Every second counts when dealing with an emergency. Now, residents can gain valuable first responder skills through the American Red Cross training program and professionals can obtain recertification. Classes begin next week.

“Each year, more than 5 million people learn how to save a life in American Red Cross training classes, and people in Covington County can join the ranks of these everyday heroes by taking a class now,” said Elizabeth Foley with the Red Cross.

The classes, which are available for all skill and professional levels, will be held in the county administration building on Hillcrest Drive, she said.

The first class, which is set for June 13, will teach the proper technique for adult CPR and AED (automated external defibrillator) from 9 a.m. until noon. Cost is $70.

“This class also teaches what to do if someone is choking and how to prevent and respond to other emergencies until advanced medical help arrives,” Foley said. “Course participants also learn how to control bleeding as well as how to care for seizures and other sudden illnesses.”

An adult and pediatric first aid/CPR/AED is also available that day from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Cost is $110.

“For most people taking the basic lay responder first aid/CPR/AED program, the class is usually sufficient for companies who must adhere to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations and guidelines,” she said. “The lay responder FA/CPR/AED course is beneficial for everyone to take – parents with children, individuals caring for an elderly family member, coaches, teachers knowing the basics of what to do if an emergency arises.”

A pediatric first aid/CPR/AED class is set for June 23 from 9 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Cost is $90. A class for the professional rescuer will be held on June 29 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Cost is $110.

That class is also beneficial to lifeguards and health care providers, Foley said.

“(This class) includes more advanced CPR training including the two rescuer CPR and giving ventilations using a bag-valve-mask resuscitator,” she said. “Nurses and other medical professionals are required to take this training where it is a job-related duty to act in an emergency and provide care. All American Red Cross lifeguard training courses that are taught contain the CPR/AED for the professional rescuer and health care provider training along with first aid training.”

The classes feature hands-on skills practice and include two-year certifications, free digital materials and skill refreshers. Visit redcross.org/training or call 1-800-RED-CROSS for details and to register for a class.

Foley said a 15 percent discount on the cost of the class is available by using the coupon code SUMMERSAFETYDIV50612 when registering.