AED Certification - Portland, Maine

An automated external defibrillator (AED) is designed to deliver a "shock" to the heart of a person suffering from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) – and help return the heart to a normal rhythm. In order to deliver the shock, you'll need to place the AED's electrodes (or sensors) sticky-side down on the SCA victim's chest, ensure that the pads are connected to the AED's computer and allow the computer to evaluate the heart's rhythm. Once the rhythm has been evaluated, the computer will deliver a voice prompt that will instruct you to press a button and deliver the shock – which travels through the electrodes to the SCA victim's chest.

Because first responders typically arrive on scene 8 to 12 minutes after 911 is called, and for each minute that defibrillation is delayed, the victim's chance of survival is reduced by 10 percent, having the skills and confidence to use an AED can truly save a life. To sign up for AED training in Portland, check out our class schedule – and learn how you can help when it's needed most.

At the Red Cross, we believe that everyone should know how, and when, to use an AED – and that learning to do so can be a family affair. To that end, we encourage all family members to enroll in our courses – either separately or together, depending on your individual needs. With online, in-person, and blended Simulation Learning classes, finding the right fit for your learning style and schedule is simple.

Note: All of our AED classes in Portland are open to learners who are ready for the experience. That usually means 16 or older, but younger students are welcome.

Police, firefighters, EMS, nurses and other healthcare professionals have a duty to respond when help is needed – which is why we offer AED classes in Portland that are designed specifically for professional rescuers and healthcare providers. During these classes, participants will learn how to care for adults, children and infants suffering from breathing and/or cardiac emergencies. Classes are taught by knowledgeable professionals who can talk you through scenarios and share the latest science-based learning. In addition, during the skills session, the instructor will help you perfect your techniques and deliver care that can improve patient outcomes. To sign up for training in your area, check our newest class schedule.

For businesses, AED classes in Portland can simply help make your business safer. According to OSHA, cardiac arrest is at the root of 300,000-400,000 deaths per year, and since most cardiac arrest deaths occur outside the hospital, and current out-of-hospital survival rates are 1 to 5 percent, having access to an AED and someone who knows how to use it can help save lives. At the Red Cross, our in-person and blended Simulation Learning courses allow your teams to achieve full, OSHA-compliant AED certification. Staffers can either sign up individually, or you can book a private group class by signing up online.

After completing your AED training in Portland, maintaining your skills is critical. After all, like anything, if you don't use them regularly, they're easy to forget. That's why we encourage all of our AED students to use the activities available in the Red Cross Refresher Center. With our short interactive activities, you can test your knowledge any time, and keep your skills sharp – so you'll be ready to help when it's needed most.

The training opportunities available at the Red Cross go far beyond our Portland AED certification courses. In fact, there's something for everyone – at every age. With first aid and CPR courses for teens and adults, and BLS and other training opportunities for medical professionals, we can help you reach your goals at any age.