Red Cross boosts teens' summer job prospects in Tulsa Area

As teens begin the search for summer work, the American Red Cross is encouraging young job seekers to stand out by adding lifesaving skills to their résumés. From CPR to lifeguarding, Red Cross certification courses can give teens the edge they need — and may even help save lives.

Certifications That Can Make a Difference

The Red Cross offers a range of courses that train more than 5 million people annually in critical lifesaving skills. Teens can earn certifications in first aid, CPR, AED usage, lifeguarding and more — many of which are required or preferred for jobs such as babysitting, camp counseling or working at pools.

'Every second counts in an emergency, so people need to know what to do until medical help arrives,' said Megan Haddock, regional CEO of the Red Cross serving Kansas and Oklahoma and Executive Director of the Tulsa Area Chapter.

CPR and AED: Skills That Save Lives

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can double or even triple the chances of survival during cardiac arrest, when the heart suddenly stops or fails to pump blood effectively. The Red Cross also trains people to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), a critical tool when minutes matter.

Courses are designed with expert guidance and meet OSHA and other workplace requirements — meaning they’re not only useful, but often necessary for employment.

Lifeguard Training and Babysitting Certifications

The Red Cross’s r.24 Lifeguarding program prepares students to prevent and respond to aquatic emergencies using a hands-on curriculum aligned with the latest safety science. Lifeguarding students must be at least 15 years old and pass a swimming skills test to qualify.

The organization also leads the way in babysitting and child care training. In fact, 8 in 10 parents say they would pay more for a babysitter who holds Red Cross babysitting certification — a major boost for teens looking for flexible summer work.

Be Ready for the Unexpected

Lifesaving skills aren’t just for jobs — they’re vital tools at home and in the community. According to the Red Cross, fewer than 10% of people survive cardiac arrest outside of a hospital, but bystanders trained in CPR can make the difference between life and death.

'The Red Cross encourages everyone to learn first aid, CPR and how to use an AED, so they’ll have the knowledge and confidence to act in an emergency,' Haddock said.

How to Enroll

Red Cross training is available in person, online or in hybrid formats. To explore local class offerings, visit redcross.org/takeaclass.