Become a Red Cross Lifesaver

For nearly a century, the American Red Cross has prepared people to save lives through health and safety education and training. From first aid, CPR and bloodborne pathogens training to swimming and lifeguarding, HIV/AIDS education and Babysitter's Training, American Red Cross preparedness programs help people lead safer and healthier lives.

The Red Cross constantly strives to respond to the preparedness concerns of Americans at home, in school and in the workplace.

Today's innovative programs also include teaching lay persons and professionals how to use automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to save victims of sudden cardiac arrest. Last year, more than 135,000 people in the Twin Cities enrolled in American Red Cross health and safety courses.

You can help the Red Cross save lives.

Take a class or become a health and safety instructor or authorized provider.

For more information call (612) 871-7676.

Already an instructor?

Click here for forms, resources and the latest program information.

Click here to purchase books and materials for your class.

Ben and J.P's Story

Last summer, Ben, age 9, and his friend, J.P., stopped by a Lakeville park to enjoy candy they just bought at a store. J.P. was sitting by the tire swings, where he tried to swallow too many candies.

“He was trying to say ‘Help me!’ ” Ben said. “You could see that he was choking.”

Ben rushed over to his friend and performed abdominal thrusts, which he learned in a Red Cross first aid course. He dislodged the piece of candy from J.P.’s throat, saving his friend’s life.

The Red Cross course Ben took was part of a three-day safety camp. Through safety camps and Red Cross classes such as Babysitter’s Training and Basic Aid Training , area youth are learning the skills to save lives.