Instructor's Corner

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Be part of the American Red Cross mission . . . teach Health and Safety Services courses.

Each year the American Red Cross teaches valuable lifesaving skills to nearly 12 million people, approximately 1 in 23 Americans. But we can't do it alone. We need your help because you have a gift you can give to others . . . your time, your knowledge, your experience.

Become an American Red Cross instructor and you can by doing the following:

• Make a difference in others' lives as well as your own;
• Train co-workers and others in your company or organization;
• Give your time to help others learn to save lives;
• Teach a variety of courses including first aid, CPR, water safety, HIV/AIDS prevention education, child care and others;
• Gain valuable teaching experience and receive great training;
• Put years of valuable teaching experience to good use; and
• Benefit from top-notch Red Cross materials that make learning and teaching easy and fun.

Are you the right person for the job?
Here's what we're looking for in American Red Cross instructors. An instructor is a member of a select group of trained and authorized individuals, who reflects the standards and ideals of the American Red Cross. Instructors teach American Red Cross programs within a chapter's jurisdiction and impart knowledge and skills consistent with American Red Cross policies, procedures, standards and guidelines.

As with almost anything it is important to select the appropriate person for the job. This is even more important when selecting individuals to be instructors. Here are some qualities we look for in American Red Cross instructors.

• Communication Skills. Do you speak clearly, listen carefully and use reinforcing body language? Do you enjoy communicating with a variety of people?
• Subject Knowledge. Are you willing to develop a thorough knowledge of the course subject matter and keep abreast of new developments? You may already have some knowledge of the subject matter that you'd like to teach. The Red Cross can provide you with the training you need to ensure that you're on the cutting edge.
• Positive Attitude. Are you enthusiastic about a subject and anxious to share your enthusiasm with course participants? Friendliness toward students, an enthusiasm about teaching and a positive attitude about accepting students as individuals are attitudes that help students learn.
• Patience and Flexibility. Can you patiently explain facts and answer questions? Are you flexible in meeting the diverse learning needs of students?
• Professional Behavior. Are you punctual, reliable, able to manage a group of people and willing to follow rules and regulations?

Even if you are still developing some of these skills, you may be a great candidate to become a Red Cross instructor. Our new Fundamentals of Instructor Training program can help you build and refine the skills you need to become a Red Cross instructor. Contact your local American Red Cross today to find out more about becoming a Red Cross instructor!

Sport Safety Training ECC-Update
An administrative interim solution for the Sport Safety Training Program has been developed to ensure that the program is taught consistent with the Emergency Cardiovascular Care (ECC) 2000 Guidelines. The following material is needed to teach the course after December 31, 2001. The material is divided into three categories— (1) for participants and instructors, (2) for current Sport Safety Training instructors only and (3) information for currently authorized instructors who wish to to become Sport Safety Training instructors.

Prior to using this interim solution, all instructors must complete the ECC upgrade, which includes completing a self-study to the ECC 2000 Guidelines and upgrading to AED teaching skills and knowledge.

Information for Participants and Instructors

• Summary of ECC Changes to the Sport Safety Training Participant's Handbook and Workbook
• Insert and replacement pages for the participant's workbook and handbook

Information for Current Sport Safety Training Instructors Only

• Administrative Guidelines for Conducting ECC-Updated Sport Safety Training Using Pre-ECC 2000 Materials

Information for Current First Aid and CPR Instructors Who Wish to Become Sport Safety Training Instructors
This information pertains to the following instructor authorizations: Lifeguarding (r.01), First Aid/CPR/AED (r.01), First Aid: Responding to Emergencies (r.01) and Emergency Response (r.01). These steps are not necessary for current Sport Safety Training instructors. Please read and complete the following to become a Sport Safety Training instructor:

• Read the Sport Safety Training Program Question and Answer document; and
• Complete the Sport Safety Training Program Bridging Self-Study Guide. This includes the guide, answer sheet, answer key and bridging orientation validation form.