Minnesota's Most Experienced CPR & First Aid Training Team
Founded by a working EMT, taught by healthcare professionals, and trusted by organizations across Minnesota and the upper Midwest since 2018.
Built by Someone Who Has Been in the Field
First Aid MN was founded in 2018 by Mark Cornell — an Emergency Medical Technician with six years of ambulance experience, a DOT-certified instructor, and a Mental Health Resilience Officer with more than 20 years in emergency response and safety education.
Mark built First Aid MN around a simple conviction: that quality, accredited first aid and CPR training should be accessible to every organization in Minnesota — from a hospital system in Minneapolis to a school district in Duluth to a small business in Mankato.
Since 2018, First Aid MN has grown into one of the largest independent training providers in the region — more than 1,200 classes and 15,000 students trained every year, with instructors covering all of Minnesota, western Wisconsin, and the eastern Dakotas.
Mark Cornell
Founder & Director of Education
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) — 6 years ambulance service
- DOT-Certified Instructor
- Mental Health Resilience Officer (MHRO)
- American Red Cross Authorized Instructor
- 20+ years in emergency response & safety education
Mark brings a level of real-world clinical experience that most training providers simply don't have. As a former ambulance EMT, he has responded to the kinds of emergencies that CPR and first aid training is designed to prevent from becoming fatal — and that experience shapes how he teaches and how he develops every First Aid MN instructor.
Beyond technical credentials, Mark holds certification as a Mental Health Resilience Officer — a recognition that emergency response involves the whole person, not just physical technique. He oversees instructor development, curriculum quality, and client relationships across the organization.
A Team Built from the Healthcare Profession
Every First Aid MN instructor is a certified Red Cross or HSI instructor. But our team brings something most providers don't: professional backgrounds in emergency medicine, nursing, and clinical care.
Accredited Training. Recognized Certifications.
First Aid MN is an authorized training provider for both the American Red Cross and the Health & Safety Institute (HSI) — two of the most widely recognized certification bodies in the country.
Your certification is recognized everywhere
- Accepted by employers in healthcare, education, construction, and public safety
- Recognized by OSHA for workplace first aid compliance
- Valid for two years with a unique certificate ID and QR verification
- Accepted for Minnesota DHS childcare licensing requirements
- Meets Minnesota school district employment requirements
What Red Cross authorization actually means
- Direct authorization — not a franchise or sublicense
- Instructors trained, verified, and audited to Red Cross standards
- Certifications issued directly by the American Red Cross
- Curriculum updated to follow the latest AHA and ILCOR guidelines
- Digital certificates with QR code employer verification
Serving All of Minnesota and the Upper Midwest
Our home base is in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, where we offer open-enrollment classes year-round. Our instructor team also travels statewide and regionally for onsite group training — bringing all equipment directly to your location.
🏙️ Twin Cities Metro
Minneapolis, Saint Paul, St. Louis Park, and the surrounding suburbs. Open-enrollment classes and onsite group training.
View Twin Cities Training →🌲 Duluth & the Northland
Duluth, Superior, Cloquet, Hermantown, and surrounding Northland communities.
View Duluth Area Training →🌾 St. Cloud & Central MN
Saint Cloud, Sartell, Sauk Rapids, Waite Park, and Central Minnesota.
View St. Cloud Training →🌻 Mankato & South Central MN
Mankato, North Mankato, Saint Peter, Eagle Lake, and surrounding communities.
View Mankato Training →🗺️ Rochester & Southeast MN
Rochester and southeast Minnesota communities. Onsite group training available.
Check Availability →🌏 Wisconsin & the Dakotas
Eau Claire, Hudson, Fargo–Moorhead, Grand Forks, and Sioux Falls. Group training since 2018.
View Regional Training →Don't see your area? Our instructor team travels regularly throughout the region. Contact us to check availability →
Training for Every Role and Setting
Employers & HR Teams
Workplace safety compliance, OSHA first aid requirements, and employee certification for organizations of all sizes.
Healthcare Facilities
Hospitals, clinics, dental offices, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies.
Schools & Childcare
Teachers, school staff, daycare providers, and after-school programs. Meets Minnesota DHS Rule 2 & Rule 3 requirements.
Public Safety
Fire departments, law enforcement, security professionals, and community emergency response teams.
Nonprofits & Community Organizations
Churches, youth programs, community centers, and volunteer organizations.
Individuals & Families
Parents, babysitters, caregivers, and anyone who wants to be prepared to respond to an emergency.
Ready to Get Certified?
Whether you need a single class or organization-wide training for hundreds of employees, First Aid MN makes it straightforward.
