First Aid, CPR & AED Certification
Basic first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), and automated external defibrillator (AED) training. Required or preferred by most oil and gas employers.
Quick Facts
$50 – $150
4–8 hours (1 day)
2 years
Classroom with hands-on practice (mannequin CPR, bandaging, splinting)
None
Who Needs This Certification
All field workers. While not always a hard requirement, First Aid/CPR certification is expected by most employers and is often included in job posting requirements. Essential for remote locations where emergency medical response may be delayed.
Where to Get Certified
- American Red Cross (redcross.org)
- American Heart Association (AHA)
- National Safety Council (NSC)
- TEEX and other oil field training centers (often bundled with SafeGulf/H2S)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is First Aid/CPR important for oil field workers?
Oil and gas operations often take place in remote locations — rural drilling sites, offshore platforms, pipeline rights-of-way — where emergency medical services may be 30 minutes to several hours away. In these situations, coworkers trained in first aid and CPR are the first line of medical response. Your training could mean the difference between life and death for an injured colleague.
Should I get standard or Wilderness First Aid?
Standard First Aid/CPR is sufficient for most oil field roles. However, if you work in very remote locations — remote Alaska operations, international sites in developing countries, or wilderness pipeline construction — Wilderness First Aid (WFA) or Wilderness First Responder (WFR) provides additional training for extended care scenarios where evacuation is delayed. Some remote operations specifically require WFA.
Can I take First Aid/CPR online?
Blended options are available where you complete the knowledge portion online and do a shorter in-person skills session. However, fully online First Aid/CPR is not accepted by most oil and gas employers because the hands-on skills practice (CPR on a mannequin, applying bandages, using an AED) is considered essential. Choose a course with an in-person skills component.