To work at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), CPR training must be hands-on and issued by a recognized provider such as the American Red Cross (ARC), American Heart Association (AHA), or another ILCOR-aligned program. Free online-only courses or most fire department community classes don’t qualify. Our Red Cross certification is fully compliant and verifiable.
Why some CPR cards get rejected on military bases
- Hands-on skills are required. Military and federal worksites follow US Army Corps of Engineers rules (EM 385-1-1), which mandate a hands-on skills component. Online-only courses don’t qualify.
- Only certain issuers are accepted. EM 385-1-1 lists ARC, AHA, or ILCOR-aligned training as acceptable. Random online providers often fail this test.
- Two responders per shift required. Federal projects often require at least two workers with valid CPR/First Aid on each shift.
Do Fire Department CPR Classes Count?
Many fire departments in Washington offer free CPR sessions, but these are usually community awareness classes. They teach lifesaving skills but often don’t issue workplace-valid cards. As users have noted, “the free CPR classes offered by the Fire Department won’t give certifications that are acceptable for work.”
However, if a fire department partners with ARC or AHA and issues their cards, those certifications are valid at JBLM. Rule of thumb: check who issues the card. If it’s not ARC, AHA, or ILCOR-aligned, it won’t be accepted.
What JBLM and similar DoD worksites expect
- Current First Aid and CPR/AED (or BLS for clinical roles) from ARC, AHA, or ILCOR-aligned programs.
- In-person skills evaluation (classroom or blended learning with hands-on session).
- A certificate with clear issue and expiration dates.
- Verifiable records—digital IDs or certificates for safety checks.
Comparison: Which CPR courses count at JBLM?
| Provider Type | Hands-On Required? | Accepted at JBLM? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Red Cross | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Named in EM 385-1-1 |
| American Heart Assoc | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Equivalent to ARC |
| Fire Dept (free) | ❌ Often no | ❌ Usually no | Community-only; unless partnered with ARC/AHA |
| Online-only courses | ❌ No | ❌ Rejected | No skills check; non-recognized issuers |
How our Red Cross–based training clears the bar
- Recognized provider: ARC is explicitly listed in EM 385-1-1.
- Hands-on skills included: Every course includes in-person testing.
- Prompt support: We answer calls and emails quickly so you’re never left waiting.
- Flexible course options: OSHA-aligned First Aid/CPR/AED and BLS for healthcare/public safety.
- Team compliance support: Expiration tracking, and renewal reminders.
Real-world acceptance
- Federal & DoD sites accept ARC and AHA certifications; online-only cards are rejected.
- Military medical jobs (e.g., at Madigan Army Medical Center) require ARC or AHA BLS.
- USACE/NAVFAC contractors routinely rely on ARC/AHA to meet EM 385-1-1.
Risks of cheaper or community-only options
- ❌ No hands-on = not compliant.
- ❌ Non-recognized issuers. Rejected at JBLM gates or audits.
- ❌ Costly re-training. Work delays and lost productivity.
FAQs
Only if the fire department issues a Red Cross, AHA, or ILCOR-aligned card. Free awareness classes don’t qualify.
No. Online-only CPR courses without hands-on skills checks are not accepted at JBLM or DoD sites.
American Red Cross, American Heart Association, or ILCOR-aligned programs that include a hands-on component.
What to ask before you book training
- Who issues the card? Must be ARC, AHA, or ILCOR-aligned.
- Is there a hands-on skills session? Required by EM 385-1-1.
- Is the card verifiable with dates? Needed for site checks.
- Does the provider manage team rosters/renewals? Helps with compliance.
Work at JBLM? Here’s how we help
- Training is available On-site or in-house with in-person skills testing.
- Advanced training pathways (BLS/BBP) for teams who need it.
Bottom line
For JBLM or any federal/military site, you need training that is hands-on and issued by a recognized provider. ICM’s Red Cross certified CPR training can get your team on base. Contact us today to schedule an ARC-certified, hands-on session and clear the gate with confidence.
