ASHI and MEDIC First Aid Blog

One of the great business aspects of being a CPR Instructor is that you aren’t necessarily bound by a specific classroom or training facility. HSI’s emergency care training programs are designed to be used on the go, allowing instructors to provide CPR, AED and First Aid training wherever their business might take them.

For example, many HSI Instructors teach on-site at their client’s location. Some bounce around their community renting local rooms as needed, while others offer private training in their student’s home.

If you’re a mobile CPR Instructor, these teaching tips are for you!

Add these items to your mobile CPR business checklist

Mobile CPR Instructors must be flexible and adapt to their environment on the spot. But you can help things run smoother by considering these important business decisions before you’re on the move.

• Decide how you’ll take payment for your mobile CPR classes. Since you’re traveling (sometimes great distances), it’s important to clearly communicate your payment policy from the first interaction. Your clients should understand when payment is due and how payment can be made (e.g. cash, invoice, PayPal, etc.).

• Choose travel-friendly CPR manikins. There are many CPR manikins on the market, but mobile CPR Instructors can benefit from choosing portable manikins that make traveling easier. For example, the Prestan Ultralite Manikin is a travel-friendly favorite due to its stackable torso and head.

• Discuss certification delivery ahead of time. Each client should understand how their CPR certification will be delivered. Will you be completing physical certifications at the location? Will they receive a digital certification within 24 to 48 hours? Communicate your policy clearly before traveling, and then remind your clients once you’re on site.

• Explore ways to market yourself as a mobile CPR Instructor. Businesses need on-site emergency care training. Parents and caregivers need convenient training solutions. If your training services are mobile, make sure the public knows it by including it in all your marketing materials. If mobile training is your bread and butter, think about how you can include this description in your business name or tagline.

In all likelihood, you’re going to run into hiccups as a mobile CPR Instructor. But spending time on the business details ahead of time will save you time and energy on the back end.

Set your mobile CPR classes up for success

Setting your CPR students up for success starts with setting yourself up first.

Show up early to get everything prepared. This gives you the opportunity to address any technology issues or classroom limitations, such as awkward spacing. It also provides a cushion of time in case there are problems accessing the room or facility.

Here are some tips to keep in mind once you’re on-site:

• Consider the space and then set up the classroom accordingly. Is there space for each student to have their own manikin? Would students be better served by having all manikins at the front of the room in a designated practice area? Where can students see the presentation best?

• Double (and triple) check your equipment is working correctly. Make sure your laptop and audiovisual equipment are powered up and ready to move through the PowerPoint presentation smoothly. Check the volume and lighting before students arrive and adjust accordingly.

• Prepare for internet connectivity issues by using the new HSI Video Player Web App. The new Video Player will work with G2015 and G2020 programs and allows instructors to install saved or new HSI program playlists to use later when there is no internet connectivity. This tool is available to all HSI approved Training Centers and authorized Instructors. For more information log in to Otis, go to the left-side navigation bar and select “Video Player”, then click on FAQs/About in the upper right corner of your screen.

• Carry a checklist of tasks and items to use on-site. There are a lot of variables when you aren’t teaching in your own space, so you might become flustered or pressed for time. Use the checklist to ensure nothing is missed.

• Bring extra materials. This includes backup teaching materials, student workbooks and technology items (e.g. power strip, HDMI cable, extra flash drive with PowerPoint). Consider creating a “backup bag” that already has extras ready to go for each class. Then replenish items as they are used.

• Use this opportunity to leave behind marketing flyers (ask permission ahead of time) and request students leave a review on your business page. Word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools, so use it to your advantage.

 Are you a mobile CPR Instructor? Share any additional teaching tips in the comments for your fellow instructors!