First responder practicing CPR with the Elevateâ„¢ SMART Manikin.

Elevate™ SMART Manikin self-directed training solution now available

A state-of-the-art, self-directed feedback manikin, coupled with our comprehensive evidence-based curriculum and award-winning innovative course design, delivers the most precise and best educational experience ensuring better outcomes. Learn More.

Brandon Hall Group Awards - Technology Excellence Award Gold 2023, Technology Excellence Award Silver 2023

Red Cross and HealthStream recognized for Excellence by Brandon Hall Group

The American Red Cross and HealthStream are proud to have received two recognitions from the Brandon Hall Group. Gold was awarded in the category of Best Advance in Performance Support Technology and Silver was awarded in Best Advance in Education Delivered Through Technology. The combination of the American Red Cross Resuscitation Suite™ and HealthStream’s compliance platform continues to drive changes in healthcare.

First Responder Training Courses

For a full listing of courses click here or click on one of the below professions to view a selection of associated courses.

Note: Course and program training requirements may vary by state, city and county. Course and programs are listed to address all possible training needs. American Red Cross courses meet resuscitation training and continuing education requirements throughout the US.

Brochure covers (left to right): Resuscitation Suite for First Responders (BLS, ALS, PALS, NALS), Emergency Medical Response (EMR), Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS), and CPR/AED for Professional Rescuers (CPRO).

First Responders Training Program Course Brochure Downloads

Learn how our portfolio of first responder lifesaving training courses can help you respond with confidence when lives are on the line. Whether you are EMS, Fire, Police, The Red Cross’s portfolio includes comprehensive lifesaving techniques which meet resuscitation training and continuing education requirements throughout the US.

Browse Brochures

Download a full list of courses here. Download the Product Portfolio Brochure PDF

Medical professional applying neonatal resuscitation techniques.

Resuscitation Suite

Our modern, adaptive American Red Cross Resuscitation Suite™ not only equips EMS professionals and public safety personnel with the latest science-based knowledge to help ensure better outcomes, but our classes are designed to save time and money.

Download brochure Download the Resuscitation Suite for First Responders Brochure PDF

Basic Life Support (BLS)

BLS is the foundation of resuscitation training for emergency medical services (EMS) providers and public safety personnel. The BLS program content includes single- and multiple-responder scenarios and AED use, as well as how to care for a patient who has an obstructed airway. Read more

Basic Life Support (BLS)

BLS is the foundation of resuscitation training for emergency medical services (EMS) providers and public safety personnel. The BLS program content includes single- and multiple-responder scenarios and AED use, as well as how to care for a patient who has an obstructed airway. Skills include high-quality CPR and AED use, obstructed airway and BLS team response.

Advanced Life Support (ALS)

The ALS program trains emergency medical services (EMS) providers and public safety personnel to care for adult patients who are experiencing life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, acute coronary syndrome or stroke. Read more

Advanced Life Support (ALS)

The ALS program trains emergency medical services (EMS) providers and public safety personnel to care for adult patients who are experiencing life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, acute coronary syndrome or stroke. Skills include high-quality CPR, managing the airway, electrical therapies, intraosseous access and ALS team response.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

The PALS program trains emergency medical services (EMS) providers and public safety personnel to care for pediatric patients who are experiencing life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, respiratory emergencies and shock. Read more

Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)

The PALS program trains emergency medical services (EMS) providers and public safety personnel to care for pediatric patients who are experiencing life-threatening emergencies such as cardiac arrest, respiratory emergencies and shock. Skills include high-quality CPR for children and infants, airway and ventilatory management, electrical therapies, intraosseous access and PALS team response.

Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) New!

Committed to improving newborn care, the NALS Foundations and Comprehensive courses provide emergency medical services (EMS) providers with the critical knowledge and skills to manage a newborn resuscitation in an out-of-hospital setting. Read more

Neonatal Advanced Life Support (NALS) New!

Committed to improving newborn care, the NALS Foundations and Comprehensive courses provide emergency medical services (EMS) providers with the critical knowledge and skills to manage a newborn resuscitation in an out-of-hospital setting. Participants are presented with cases that require them to quickly assess the newborn, analyze the data presented and determine appropriate next steps. EMS-focused cases bridge the gap between theory and practice to encourage more meaningful learning that builds skills and confidence.

Foundations skills include:

  • Positive pressure ventilation (PPV)
  • Alternative airway
    • Laryngeal mask
  • Team response practice and testing

Comprehensive skills include:

  • Positive pressure ventilation
  • Alternative airway
    • Endotracheal tube
    • Laryngeal mask
  • Chest compressions coordinated with PPV
  • Intravascular access
  • Administration of Epinephrine
  • Team response practice and testing
Instructor in a classroom training first responders

First Responder Training Provider Information


Become a Training Provider

Learn how you can teach and deliver Red Cross education and training programs.

Already a Training Provider?

Learn how to easily bridge your certifications and get started using flexible Red Cross programs.

CONTACT US

Instructor at the front of an auditorium training a group of first responders

Group Education for First Responders

Red Cross provides all the equipment and expert instruction at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

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Flexible Training Options for First Responders

We can customize the perfect solution for you.

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Instructor-Led

Entire in-person course taught by an experienced instructor.

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Online Only

Self-paced online learning and development courses.

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Blended Learning

Online learning taken anywhere/anytime followed by a skills session.

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Self-Directed

Online eLearning + private in‑person skills session with SMART Manikin, tablet and on-call instructor.

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Review and Challenge

Shorter courses to renew certification or demonstrate skill competency

What We’ve Heard

"We transitioned from a traditional leader-led program to the Red Cross instructor-less model, allowing our staff to obtain or update their certifications on their own schedule. The instructor-less model has significantly reduced the burden on our educators while also resulting in substantial cost savings."

Darrin Buchta
Clinical Education Manager Air Methods Corporation

Recommended Training Products for First Responders

Basic Life Support (BLS) Instructor Starter Kit

Red Cross BLS Instructor Kit

Basic Life Support Participant’s Manual

Basic Life Support Books & DVDs

Bleeding Control Kit - Professional

Professional Bleeding Control Kit

Rigid Splints + Triangular Bandages

Rigid Splints + Triangular Bandages

Feel Confident in Evidence-based Science

Science Based Training

Behind every American Red Cross training program stands the Scientific Advisory Council – a volunteer body of Red Cross science and medical experts dedicated to ensuring that what you learn is based on the latest and best emergency science.

Learn More

Instructor at the front of an auditorium training a group of first responders

Recognition for Lifesaving Professional Responders

Do you know a first responder who has used their skills to save a life or help someone in need? We want to know. The Red Cross recognizes these important contributors through our Lifesaving Awards. Nominate someone today.

Learn More

EMS Education Experts

Red Cross Chats with EMS Education Experts

Our LinkedIn Live featuring EMS Experts Dr. Matthew Levy and Dr. Jeffrey L. Pellegrino from the American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council. You'll learn about Stop the Bleed and how you can rise to the challenge this upcoming EMS week.


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Advances in Resuscitation

Advances in Resuscitation Training with the American Red Cross

Hear from Dr. David Markenson from the Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council, Luther Cale from HealthStream and Justin Laferty from HCA Healthcare about the latest advancements in resuscitation training with the Red Cross.


Listen Now