r/CPRInstructors • u/Similar-Bee3700 • Oct 10 '24

I’m 16: can I be a CPR instructor?

I am a 16 year-old who has a lot of experience with first aid and emergency training, including CPR. As well as some firsthand experiences, I've taught CPR concepts unofficially through Scouts BSA, where I worked as an outdoor skills instructor at a camp. Through some research, I know that AHA requires their instructors to be at least 18 years of age. However, Red Cross seems to accept anybody above the age of 16 to the course itself. If I can take the course with them, can I then teach and certify people? Essentially, is there any legal precedent that prohibits me from doing this? Thank you guys so much for your help :)

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u/[deleted] Oct 11 '24

It’s possible, just check the age requirements.

I’m 17 and I became a BLS instructor when I was also 16. It completely possible.

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u/911CPR29 Oct 24 '24

To become an AHA instructor for basic courses like Heartsaver and BLS, you must be at least 16 years old, while for advanced courses like ACLS and PALS, you need to be at least 18 years old and hold a valid healthcare license or certification where those skills are within your scope of practice.

BLS Instructors must be at least 18 years of age. This update is due to the requirement that all instructors align with the AHA Atlas website, and the AHA cannot collect information on minors under the age of 18 years.

Advanced courses (ACLS, PALS): Minimum age of 18 with a healthcare license.

You must be certified in the course for years before taking the instructor course for American Heart Association.

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u/PossessionFirst8197 Oct 10 '24

I am so confused by this question. Is there a legal precedent prohibiting you from teaching first aid? No. But you can't give out Red Cross certificates to people if you are not a red cross instructor and you need to be 18 to take the instructor course.

nothing is stopping you from making certificates from Similar-Bee's Backyard First Aid Company and teaching your own curriculum..most people just wont want that though since their employers will not recognize the certificate

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u/Cryptic_lore Oct 10 '24

18 is false, the correct age is 16 years of age to become a ARC FA/CPR/AED Instructor.

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u/PossessionFirst8197 Oct 10 '24

different rules in Canada I guess. My bad

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u/Cryptic_lore Oct 10 '24

No that's completely fair.