Did you know the American Red Cross has been teaching First Aid for 100 years? 100 years is a long time-- I can’t even begin to imagine the number of lives that have been saved by Red Cross trained responders. I am always reminded of the impact our training has on people’s lives when we host our Lifesaver Award ceremony at the Chapter. At a recent Lifesaver Ceremony I heard the most uplifting story of a grown man who always made sure he took his First Aid and CPR classes through the Boy Scouts. A gentleman stood before a gathered crowd and choking back tears explains that if it hadn’t been for all the years of First Aid training he may not have known what to do to save his adult son’s life. While making home repairs his son passed out in a crawlspace under the family home. The man was able to remove his son to fresh air, call for help and provide the care needed to sustain life. I saw a man who was truly grateful to all of his First Aid instructors over the years for the opportunity – the gift – he was given when his skills saved his son’s life. The gift the man was talking about…he joked he would still be able to tell his son ‘no’ from time to time.

Today our classes are delivered to individuals in businesses, through schools, in Red Cross Chapters…even on the internet. First Aid classes have come a long way since 1911 when some of the first classes were brought to people through railroad car. Our programs reached over 1 million people from 1910 to 1918. By 1930, First Aid stations were being set up at gas stations as a way to care for injured motorists through the First Aid on the Highways Program. Fast forward to 1970 and OSHA identifies American Red Cross Multimedia Standard First Aid as the standard for first aid training. By 2007 the American Red Cross releases First Aid and CPR for Everyone, an at home introduction to First Aid and CPR to add to the number of ways people can learn First Aid skills.

As a Red Cross Instructor and Instructor Trainer, I am extremely proud of our heritage as a leader in First Aid training. In the last 100 years we have set the standard by which all other First Aid classes are measured; I am excited to see what the next 100 years brings. I am eager to see you in one of our upcoming First Aid classes soon!

Chris

P.S. To celebrate 100 years of First Aid, any individual who signs up in March, Red Cross Month, for a class with "First Aid" in the course name will receive a 10% discount. So sign up today.

Chris Shanahan is the Authorized Provider Sales Specialist for the American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter.