Start Here: FOI + Skills Check for Red Cross Instructor Path

📘 Step 1: Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) + In-Person Skills Evaluation

Your First Step to Becoming a Canadian Red Cross Instructor

Before you can teach First Aid, CPR, First Responder, Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), or Basic Life Support (BLS) courses with the Canadian Red Cross, you must complete the Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) and a hands-on skills evaluation, unless formally exempt by the Red Cross.

This step is required for candidates working toward becoming a:

• First Aid & CPR Instructor (FAI)

• First Responder Instructor (FRI)

• Emergency Medical Responder Instructor (EMRI)

• Basic Life Support Instructor (BLSI)

🧭 What’s Included in This Package

🖥️ 1. Online Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI)

Approx. 8 hours | Self-paced

The online FOI component introduces the foundational knowledge required to teach Red Cross programs effectively and consistently.

You will learn:

• Adult learning principles

• Instructional and facilitation strategies

• How to engage diverse learners

• Canadian Red Cross instructional standards and philosophy

You will receive access to this component through the Canadian Red Cross Learning Portal.
✅ The online FOI must be completed before attending the in-person day.

🏫 2. In-Person FOI + Skills Evaluation Day

1 full day | In person

The in-person FOI day focuses on practical teaching skills and includes your skills evaluation, completed on the same day.

During this session, you will:

• Practice instructional techniques and facilitation skills

• Deliver short teaching segments with feedback

• Review Red Cross lesson flow and expectations

As part of the same day, you will complete a hands-on skills evaluation, demonstrating competency in:

• CPR & AED

• Choking management

• Bandaging and bleeding control

• Scenario-based care (First Aid or EMR level, depending on your intended instructor stream)

This confirms you are ready to move forward to the in-class instructor teachable.

🔜 What Happens Next?

Once you have successfully completed:

• the online FOI, and

• the in-person FOI + skills evaluation day,

you are eligible to register for one of the following instructor certification courses:

✅ First Aid & CPR Instructor (2-day in-class course)
✅ Professional Responder Instructor (2-day in-class course for FR, EMR, or BLS)

Our team will help you choose the correct instructor pathway and share upcoming dates. The next step may also be purchased separately through our website.

ℹ️ Important Notes

• FOI is mandatory unless a formal exemption has been approved by the Canadian Red Cross

• FOI exemptions are not automatic and require documented proof of equivalent instructional credentials

• Completion of FOI does not authorize you to teach on its own — an instructor teachable and monitoring are also required

💬 Questions?

Not sure which instructor pathway is right for you?
Email course@ruralrescuetraining.com — we’re happy to help.

👉 Register today and take the first step toward becoming a Canadian Red Cross Certified Instructor.