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Q&A

Course Lengths

All Emergency First Response courses are performance based, not time based. Individual course times typically vary based on:

  1. Number of participants
  2. Participant ability to meet the prescribed objectives
  3. Instructor-to-student ratios
  4. Course delivery options

The following times are typical, based on a class size of 12:

  • Primary Care (CPR) – 4.5 to 6 hours
  • Secondary Care (First Aid) – 2.5 to 3.5 hours
  • Care for Children (Child and infant CPR/first aid) – 7 to 8 hours
  • Integrated Primary Care/Secondary Care and Care for Children – 8 to 9 hours
  • AED Course – 2 to 3 hours

Course Delivery Methods

The Emergency First Response courses offer a flexible delivery method to meet your individual requirements. Participants master required skills and knowledge through a combination of independent study, instructor led skill development and scenario practice sessions. Instructors can also add relevant information to meet specific workplace or local training requirements.

With today’s fast-paced lifestyle, people find they not only enjoy studying on their own time, but tend to learn and remember more. Educational studies consistently show that independent study leads to better assimilation and retention of the information.

The benefits of the Emergency First Response independent study learning method include:

  • Better participant preparation: Independent study accommodates individual learning styles and allows participants to learn at their own pace. This leads to better preparation before skill development, particularly when participants watch the video and see role-model skill demonstrations.
  • More effective use of time: Independent study allows the instructor to focus participant contact time on skill development and scenario practice. Participants arrive prepared for hands-on training, which makes in-class time shorter to accommodate busy schedules.
  • Focused learning time: Since independent study reduces the amount of time an instructor must spend covering general background knowledge, more time can be spent on skill development to meet specific workplace safety requirements. The learning time is focused to fill in any knowledge gaps and to provide information relevant to local regulations.
  • Other Delivery Methods: Though Emergency First Response courses and materials lend themselves well to independent study and the classroom time savings benefits this brings, there are other teaching formats your instructor may use. In some cases, live delivery of the theory components (as well as the practical sessions) is preferable. You and your instructor will determine which method is best for you.

Q. What is Emergency First Response?

A. Emergency First Response is the fastest-growing international CPR, AED and First Aid training organization, with more than 31,000 instructors world-wide. Emergency First Response Participant courses include Primary Care (CPR), Secondary Care (first aid) and Care for Children courses, as well as a recommended Automated External Defibrillator (AED) component and emergency oxygen use orientation.

Q. Who can take an Emergency First Response provider course?

A. Anyone who is interested in acquiring or updating CPR and first aid skills.

Q. Where can I take an Emergency First Response course?

A. Contact us for information on upcoming public courses, or request information on private individual or group training.

Q. What do the various Emergency First Response courses include?

A. Each course provides instruction on how to perform specific Emergency patient care skills (CPR and first aid). See details for EFR Primary Care, EFR Secondary Care, Care for Children, and EFR Automated External Defibrillation course descriptions.

Q. How much do classes cost?

A. Please contact us for information and course delivery options.

Q. What is an AED and why would I want to learn about it?

A. An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is an easy-to-use portable machine that automatically delivers a shock to a patient who is not breathing and has no heartbeat. In the hands of knowledgeable responders, AED units dramatically increase the survival rate of these patients. Because early intervention is so important for these patients, many businesses, government agencies, recreational facilities and public places are making AEDs readily available for properly trained personnel.

Q. What is the recommended AED training component?

A. The recommended AED component gives participants practical experience in AED use. Ask your instructor about including this training in your course.

Q. How long are the Emergency First Response courses?

A. It varies depending on how your course is conducted. For example, it might be as short as three to four hours for both Primary and Secondary Care courses, if your course incorporates independent study. If the Primary and Secondary Care courses do not incorporate independent study, they could take from five to eight hours. Since the course is performance-based, other factors, such as the number of participants, whether recommended skills are included, the number of mannequins available and how quickly participants master the skills practice sessions will also determine course length. Also see the Course Lengths section above for more information.

Q. What are the required course materials?

A. Emergency First Response courses are supported by a full contingent of educational materials, including:

  • Emergency First Response Participant manual (with independent study section, skill workbook and reference guide). This is used for the Primary Care and Secondary Care courses.
  • Emergency First Response Primary Care and Secondary Care video.
  • Emergency First Response Care for Children Participant manual (with independent study section, skill workbook and reference guide). This is used for the Primary Care and Secondary Care courses for infants and children up to eight years old.
  • Emergency First Response Care for Children video.

Q. How often must I renew my skills?

A. Training for the Primary and Secondary Care courses is valid for two years. After successfully completing the course, participants receive a course completion card. Emergency Responders can refresh their skills through a short skills practice session or as part of a regular Emergency First Response class.