All Reno ICO Trip Leaders are required to complete a basic first aid class. Each trip leader must be trained and recertified every two years to continue as a trip leader.  ICO whitewater guides or those taking a wilderness first aid class will need to take an in-person first aid and CPR/AED class.)

There are several options for learning basic first aid which meets this requirement. 

• Sierra Club Sponsored Classes: We are grateful to the Sierra Club Great Basin Group in Reno for providing a first aid course specifically designed for Sierra Club leaders, including a focus on outdoor-related first aid. There are currently no courses announced (unless you have already signed up for the February 2026 course. Those signups closed earlier. When this class is offered again and if it is available to Reno ICO leaders, we will make that available through a Reno ICO newsletter.

• Red Cross Basic First Aid: There are several organizations that offer basic first aid classes that meet the Sierra Club/ICO trip leader requirement. The most prominent provider is the American Red Cross. Click here to find a class near you. 
  
  NOTE: If you are considering becoming a river guide or in taking a two-day Wilderness First Aid Class, or if you want to be better at helping injured people, it is recommended that you take a combined First Aid/CPR/AED in person class available at the same website.) 

At ICO, we don’t want affordability to be a barrier – If you would like to request a scholarship or have questions about which class to take, please contact ICO Chair Rob Schamberg at robschamberg@gmail.com.