get re-certified in cpr/first-aid

Since I have a summer job as a lifeguard, I have the chance to become re-certified in cpr and first-aid every year (which really gives me peace of mind). Having this knowledge is a valuable thing that could help save somebody’s life. It’s very rewarding work also.

i take the class.
and, to make it even better – my work is paying for it. plus, since i’m taking the class on a non-work day, i get a free day off sometime next month! i see a three-day holiday weekend in my near future…

i’m scheduled for class on jan 22nd in Richmond for the full 9 hour course. i wanted to get re-certified before heading out on semester at sea! i’m excited! $65 is cool but the 9 hours…damn that’s gonna be rough!

here in seattle, this is what i’ve found so far:

1) the Medic II program teaches (among other things) adult CPR. the classes are free (donations encouraged) and taught by the seattle fire department. 206.684.7274 for more info. i need to find out if this class gets you certified, and it also doesn’t look like it teaches first aid.

2) the seattle red cross offers classes too. adult cpr with first aid is $55 and the 7 hour class is offered pretty frequently on the weekends. the class that covers cpr and first aid for adults, children and infants is only one hour longer, costs $70 and seems to only be offered about once a month (for weekend classes).

3) i’ve also seen a lot of online certification programs – which freaks me out. do you really want someone who has only virtually compressed a chest cavity to first try out their technique on you?!?

wow. this is harder than i thought because most of june classes are booked already and i have a crazy six weeks through mid july. and the full cpr+1st aid courses are mostly all day saturday and most of my saturdays are booked! dang. maybe i’ll just do either cpr or first aid. not sure.

but I haven’t been in a situation where I’ve had to use it other than minor cuts and scrapes, so I would like to keep it certified, especially when it expires which I think is March 2007.

i’m thinking of trying to do this when i am back in VA this summer for LEAD.

I decided to save this for later. I am/was trying to do too much and this isn’t a high priority in terms of time/$ required. I’ll circle back later.

There are a couple of classes that I could potentially take before I head out of the country. The question is why? and do I have the time to do it right now? I’ve always thought this was good to know and liked being certified, its mostly common sense. I’m wondering if I should spend energy on this or save it for another more pressing goal/activity?