ARC BLS CPR/AED Instructor

The primary purpose of the American Red Cross Basic Life Support Instructor course is to train instructor candidates to teach the basic-level American Red Cross Basic Life Support course.

Prerequisites: Instructor candidates in the American Red Cross Basic Life Support Instructor course must possess a current basic-level certification in Basic Life Support or equivalent.

During the in-person session, instructor candidates must actively participate in all lesson activities and demonstrate
competency in:
■ Performing BLS skills
■ Using course materials
■ Conducting skill practices and team response scenarios
■ Evaluating participants’ progress

The Basic Life Support Instructor course in-person session includes:
■ Lesson 1: Course Introduction
■ Lesson 2: Basic Life Support Skills Verification
■ Lesson 3: Basic Life Support Program Materials Review
■ Lesson 4: Conducting Effective Skill Practice and Team Response Scenarios
■ Lesson 5: Testing and Course Wrap-Up

Successful completion requirements:

1. 1. Successfully complete the American Red Cross Basic Life Support Instructor course online session.
   2. Successfully complete the BLS skills verification.
   3. Attend and actively participate in the in-person session.
   4. Successfully complete class activities, including the required practice teaching assignments.
   5. Demonstrate instructor-level skill competency in all skills and scenarios.
      • During the testing scenarios, instructor candidates will be evaluated as follows:
        ■ Team leader—Ability to complete all critical actions; act upon decisions in a timely, sequential, safe and effective
        manner; and demonstrate skill competency in assigned role(s).
        ■ Team member—Active participation in team response and ability to demonstrate skill competency in assigned
        role(s).
   6. Pass the final exam with a minimum grade of 80 percent.

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Course Objectives
• Deliver quality, consistent and standardized content by following the BLS CPR/AED instructor manual(s) and other program materials.
• Exhibit the characteristics required of an American Red Cross representative and role model.
• Follow the directives and procedures related to the conduct and administration of American Red Cross courses, including the Instructor Agreement and Instructor Code of Conduct.
• Conduct courses in a manner that helps participants to stay engaged in the learning process and meet course objectives.
• Perform applicable Basic Life Support CPR and AED skills at an appropriate skill level at instructor level skill proficiency.
• Plan for and ensure participants’ health and safety during training.
• Maintain complete and accurate records and reports.
• Plan, organize and conduct the first aid, CPR and AED courses in accordance with the requirements of the specific class they will be teaching.
• Monitor participants’ practice, evaluate performance and provide corrective feedback and encouragement that is consistent with the skill assessment tools.
• Recognize that the requirements in the skill assessment tools are criteria for ascertaining the proficiency of a participant’s performance.
• Effectively use program materials and training equipment.
• Explain procedures for acknowledging course completion and accessing American Red Cross digital certificates.