📘 Step 2: Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) — In-Person Course

Build the Teaching Skills You’ll Use as a Canadian Red Cross Instructor

Once you have completed the required online Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI) component and your skills evaluation, the next step in your instructor pathway is the in-person Fundamentals of Instruction course.

This two day course takes the concepts introduced online and brings them into the classroom through practical activities, discussion, facilitation and hands-on teaching practice.

FOI is a foundational component of the Canadian Red Cross Instructor Development pathway and prepares candidates to move forward into their specific instructor-level teachable.

🏫 What to Expect

In-Person Fundamentals of Instruction

2 full day | In person | Orangeville ON

This course focuses on developing the practical skills needed to confidently facilitate Canadian Red Cross programs.

Throughout the day, candidates will explore and practise:

• Adult learning principles
• Facilitation and instructional techniques
• Creating an engaging and inclusive learning environment
• Managing different learning styles and classroom dynamics
• Giving and receiving effective feedback
• Using lesson plans and instructional resources
• Delivering learner-centred training
• Canadian Red Cross instructional expectations and standards

This is an interactive course. Candidates should be prepared to participate in group activities, discussions and short teaching exercises throughout the day.

✅ Before Attending

Candidates must complete the required prerequisites for their instructor pathway before attending.

This generally includes:

• Online Fundamentals of Instruction (FOI)
• Required hands-on skills evaluation
• Any additional prerequisites required for your intended instructor discipline

If you are completing your pathway through Rural Rescue, our team can help confirm that your prerequisites are complete before your course date.

🔜 What Happens Next?

After successfully completing your Fundamentals of Instruction requirements, you can move forward to your discipline-specific instructor course.

Depending on your pathway, your next step may be:

✅ First Aid & CPR Instructor Course
2-day in-person instructor teachable

or

✅ Professional Responder Instructor Course
2-day in-person instructor teachable for First Responder, Emergency Medical Responder and/or Basic Life Support pathways

Following your instructor teachable, additional Canadian Red Cross certification requirements, including teaching experience/monitoring, must be completed before full instructor certification is issued.

👩🚒 Train With Rural Rescue

Rural Rescue is a Canadian Red Cross Instructor Development Centre.

Our instructor development team includes experienced first responders, firefighters, medics and Red Cross educators who understand what it takes to move from knowing a skill to confidently teaching it.

We focus on making instructor development:

• Practical
• Supportive
• Hands-on
• Relevant to real classrooms
• Focused on building confidence as an instructor

We’ll also help you understand each stage of the pathway so you know exactly what comes next.

ℹ️ Important Notes

• Fundamentals of Instruction is mandatory unless a formal exemption has been approved by the Canadian Red Cross
• An FOI exemption must meet current Canadian Red Cross requirements and is not automatic
• Completing FOI alone does not certify you to teach Red Cross courses
• Candidates must also complete the appropriate instructor teachable and remaining certification requirements for their chosen discipline
• Prerequisites may vary depending on whether you are pursuing First Aid & CPR, BLS, First Responder or EMR instructor certification

💬 Not Sure Where You Are in the Process?

Instructor pathways can feel a little confusing — especially if you already hold existing certifications or teaching credentials.

Email course@ruralrescuetraining.com and we can help you determine:

• What you have already completed
• What prerequisites you still require
• Which instructor pathway is right for you
• Which course you should register for next

👉 Register for your In-Person Fundamentals of Instruction course and continue your pathway toward becoming a Canadian Red Cross Certified Instructor.