Chapter 1 · Fundamentals
1.9 Skills worth learning
Gear gets left at home; what you've learned travels with you. Prioritize in this order:
| Course | What you learn | Format |
|---|---|---|
| First aid, CPR, and AED (American Red Cross) | Breathing and cardiac emergencies, wounds, heat stroke, use of the defibrillator | In person, blended (online + hands-on), or online only. Duration of about 2 to over 4 hours depending on the format. Certification lasts 2 years. Find classes near you at redcross.org. |
| Stop the Bleed | Recognize life-threatening bleeding and control it with direct pressure, wound packing, and a tourniquet | In person (with supervised practice) or online. Find a class at bleedingcontrol.org. |
| CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) | Preparedness, fire safety and utility control, light search and rescue, disaster medical operations, disaster psychology, hazardous materials | FEMA program delivered by cities and counties. In some programs the basic course lasts about 24 to 30 hours. Ask about the next course at your city or county emergency management office. |
| Fire extinguisher use | When to fight a small fire and when to get out | Many fire departments and employers offer it. |
| Swimming and water safety | Floating, escaping a current, not going in to rescue without equipment | Community centers and the YMCA (chapter 13). |
| Amateur radio (FCC Technician license) | Communicate when cell phones and the internet fail | Multiple-choice exam; local clubs offer courses (chapter 8). |
