Is there an age limit for someone to take our class?

This is not the first time that I’ve been asked this question.  My answer typically goes something like this:

You know your child best. I have had children as young as 12 take our class, and I have never had a child who did not do well in the classroom. If you have a child who is 12 but has a short attention span and can’t sit for a full day class, you probably won’t want to bring them. This is also true for a 16-year-old!

The parent should be the one who determines if their child would benefit from a 1st Responder course. Our class is not bloody or gory. They see much more on TV and video games. We are not riding motorcycles either. If you child rides with you, they probably should know how to help. It has been my experience that most children and young adults who are brought to class by their parents arrive at the class seeming to be a bit bored.

As they experience the class, they start sitting up taller, writing in their books, raising their hands, and loving the hands-on component. They are great at the hands on skills, often being one of the first to want get on the floor and try a skill. I think they spend so much time in school in lectures, taking tests and reading that when they get some real-life experiences, demonstrations, and some hands-on practice it can be stimulating for them. One of my friends brought his two teenage sons. One of the young men went on to become a Firefighter/Paramedic. I was so proud of him for doing that!

With all of that said, I would caution a parent not to bring young children. Our class can be disrupted by a young one that can’t sit still. We do not offer daycare. I have not had that happen in any ASM courses, but I have had parents bring their young children to CPR and first aid classes that I’ve taught. Invariably, the child needs and demands attention, and the whole class is disrupted. If you can’t find childcare, you should probably stay home.

Encourage and stimulate your children, you never know where that might lead them.

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