Shepherd Training Group
Shepherd TrainingGroup
Frequently Asked Questions

Questions Answered.

Everything you need to know before you show up. If your question isn't here, reach out directly.

About the Training

What is the Responder Training Pathway?

The Responder Training Pathway is a progressive three-level trauma training program — R1 (Foundation), R2 (Application), and R3 (Scenarios). Each course builds on the last, moving from foundational skills to advanced application under realistic stress conditions. The goal is to turn willing civilians into capable first responders for mass-casualty and trauma events.

Do I need a medical background to attend?

No. Our courses are designed specifically for civilians with no prior medical training. You need willingness to show up, pay attention, and do the reps. That's it. The curriculum is built around simplicity and retention under pressure — not medical theory.

How long are the courses?

R1 (Responder 1) is a single-day course. R2 (Responder 2) is also a single-day advanced course. R3 (Responder 3) is a two-day scenarios-based course for students who have completed both R1 and R2. Exact times are communicated after registration.

Where are classes held?

All public classes are held in Cross, South Carolina. The exact address is provided after registration and payment confirmation. Private group courses can be brought to your location — contact us to arrange.
Registration & Scheduling

How do I register for a class?

Head to the Classes page to see upcoming dates and register online. Seats are limited and are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis upon payment.

What is the cancellation and refund policy?

Cancellations made more than 7 days before the class date are eligible for a full refund or transfer to a future class. Cancellations within 7 days are non-refundable but may be transferred to a future date at our discretion. No-shows forfeit their registration. Contact us if you have extenuating circumstances.

Can I bring a group or schedule a private course?

Yes. We offer private group training for churches, security teams, families, and organizations. Contact us with your group size and location and we will coordinate a dedicated training day.

What level should I start at?

Most new students start at R1 (Responder 1) — no prerequisites required. R2 requires completion of R1. R3 requires completion of both R1 and R2. If you have prior formal trauma or TCCC training, contact us and we can discuss the best entry point for your background.
Payment

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept all major credit and debit cards through our secure Stripe checkout. We also accept pre-1965 US silver coins (junk silver) as payment with a 10% discount — see below for details.

🥈Do you accept silver coins as payment?

Yes. We accept pre-1965 US silver coins — commonly called “junk silver” — as payment for any course, with a 10% discount applied to the course price.

Which coins qualify?
  • Pre-1965 US dimes (90% silver, 0.0723 troy oz each)
  • Pre-1965 US quarters (90% silver, 0.1808 troy oz each)
  • Pre-1965 US half dollars (90% silver, 0.3617 troy oz each)
  • 1965–1970 Kennedy half dollars (40% silver) — contact us first
How valuation works

Pre-1965 US coin silver is valued at the standard rate of 0.715 troy ounces of silver per $1 of face value. This accounts for typical coin wear over time. The spot price used is the current XAG/USD rate at the time of payment. We use the Silver Payment Calculator on the Training page to determine the exact face value required.

Example

If silver spot is $30/oz and you're registering for R1 ($299): your discounted price is $269.10. At $30/oz, each $1 of face value is worth 0.715 × $30 = $21.45. You would need approximately $12.55 face value — about 50 pre-'65 quarters, 125 dimes, or 25 half dollars.

How to arrange silver payment

Silver payment is arranged directly — not processed through the online checkout. Contact us before the class to confirm your registration, agree on the face value required based on current spot, and coordinate delivery of the coins (at the class or by prior arrangement).

Open the Silver Calculator →
What to Expect

What should I bring to class?

Wear comfortable clothes you can move in. Bring water, a snack or lunch, and any personal medications. Your training kit (CAT Gen 7 tourniquet, pressure bandage, gauze, NPA, chest seals) is provided and included in your registration — you take it home at the end of the day.

What is the physical requirement for these courses?

Our courses are designed to be accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. R1 and R2 involve some kneeling, bending, and working at ground level to apply skills on training partners. R3 may include more demanding movement during scenario evolutions. No running or heavy physical exertion is required. If you have a physical limitation, contact us before registering and we will make reasonable accommodations.

Is a certificate issued?

Yes. All students who complete R1 receive an official Stop the Bleed (STB) certificate issued through our Refuge Medical partnership. Completion certificates are issued for R2 and R3 as well.

Do I keep the training kit?

Yes. The full training kit is yours to keep at the end of class. We believe the only way to build retention is to keep doing reps — taking the kit home means you can keep training and share what you learned with your family, church, or team.
Still Have Questions?

We'll get you sorted.

Send us a message and we'll reply within 1–2 business days.

Send a MessageView Upcoming Classes