First Aid Courses

We offer our students relevant training that teaches not only life saving skills but also a means to obtain or continue employment as a first aid attendant.

To register for a course simply check the Course Calender and Contact us to register for the course you are interested in. Please be aware we schedule our courses up to 4 or more months in advance.

Canadian Red Cross Courses

First Responder

Audience

Professionals in fire service, rescue team, workplace response team, sports-medicine professionals, lifeguards, and ski patrol.

Duration

40 hours

Completion Requirements

• Successfully demonstrate the required skills
• Minimum 75% mark for written, closed book,
knowledge evaluation
• Successfully complete minimum of one practical scenario
• Attend and participate in 100% of the course

Certification

3-year certification in First Responder
(digital certificate issued upon successful completion)

Recertification

20 hours

Course Content

• The Professional Responder
• Responding to the call
• Infection prevention and control
• Anatomy and physiology
• Assessment
• Airway management and respiratory emergencies
• Circulatory emergencies
• Shock
• Hemorrhage and soft tissue trauma
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Chest, abdominal and pelvic injuries
• Head and spinal injuries
• Acute and chronic illnesses
• Poisoning
• Environmental illnesses
• Pregnancy, labour, and delivery
• Special populations
• Crisis intervention
• Reaching, lifting and extricating patients
• Multiple-casualty incidents

Includes any other content required by
specific legislation

Participant Materials

• Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders Reference Text
• Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders Workbook (optional)

Emergency Medical Responder

 Audience 

Professionals in emergency medical care who may be responsible for initial assessments, the provision of safe and prudent care, and the transport of a patient to the most appropriate healthcare facility.

Duration

80-120 hours (based on jurisdiction)

Prerequisites

Participant must be certified in Standard First Aid with CPR level C.

Completion Requirements

• Successfully demonstrate the required skills
• Minimum 75% mark for written, closed book, knowledge evaluation
• Successfully complete two evaluated scenarios (one medical and one trauma)
• Attend and participate in 100% of the course

Certification

3-year certification in Emergency Medical Responder (digital certificate issued upon successful completion)

Recertification

40 hours

Course Content

• The Professional Responder
• Responding to the call
• Infection prevention and control
• Anatomy and physiology
• Assessment
• Airway management and respiratory emergencies
• Circulatory emergencies
• Shock
• Hemorrhage and soft tissue trauma
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Chest, abdominal and pelvic injuries
• Head and spinal injuries
• Acute and chronic illnesses
• Poisoning
• Environmental illnesses
• Pregnancy, labour, and delivery
• Special populations
• Crisis intervention
• Reaching, lifting and extricating patients
• Transportation
• Multiple-casualty incidents
• Pharmacology
• Marine environment
• Workplace

Includes any other content required by specific legislation

Participant Materials

• Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders Reference Text
• Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders Workbook (optional)

 

Basic Life Support

Audience

In-facility care providers, including nursing staff, care aides, medical and dental professionals. Pre-hospital care providers, which may include professionals in fire service, rescue team, sports-medicine, lifeguards and ski patrol.

Duration

• Stand-alone course – 4 hours
• With Airway Management – 5 hours
• With Oxygen Therapy – 5 hours
• With Airway Management and Oxygen Therapy – 6 hours

Completion Requirements

• Successfully demonstrate all course skill competencies
• Minimum 75% mark for written, closed book, knowledge evaluation
• Attend and participate in 100% of the course

Certification

1-year certification in Basic Life Support
(digital certificate issued upon successful completion)

Recertification

2 hours

Course Content

• Glove removal
• Primary Assessment
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and
Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Airway Obstruction
• Assisted Ventilation
• Basic Life Support special considerations

Participant Materials

• Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support Field Guide

—

View/Download the Basic Life Support manual in PDF format.

 

CPR & AED

Duration

CPR A: 4 hours in-class OR 2 hours in-class + 3 hours online learning*
CPR C: 5 hours in-class OR 3 hours in-class + 3 hours online learning*

Instructor

CPR Instructor or First Aid Instructor

Completion Requirements

• Successfully demonstrate skills and critical steps
• Min. 75% mark for written knowledge evaluation
• Attend and participate in 100% of the course

Certification

3-year certification in CPR Level A or C

Recertification

Recertification of CPR A is not available. Recertification for CPR C is 3.5 hours teaching time in-class OR 2 hours online learning + 2.5 hours in-class for Blended CPR.

Course Content

Level A

• The Red Cross
• Responding to Emergencies
• Check, Call, Care
• Recovery position
• Choking – adult
• Assisting with medications
• Angina and heart attack
• Stroke
• CPR and AED– adult
• Deadly bleeding

Level C

• Level A content
• Choking – child and baby
• CPR and AED – child and baby

Includes any other content required by specific legislation

Participant Materials

• CPR (print and/or eBook)
• Comprehensive Guide to First Aid & CPR (eBook)
• CPR – Online (Blended only)
• CPR certificate (digital certificate issued upon successful completion)

—

View/Download the CPR manual in PDF format.

Emergency First Aid

Duration

CPR A: 6.5 hours in-class OR 3.5 hours in-class + 4 hours online learning**
CPR C: 7.5 hours in-class OR 4.5 hours in-class + 4 hours online learning**

Instructor

First Aid Instructor

Completion Requirements

• Successfully demonstrate skills and critical steps
• Min. 75% mark for written knowledge evaluation
• Attend and participate in 100% of the course

Certification

3-year certification in Emergency First Aid and CPR Level A or C

Recertification

CPR A: 4 hours in-class OR 3 hours in-class + 4 hours online learning**
CPR C: 5 hours in-class OR 4 hours in-class + 4 hours online learning**

*Recertification not available in all jurisdictions.
**Online learning time will vary depending on the learner.

Course Content

• The Red Cross
• Preparing to respond
• The EMS system
• Check, Call, Care
• Airway emergencies
• Breathing and Circulation emergencies
• First aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest
• Wound care

Participant Materials

• First Aid & CPR (print and/or eBook)
• Comprehensive Guide to First Aid & CPR (eBook)
• Emergency First Aid – Online (Blended only)
• Emergency First Aid certificate (digital certificate issued upon successful completion)

Standard First Aid

Duration

CPR A: 13 hours in-class OR 5.5 hours in-class + 8 hours online learning*
CPR C: 14 hours in-class OR hours in-class + 8 hours online learning*

Instructor

First Aid Instructor

Completion Requirements

• Successfully demonstrate skills and critical steps
• Min. 75% mark for written knowledge evaluation
• Attend and participate in 100% of the course

Certification

3-year certification in Standard First Aid and CPR Level A or C

Recertification

CPR A: 6.5 hours in-class OR 3 hours in-class + 4 hours online learning*
CPR C: 7.5 hours in-class OR 4 hours in-class + 4 hours online learning*

*On-line learning time will vary depending on the learner.

Course Content

• The Red Cross
• Preparing to respond
• The EMS system
• Check, Call, Care
• Airway emergencies
• Breathing and Circulation emergencies
• First aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest
• Wound care
• Head, neck and spinal injuries
• Bone, muscle and joint injuries
• Sudden Medical Emergencies
• Environmental Illnesses
• Poisons

Includes any other content required by specific legislation

Participant Material

• First Aid & CPR (print and/or eBook)
• Comprehensive Guide to First Aid & CPR (eBook)
• Standard First Aid – Online
• Standard First Aid certificate (digital certificate issued upon successful completion)

—

View/Download the First Aid & CPR manual in PDF format.

Psychological First Aid

Audience 

The course is adaptable to all audiences (Youth, Workplace, Professional Responder)

Duration

12 hours in-class OR 45-90 minutes online learning and 7 hours in-class

Instructor

Psychological First Aid Instructor

Prerequisite

• 16 years of age (recommended)
• Psychological First Aid – Self-Care online course (required for blended option only)

Completion 

• Successfully participate in 100% of the in-class course
• Successfully complete the online course: Psychological First Aid – Self-Care (required for blended option only)

Certification

3-year certification in Psychological First Aid

Course Content

Case-based learning and discussion will be tailored to the audience and include the following content:
• Introduction to Red Cross
• Case Studies
• Psychological First Aid
• Operational Principles
• Stress, Distress
• Loss and Grief
• Trauma
• Indicators
• Vulnerable Populations
• Supportive Communication
• Look, Listen, Link, Live
• Resiliency and Protective Factors
• Protection
• Policies, Legislation
• Self-Care

Participant Materials

• Psychological First Aid Workbook (print)
• Look, Listen, Link, Live cards
• Psychological First Aid–Self-Care online course (required for blended option)
• Psychological First Aid–Caring for Others online course (optional)

Emergency Child Care First Aid

Duration

Minimum 8 hours in-class

Instructor

First Aid Instructor

Completion Requirements

• Successfully demonstrate skills and critical steps
• Min. 75% mark for written knowledge evaluation
• Attend and participate in 100% of the course

Certification

3-year certification in Emergency Child Care First Aid

Recertification

6 hours in-class*
*Check local legislation to determine certification level, maintenance, and recertification requirements.

Course Content

• The Red Cross
• Responding to Emergencies
• The EMS system
• Check, Call, Care
• Airway emergencies
• Breathing and Circulation emergencies – Child and baby
• First aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest – Child and baby
• Wound care
• Head, Neck and Spinal Injuries
• Bone, Muscle, and Joint Injuries
• Sudden Medical Emergencies
• Environmental Illness
• Poisons
• Caring for Children

Includes any other content required by specific legislation

Take-Home Materials

• Child Care First Aid (print and/or eBook)
• Comprehensive Guide to First Aid & CPR (eBook)
• Emergency Child Care First Aid certificate (digital certificate issued upon successful completion)

—

View/Download the Emergency Child Care First Aid manual in PDF format.

 

Marine Basic First Aid

Duration

16 hours

Instructor

First Aid Instructor

Prerequisite

None.

A student does not require a CDN in order to participate in a MBFA course

Completion Requirements

• Successfully demonstrate skills and critical steps
• Min. 75% mark for written knowledge evaluation
• Attend and participate in 100% of the course

Certification

3-year certification in Marine Basic First Aid and CPR/AED Level A

Recertification

Recertification of Marine First Aid is not permitted under federal regulations.

Course Content

• The Red Cross
• Responding to Emergencies
• The EMS system
• Check, Call, Care
• Airway emergencies
• Breathing and Circulation emergencies
• First aid for respiratory and cardiac arrest – adult
• Wound care
• Head and spine injuries
• Bone, muscle and joint injuries
• Sudden Medical Emergencies
• Environmental Illnessess
• Poisons

Participant Materials

• First Aid & CPR (print and/or eBook)
• Comprehensive Guide to First Aid & CPR (eBook)
• Marine Basic First Aid certificate (digital certificate issued upon successful completion)
• Transport Canada certification issued directly by CRC

Marine Advanced First Aid

Audience

Any person designated to provide first aid on board a vessel engaged on a near-coastal voyage, class 1, or unlimited voyage. Participants who want to obtain a master or officer certificate or endorsement.

Duration

31 hours 

Prerequisite

None

Completion Requirements

• Successfully demonstrate the course skills competencies
• Minimum 75% mark for written, closed book,
knowledge evaluation
• Successfully complete two evaluated scenarios
(one medical and one trauma)
• Attend and participate in 100% of the course

Certification

3-year Red Cross certification in Marine Advanced First Aid and a Transport Canada certification. Certificates are issued by Red Cross upon successful completion.

Recertification

Recertification of Marine First Aid is not permitted by Transport Canada TP 13008E

Course Content

• The Professional Responder
• Responding to the call
• Infection prevention and control
• Anatomy and physiology
• Assessment
• Airway management and respiratory emergencies
• Circulatory emergencies
• Shock
• Hemorrhage and soft tissue trauma
• Musculoskeletal injuries
• Chest, abdominal and pelvic injuries
• Head and spinal injuries
• Acute and chronic illnesses
• Poisoning
• Environmental illnesses
• Pregnancy, labour and delivery
• Special populations
• Crisis intervention
• Reaching, lifting and extricating patients
• Multiple-casualty incidents
• Pharmacology
• Marine environment
• Workplace

Participant Materials

• Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders Reference Text
• Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders Workbook (optional)

Babysitting

Duration 

7-8 hrs

Prerequisite

Minimum 11 years of age (or completion of Grade 5)

Instructor 

Red Cross Youth Leader

Course Content

• How to be responsible and demonstrate leadership
• How to make good decisions and manage difficult behaviours
• Information on children’s developmental stages, and specific strategies for each stage
• How to feed, diaper, dress, and play with children and babies
• How to recognize and prevent unsafe situations, make safe choices and promote safe behaviours
• First aid skills
• The business of babysitting

Participant Materials

Babysitter’s Manual
Completion certificate

Emergency Medical Responder

Emergency Medical Responder

The Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) course is an entry-level Paramedic course that will prepare individuals for employment in a variety of pre-hospital, industrial and first responder settings. The EMR course is designed to provide participants with the basic knowledge and skills to be able to manage any medical and trauma related emergency.

Students from this course have had great success with  going on to take their Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) course and full-time employment with the BC Ambulance Service. Many have gone on to working in the gas and oil Industry in Northern BC and Alberta. Come join in on your success!

This course has been designed to meet or exceed the National Occupational Competency Profiles (NOCP) for Emergency Medical Responder, as developed by the Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC).

The EMR course also meets the requirements as a prerequisite for the Emergency Medical Assistant Licensing Board (EMALB) licensing practical and written exams in BC. Once licensed by EMA Licensing, the EMR license issued by EMA Licensing is valid for a period of five year provided that the Continuing Medical Education (CME) and required patient contacts are maintained throughout the license period.

To prepare students for the licensing exams, we use final exam scenarios that were written by a former licensing examiner for EMA Licensing here in BC.

The EMR course is 16 days in length inclusive of certification evaluations. The full-time course is delivered Monday through Friday over a three week period plus an OFA 3 exam day on the Saturday following the second Friday of the course.

Students are accepted for enrollment by meeting the course prerequisites. Maximum enrollment is 18 participants per class.

Instructors in the EMR course are experienced educators in pre-hospital training.

Prerequisites

Admission requirements for the Full EMR (15 days) course are:

  • Minimum 16 years of age
  • WorkSafe BC Statement of Fitness (this is done during the course)
  • The Red Cross CPR Level C and AED Course

Admission requirements for the EMR Bridging (5 days) course are:

  • Minimum 16 yars of age
  • Current OFA Level 3 certification
  • WorkSafe BC Statement of Fitness (this is done during the course)
  • The Red Cross CPR Level C and AED Course

Course Material

Pre-reading of course material is required.

Once the applicant has completed the registration process including payment in full, he/she is eligible to receive the course material. Students may arrange to pick up the course material directly from Baird’s First Aid Services or we can courier the materials out at an additional cost.

Course Goals

The EMR course is an entry-level training course that provides the skills and knowledge required to practice as an Emergency Medical Responder. At the end of the EMR course you will be able to:

  • Perform a standardized patient assessment
  • Conduct a scene assessment
  • Assess and manage life-threatening traumatic emergencies
  • Assess and manage life-threatening medical emergencies
  • Assess patient vital signs
  • Monitor patient blood pressure and pulse oximetry
  • Conduct a secondary assessment consisting of a physical examination, medical history, and vital signs
  • Conduct chest auscultation
  • Administer CPR according to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
  • Perform basic wound and fracture management including the application of a Sager Splint
  • Maintain airways and ventilation using Pocket Mask and Bag-Valve-Mask devices
  • Meet all Occupational First Aid Level III requirements
  • Conduct lifting, loading, extrication, and transportation of patients
  • Perform spinal immobilization and cervical immobilization
  • Perform emergency childbirth
  • Perform oropharyngeal airway suctioning
  • Perform oxygen administration
  • Perform Automated External Defibrillation (AED)
  • Maintain intravenous lines
  • Administer the following oral, sublingual, or inhaled medications:
    • Nitroglycerin
    • Glucogel
    • Nitrous Oxide (Entonox)

Evaluation and Certification

The course has a series of formal evaluation requirements including written exams, skill stations, and simulations. Successful graduates will receive Emergency Medical Responder Certification. This certificate is valid for 3 years.

EMR Licensing in BC

To practice as a licensed Emergency Medical Responder in British Columbia, students must also complete a formal evaluation conducted by the Emergency Medical Assistant (EMA) Licensing Branch. For further information on EMR licensure please contact the EMA Licensing Branch at 250-952-1211 or visit their website at www.healthservices.gov.bc.ca/ema/ 

*Please note, Any fees levied by EMA Licensing are not included in our course fees

Employment Opportunities

  • Fire Services and other First Responder organizations
  • Entry level ambulance service
  • Industrial settings as a designated first-aid attendant

WCB Occupational First Aid Courses

Basic First Aid (OFA Level 1)

Our 1-day Basic First Aid course provides essential hands-on training for managing workplace emergencies, including cardiac arrest, choking, bleeding, and injuries. This WorkSafeBC-certified course equips you with the skills needed to respond effectively and confidently in emergency situations, leading to Basic certification for 3 years.

Prerequisite: 16 years of age

—

View/Download the Basic First Aid manual in PDF format.

Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2)

This Intermediate First Aid course for industry replaces the WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 2 program, aligning with updated safety standards for workplace first aid.

Become An Intermediate First Aid Attendant

Our Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2) two day course provides comprehensive first aid training for those working in industries where emergency response skills are essential. This WorkSafeBC-approved course is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to manage medical emergencies in the workplace, including the assessment of injuries and providing critical interventions.

This course replaces the former Occupational First Aid Level 2 (OFA 2) program and now aligns with the CSA standards, ensuring you receive up-to-date training in line with current regulations. Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical training, ensuring they are prepared for real-world emergencies.

Prerequisite: 16 years of age

—

View/Download the Intermediate First Aid manual in PDF format.

Advanced First Aid (OFA Level 3)

This Advanced First Aid course replaces the WorkSafeBC OFA Level 3 program, aligning with updated safety standards for workplace first aid in high-risk environments.

Become an Advanced First Aid Attendant (OFA Level 3)

Our Advanced First Aid (OFA Level 3) 70 hour course is designed for Level 3 First Aid Attendants working at larger worksites or remote worksites that are more than 20 minutes from medical aid. This WorkSafeBC-approved course provides advanced training in managing serious workplace injuries such as falls, cardiac emergencies, shock, and severe bleeding. You’ll also learn critical patient transport skills, including hard collar application and how to package patients for safe transportation.

This course has been updated to align with the new CSA standards, ensuring that your training meets the latest WorkSafeBC regulations for occupational health and safety. Participants will receive both theoretical instruction and hands-on practical training, preparing them for real-world emergency scenarios in high-risk environments.

Prerequisite: 16 years of age

—

View/Download the Advanced First Aid manual in PDF format.

Transportation Endorsement

A one day/ 8 hour add-on course for Basic and intermediate attendants.

This course covers hard collar application and securing (immobilizing) a patient on the spine board in preparation for transport.

Prerequisite is a valid OFA Level 1 or 2 certificate. Valid for 3 years or until the expiry of the OFA Level 1 or 2 certificate. Certificates are issued at the end of the course upon successful completion.

**NB. if you are interested in a WorkSafeBC Transportation Endorsement course, please let us know. We do not necessarily show all our classes on our schedule. Courses can be organized when we have 5 – 6 people.

—

View/Download the Transportation Endorsement manual in PDF format.

Out-of-Jurisdiction (Formerly ‘Paramedic In Industry’)
Worksafe BC recognizes the skills and knowledge of First Responders, Emergency Medical Responders, and Paramedics through the Out-of-Jurisdiction certification program.  This program grants EMALB license holders an equivalent Occupational First Aid (OFA) certificate with no additional training needed.

—

View/Download the Out-of-Jurisdiction manual in PDF format.

 

Instructor Courses

WorkSafeBC Basic & Transportation Endorsement Instructor

This course will include:

  • WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 1 Instructor Guide with overheads and resource material
  • WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Transportation Endorsement Instructor Guide with overheads and resource material

Course goals

  • Apply adult learning theory in the development of lessons plans
  • Facilitate training sessions (both theory and practical applications)
  • Develop classroom management and instructional techniques
  • Learn evaluation techniques utilizing provided assessment tools
  • Practice demonstrating first aid skills and delivering presentations

Course Outcome

Upon successful completion of this program there will be a period of mentoring required to evaluate your training has satisfied the minimum requirements of the WorkSafe standard. Once this practicum is completed you will hold certification as a WorkSafeBC

Occupational First Aid Level 1 and Transportation Endorsement Instructor. This certification will be valid for a period of 3 years (subject to meeting WorkSafeBC’s annual requirements).

Course Requirements

  • Must be at least 19 years of age.
  • Hold a valid Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 3 certificate
  • Prior instructional experience (not necessarily first aid related)
Canadian Red Cross First Aid & CPR Instructor

Click here to learn the 5 step development pathway to become a Canadian Red Cross First Aid & CPR Instructor. Contact Us to learn more!