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Home > General FAQs > Training FAQs > Military FAQs

Training FAQs

How old do you have to be to babysit?
Can I get Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for my Red Cross courses?
Is it safe to use an AED in the rain, snow or on ice?
I lost (washed) my certificate; How do I get another one?
How can a company arrange for first aid training for its employees?
How old do you have to be to take a Red Cross Lifeguarding course?

How old do you have to be to babysit?
Participants must be 11 years of age by the last scheduled course date to receive a certificate for American Red Cross Babysitter's Training. This age was selected as most states require children to be 11 before they can be left alone for short periods without adult supervision. However, local or state regulating agencies may have different age requirements to be able to babysit. Check with your local child welfare, child protective services, health department and/or police. You may receive different answers, so ask for a written copy of the statutes and or regulations that pertain to your location.
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Can I get Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for my Red Cross courses?
The American Red Cross national headquarters does not issue Continuing Education Units. However, some participants have been able to obtain CEUs for completing Health and Safety Services courses by contacting the appropriate state certifying agency for their profession. Your local Red Cross may have more information.
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Is it safe to use an AED in the rain, snow or on ice?
AEDs can be used in a variety of environments including rain, snow and ice. Always use common sense when using an AED and follow the manufacturer's recommendations. Generally, the victim should not be in a puddle of water, nor should the rescuer be kneeling in a puddle of water when operating the AED. If it is raining, steps should be taken to ensure that the victim is as dry as possible and sheltered from the rain. Ensure the victim's chest is wiped dry. Minimize delaying defibrillation though when taking steps to provide for a dry environment. The electrical current of an AED is very directional between the electrode pads. Manufacturers state that AEDs are very safe when all precautions and manufacturer's operating instructions are followed.
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I lost (washed) my certificate.  How do I get another one?
If you took an American Red Cross course and you need a replacement certificate, contact the chapter where the training was conducted. To find the chapter, use the zip code or website locator. You can help the chapter process your request, by providing information about the training (location, date, instructor's name, and your name).

CPR certificates are valid for one year from the course completion date. First aid and Lifeguard Training certificates are valid for 3 years. If more time has passed than the certificate is valid for or if the chapter cannot locate your record of training, take another class to get recertified. Challenge the course (just skills and written exam) if you remember everything. Take a full course if you need time to relearn or practice the skills before testing.
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How can a company arrange for first aid training for its employees?
Contact your local American Red Cross to arrange first aid training for your employees. The Red Cross offers a variety of training programs for your workplace. Select from our core courses including Workplace Training: Standard First Aid and Adult CPR/AED. Then choose from our supplemental modules: Ergonomics; Slips, Trips, and Falls; Back Injury Prevention; Workplace Violence Awareness; Managing Stress; and Your Heart Matters. We also have a Workplace HIV/AIDS Program that includes Spanish language materials with facts about HIV transmission and prevention that are written specifically for the workplace.
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How old do you have to be to take a Red Cross Lifeguarding course?
You need to be at least 15 years old by the last scheduled class date to take the Red Cross Lifeguarding course. If you're 11- to 14-years old and interested in future work as a lifeguard, you can take GuardStart: Lifeguarding Tomorrow. We also offer other programs of interest to lifeguards, such as Waterfront Lifeguarding, Waterpark Lifeguarding, Automated External Defibrillation, and Oxygen Administration.
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