As a valued First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor for the American Red Cross Health and Safety training, the Colonial Virginia Chapter would like to inform you of upcoming revisions for programs and courses in 2006. American Red Cross programs are based on the most up-to-date science available on first aid; cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), automated external defibrillation (AED) and emergency cardiovascular care (ECC). Every 5 years, dozens of international organizations and experts in the field of first aid and emergency care work together to review and evaluate relevant scientific research . The goal is to determine if any new discoveries affect the way CPR and other emergency care is delivered. Recently, those new guidelines were published and many improvements have been made to the way we do first aid and CPR. Every training organization, medical device manufacturer and textbook publisher will have to make changes to its training products accordingly.

 American Red Cross Commitment 

The American Red Cross, in its mission to help people “prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies,” maintains the highest quality of training. American Red Cross is committed to develop and release revised programs and products, consistent with Guidelines 2005, in a timely manner that meets customer needs.  

Timeline/Budget Matters

American Red Cross is striving to meet the following production schedule: Spring 2006 – Release of the First Aid/CPR/AED program (including Community First Aid and Safety), Blended Learning (including Infant and Child CPR) and First Aid: Responding to Emergencies. Summer 2006 – Release of the CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer program. Fall 2006 – Release of the Lifeguarding program. 

 Please be aware that, as an instructor, you will have to update to the new materials, which includes purchasing new instructor manuals and student materials. Listed below are the costs of the new materials.   

 Instructors are encouraged to sign up for Instructor’s Corner at http://www.redcross.org Group orientations will be made available by the Colonial Virginia Chapter, and a listing of dates and times will be posted at this location on our website. Instructors are encouraged to update as soon as possible once the new materials are released and available. Program for First Aid/CPR/AED release date has been set for March 31, 2006. All First Aid/CPR/AED instructors must be updated to the revised materials by September 30, 2006.  (Dates for the updating of instructors to the revised materials for CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and Lifeguard Training are forthcoming.)  

DVD Technology

Please be aware that VHS video format is being phased out and replaced by improved DVD technology. VHS video format will not be available with the revised programs. The improved DVD format reflects the standard of training that is expected in American Red Cross courses. DVD technology also provides for an enhanced learning experience by allowing instant access to video segments, higher quality sound and picture and a longer product lifespan.  

Questions

The Colonial Virginia Chapter will continue to keep you updated as more information is made available. The Colonial Virginia Chapter looks forward to working with you to provide the highest quality training available. Please contact me at the Chapter by phone (757-253-0228) with any questions you may have concerning the revisions, prices of the materials, and scheduling of group orientations for the instructors.

Alyce Donelson, Director of Health and Safety Services

Serving the areas of:
Charles City County | James City County | King & Queen County | King William County | Surry County | Town of West Point | City of Williamsburg

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