult, child, and infant cardiac and breathing emergency skills, AED skills, and first aid skills. The segment is run exactly like a challenge course. |
| Segment IV | October 20, 27, 29, & November 30, 2003 | 6:00 p.m.--10:00 p.m. |
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Instructor Course
The purpose of the First Aid/CPR/AED Program Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED Program courses and modules. You will be participating in potentially strenuous activities, such as performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automated external defibrillation (AED) skills on the floor. Wear comfortable clothing. If you have a medical condition or disability that may prevent you from taking part in the skill sessions, or if you have any questions regarding your ability to participate fully in the instructor course, you should discuss this with your health-care provider or the appropriate person at the local Red Cross chapter before you start.
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The instructor trainers will be Gary Martin and Michael Lamoureaux.
The cost of the training is $125.00 and includes all instructor materials. As a part of the recruitment campaign the chapter will refund the full cost of the instructor training to anyone who volunteers to teach four community courses for the chapter within a year of completing the instructor course.
While the local chapter has a core group of key volunteers, they are making an effort to reach more people throughout the county. According to Michael P. Murphy, Coordinator of Health & Safety Services for the local chapter, "Reaching people throughout Berkshire County with this kind of safety training can only be accomplished with the help of volunteers. In addition to providing valuable training volunteers also help to keep the cost of a course as low as possible."
As a part of the campaign the chapter also targets current Red Cross instructors who teach for their place of employment but not as volunteers. "Getting experienced instructors to join our volunteer pool only enhances the quality of the programs." Murphy stated.
"Our goal is for one person in every household to be trained in how to save a life. This cannot be accomplished without an adequate supply of well-trained volunteer instructors teaching at locations throughout the county," he added.
Pre-registration, including the completion of the Application to Teach Health & Safety Courses, is required and must be completed by September 20, 2003 as enrollment is limited. Registration can be done at the chapter house which is located at 480 West Street in Pittsfield or by calling (413) 442-1506 or 1-800-332-2030. Regular business hours are 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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