Write an article based on this summary:

Review your existing skills. Take an online orientation. Train in-person. Get help when you need it.
If you’re volunteering in a field that’s already a specialty of yours, you may want to refresh yourself so you’re in top shape to serve the organization. So do a review! Practice swimming or first aid, or review old textbooks to make sure you know the basics of your subject.  If you’re teaching, try a practice lesson on friends or family members.  Check your existing certifications. Many first-aid certificates expire after a few years, so you may need to renew. In some cases, before you do in-person training, you can study up on your chosen volunteer post with a course on the Red Cross’s website. After you receive your volunteer placement, Google it to see if the Red Cross offers any resources online.  Make sure you understand everything you learned in the orientation--if it helps, you can quiz yourself with the "knowledge check" at the end of certain sections. Review any area that you are unsure about. Bookmark the orientation when you’re finished. It might be helpful later. Your local chapter will let you know what kind of learning opportunities are required, and which are optional but accessible. Most offices will be able to train you in first aid and local disaster relief, which entails responses to things like house fires and accidents.  You may also have the option to get trained in national disaster relief, which involves larger-scale events like hurricanes and floods. For in-person training, be professional: arrive promptly, pay attention, and stay the whole time. Think about other training you’re interested in doing, even if they don’t directly pertain to your post. A well-rounded volunteer is a good volunteer. Never be afraid to get in touch with the volunteer coordinator. After all, it’s their job to make sure that all volunteers are equipped to serve the Red Cross to the best of their ability. Reach out to them if you have questions about your duties, schedule, or the structure of the organization. They’re there to help.  If you need to cancel a shift, let the coordinator know by calling as soon as possible and saying something like "Hi, it's Ruby, I won't be able to make my normal swimming class on Tuesday due to illness. Please let me know if I can help with finding a sub." If you're feeling a little overwhelmed and want to know ways to be more effective, you can say "I've appreciated the First Aid trainings I've done with the Red Cross, but I want to learn more about how to stay mentally calm and collected during an emergency. Do you know of any books or courses that might help?"