Adult, Child, Infant CPR and AED & Adult First Aid

The American Direct Support Safety Standards is a nationally recognized CPR and First Aid certification created specifically for direct support professionals, family caregivers, and other professionals who support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, people with physical disabilities, and aging adults.

Developed in partnership with the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD), this specialized training goes beyond standard CPR and First Aid by addressing the real-world health and safety risks commonly faced in disability and aging support settings.

Through 52 concise, practical lessons, learners will build the knowledge and confidence to recognize emergencies, respond quickly, and provide safer daily support. Topics include identifying an individual’s baseline, understanding loneliness and prevention strategies, recognizing the “Fatal 5” conditions, preventing falls and skin breakdown, addressing dental concerns, and applying legal and safety fundamentals such as consent, Good Samaritan protections, standard precautions, PPE, and bloodborne pathogen awareness.

The course also provides step-by-step instruction in adult, child, and infant CPR, AED use, choking response, recovery position, naloxone administration, and essential first aid skills for a wide range of medical emergencies and injuries. From stroke, shock, seizures, and diabetes to burns, bites, poisons, environmental emergencies, wandering, and everyday safety habits, this course equips direct support professionals with targeted, life-saving skills for the populations they serve.