You’ve got bunkers stacked, food and water for years—but if your health’s shot, what’s the point? SHTF hits, and a cut, a choke, or a heart stop can drop you faster than a looter’s bullet. First aid and emergency skills aren’t optional—they’re your first line of defense. Learn to patch up, revive, and survive, ‘cause all the gear in the world won’t save you if you’re bleeding out. Health first, preps second—let’s get you trained.
In-Person First Aid Training: Top 3 Spots in the USA
When the grid’s down, you need hands-on skills—online won’t cut it for muscle memory. Here are three solid spots in the USA to learn first aid and emergency response, prepper style.
- American Red Cross (Multiple Locations): The Red Cross runs in-person first aid and CPR classes across the country—think New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago hubs. Their courses cover cuts, burns, choking, and AED use, with hands-on practice. A one-day class runs $70-$120, done in a few hours. They’ve been training for over a century—battle-tested, no fluff.
- Northwest Response (Washington State): Based in Gig Harbor, WA, they offer Advanced First Aid courses in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma. Perfect for preppers—17-hour classes focus on remote care, ideal for SHTF when help’s days away. Costs $200-$300, group discounts for your crew. They’ve trained corporate response teams—serious skills for serious threats.
- Rescue One Training for Life (Maryland): In the Mid-Atlantic, Rescue One’s got training centers in Maryland—think Baltimore or Rockville. They offer American Heart Association-certified CPR and first aid, with classes in English and Spanish. A full day’s $80-$150, hands-on with manikins. They’ll even come to you—flexible for your bugout spot.
Online First Aid Learning: Top 3 Sites to Train Anywhere
No time to travel? Online courses get you started—learn the basics, then practice on your own. These three sites are prepper-approved for first aid and emergency know-how.
- American Red Cross Online Courses: The Red Cross offers online first aid classes—$30-$50, 2-3 hours, with interactive modules. Covers adult and child emergencies, but no hands-on cert—great for refreshers. You get two-year access to materials, so study on your terms.
- FirstAidForFree.com: Free online first aid, CPR, and AED courses—no hidden fees, no catch. Basic to advanced, including pediatric care—download a free certificate when you’re done. Perfect for preppers on a budget who still need the knowledge to save a life.
- American Safety Training Institute (ASTI): Based in Atlanta, ASTI’s online courses—$20-$40—cover CPR, AED, and first aid with videos and step-by-step guides. Finish in 1-2 hours, get a digital cert valid for 2 years. Access 24/7, learn fast—prepper-friendly for when you’re off-grid but online.
Prepper Edge
Skills beat stuff—bunkers and barrels don’t mean squat if you can’t stop a bleed or restart a heart. My Virginia setup’s got an IFAK and a trained crew, ‘cause SHTF don’t wait for 911. Get trained, in-person or online—your life’s the only stockpile that matters
Share to Survive: Let’s Get Stronger Together
These are the training spots I’ve got on my radar, but what about you? If you’ve got local courses in your area or know some online sites I haven’t heard of, spill the beans—drop ‘em in the comments. We’re tougher when we share—SHTF don’t care who you are, but our skills do!
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