First Aid Courses in Vancouver

First aid courses are designed to teach participants about proper techniques for providing basic care of individuals injured or suddenly taken ill, such as CPR, administering an Automated External Defibrillator, spine immobilization, bandaging and splinting. Depending on the course, first aid training can provide a range of qualifications such as Occupational First Aid Level 1, Occupational First Aid Level 2, Occupational First Aid Level 3, Emergency First Aid, Standard First Aid, or simply CPR & AED.

First aid courses are essential for anyone who wants to be prepared for an emergency. Here are some reasons why:

1. Save Lives: Knowing how to perform CPR or stop bleeding can make all the difference in saving someone’s life. In a city like Vancouver, where accidents can happen frequently, being able to provide first aid can be crucial.
2. Workplace Safety and Compliance: Many employers in Vancouver are required to have employees with first aid certification. This is to ensure that there is always someone on site who can respond to emergencies and provide basic first aid.
3. Confidence: Taking a first aid course can give you the confidence to handle an emergency situation. Knowing what to do can help you remain calm and take action quickly, which can make all the difference in an emergency.

In Vancouver, there are a variety of first aid programs available from different organizations. These range from CPR courses that are only a few hours, to single-day courses for basic certification to one and two-week courses that include practical scenarios and practice drills for advanced first aid attendant certifications. 

While many of the same first aid skills overlap and are taught in several of these courses, there are some differences based mainly on two factors:

1. The depth of first aid knowledge required 
2. Whether or not you need the certification for use at a workplace

Once you understand the different types of courses offered, it’s time to choose the right course for you. Consider what type of certification or experience you need and think about factors such as cost, location and duration. Most organizations offer a range of courses to suit different budgets and needs. It’s important to read the full syllabus closely before making your decision, so that you understand exactly which skills will be taught.

In Vancouver, there are many options for first aid classes. The most commonly recognized certifications are provided by the Canadian Red Cross and WorkSafeBC. Both organizations offer a range of courses that are recognized by employers, government agencies, and regulatory bodies. These courses are separated into three categories, basic first aid courses, intermediate first aid courses, and advanced first aid courses. 

Here are some of the most common first aid courses you can take in Vancouver:

• Occupational First Aid Level 1

  • Level 1 First Aid is a one-day course, designed and approved by WorkSafeBC, that covers basic first aid techniques and CPR for adults, as well as a brief overview of workplace first aid requirements in British Columbia.

• Occupational First Aid Level 2

  • Level 2 First Aid is a one-week course, designed and approved by WorkSafeBC, that teaches an intermediate level of first aid techniques and CPR for adults, as well as a detailed overview of workplace first aid requirements in British Columbia.  

• Occupational First Aid Level 3

  • This is a two-week course, designed and approved by WorkSafeBC, that teaches an advanced level of first aid techniques and CPR for adults, including how to package a patient for transportation to a hospital and a detailed overview of workplace first aid requirements in British Columbia.

• Standard First Aid with CPR-C

  • This is a two-day course that covers basic first aid techniques and CPR for adults, children, and infants.

• Emergency First Aid & CPR-C

  • This is a one-day course that covers basic first aid techniques and CPR for adults, children, and infants.

• CPR-C and AED

  • This is a half-day course that focuses specifically on CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants.

There are also more niche first aid courses offered at Fundamental First Aid. To help fight the ongoing Opioid Epidemic facing our city, we have started offering free Free Workshop to any of our first aid students that teaches life-saving protocols for providing first aid in an overdose incident.

Most people registering for first aid training are taking the course for work, and a vast majority of the first aid requirements for workplaces in Vancouver are mandated by WorkSafeBC. This means that most people would want to take one of the Occupational First Aid courses listed above. 

All employers in British Columbia who have more than 10 employees working at the same time are required to have a certified Occupational First Aid (OFA) attendant on site. The number of attendants, and the level of certification required by the attendants, is determined by 3 factors as outlined in Schedule 3-A of the WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation:

1. Number of employees working at the same time
2. Distance to the closest hospital (via ambulance)
3. Risk of injury at the worksite (low risk, moderate risk, or high risk)

In order to determine whether your worksite is low risk, moderate risk, or high risk, you will need to refer to the WorkSafeBC website to find your classification unit.

Once you know your risk classification, check Schedule 3-A to determine your minimum level of first aid.

If you would like help determining the level of first aid that is required at your workplace, please contact us, or click the chat bot on the bottom right of your screen!

Yes! Fundamental First Aid Ltd. offers all of the courses mentioned above at the nicest first aid training facility in Vancouver! Please check out our location on the map below.

Taking first aid training in Vancouver can be a life-saving decision. Whether you’re looking to advance your career or simply want to be prepared for an emergency, there are many options available. By taking a first aid course, you can gain the skills and confidence you need to respond to an emergency situation. So, don’t wait until it’s too late – sign up for a first aid course in Vancouver today!