Red Cross CPR & First Aid Classes in Colorado
Founded in 1881 by Clara Barton, the American Red Cross has trained people in first aid and CPR for over a century. GreyKardia is a Red Cross Licensed Training Provider with public classes in Golden.
View ClassesOver a Century of Community Safety
The American Red Cross was founded on May 21, 1881, in Washington D.C. by Clara Barton, known as the Angel of the Battlefield for her Civil War nursing work. Barton had observed the International Red Cross movement during a visit to Switzerland and returned determined to bring the same organized humanitarian framework to the United States.
The organization received its first Congressional charter in 1900 and is tasked by the federal government with providing services to American armed forces members and their families, as well as disaster relief. Its health and safety training programs, including CPR, first aid, lifeguarding, and water safety, have been offered since the early 1900s.
GreyKardia is a Licensed Training Provider (LTP) with the American Red Cross. The 2025 r.25 curriculum update reflects the latest evidence-based guidelines for first aid, CPR, and AED training. Key updates include the 5-and-5 choking protocol for adults and children (5 back blows alternating with 5 abdominal thrusts), and for infants, 5 back blows alternating with 5 chest thrusts. All GreyKardia Red Cross training reflects these current standards.
Over 100 Years of Trust and Recognition
Congressional Charter
The Red Cross operates under a congressional charter and is tasked by the federal government with specific public safety responsibilities, a level of institutional trust few training organizations can match.
Aquatics Standard
Red Cross is the dominant certifying body for lifeguarding and aquatics safety training in the US. Most public pools and recreational facilities require Red Cross Lifeguard certification.
OSHA Compliance
Red Cross training meets OSHA first aid training guidelines and is accepted by most state regulatory and licensing agencies for workplace compliance across industries.
Digital Verification
Digital certificates include a unique ID and QR code for instant employer verification, accessible anytime through a student's Red Cross account.
CEU Approved
Red Cross CEUs are approved for nurses, first responders, social workers, and teachers across a broad range of health and safety courses.
Current 2025 r.25 Guidelines
Red Cross curriculum reflects current ILCOR and AHA guidelines. The 2025 r.25 update applies to all First Aid, CPR, and AED courses including the updated 5-and-5 choking protocol and infant chest thrust technique. All GreyKardia Red Cross training is fully current.
Red Cross Courses Offered
Through GreyKardia
Community and Workplace CPR and First Aid
CPR/AED for Adults
Core adult CPR and AED skills for workplace and community settings. No medical background required.
First Aid/CPR/AED
Combined course covering first aid essentials alongside CPR and AED training for lay rescuers.
Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED
Designed for childcare providers, teachers, and parents. Covers infant and child CPR and pediatric first aid.
Basic Life Support (BLS)
For healthcare providers and professional rescuers requiring clinical-level CPR certification.
Specialty and Extended Training
Wilderness and Remote First Aid
For outdoor professionals, guides, and recreational enthusiasts operating in remote environments far from definitive care. Student certifications are valid for a rolling 2 years from date of completion. WRFA Instructor Authorizations follow the same rolling 2-year cycle as all other Red Cross instructor certifications. There is no December 31st calendar-year expiration for WRFA credentials.
Babysitting Basics
For young caregivers learning childcare essentials, basic first aid, and how to handle emergencies.
FAST (First Aid for Severe Trauma)
The official Red Cross STOP THE BLEED® course. Teaches bystanders how to control life-threatening bleeding using direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquets. Awards a 2-year Red Cross FAST certification upon completion.
Skill Boost Add-On Modules
Official Red Cross add-on modules including Anaphylaxis and Epinephrine Auto-Injectors, Asthma, and Opioid Overdose Response. Each completed Skill Boost module awards a distinct, digitally verifiable Red Cross Skill Boost certificate separate from the core course credential.
Virtually Every Audience
Red Cross certifications are among the most broadly accepted in the United States, designed to serve virtually every audience, from the general public and workplace safety teams to professional rescuers and aquatics facilities. GreyKardia's Licensed Training Provider (LTP) status means students receive Red Cross certifications at the highest level of authorized instruction available.
General public and community members seeking CPR and first aid readiness
Workplace safety teams and corporate compliance programs
Teachers, childcare providers, and school staff
Healthcare providers requiring BLS certification
Outdoor professionals and wilderness recreation groups
Young caregivers and babysitters building foundational safety skills
GreyKardia is a Licensed Training Provider (LTP) with the American Red Cross, serving all of Colorado. Find a class that fits your schedule.