OFA Level 1 (Basic First Aid) Courses in Vancouver
Get WorkSafeBC-certified in just one day. OFA Level 1, now officially called Basic First Aid, is B.C.’s entry-level workplace first aid certification and is commonly required by employers across the province.
One day. Fun, engaging training. Your WorkSafeBC certificate printed before you leave.
Available at our Vancouver, Burnaby, and Surrey training centres, or on-site at your workplace!
Greater Vancouver's top rated first aid training centres!
1000+ Five-Star Reviews. Here's Why.
Fun & Engaging Instructors
We create a fun, engaging environment where students laugh, participate, and learn skills they’ll actually remember.
Pass or Your Money Back
Don’t pass your course? Get your money back - guaranteed.
Clean & Modern Facilities
Spacious, professional training facilities in convenient Lower Mainland locations.
Years of Experience
Our team has been providing WorkSafeBC courses for 19 years, and have issued over 70,000 first aid certificates!
OFA Level 1 (Basic First Aid) Schedule
If you are not 100% satisfied with your first aid course, we will give you your money back, guaranteed!
PRIVATE GROUP FIRST AID COURSES FOR EMPLOYERS
On-Site First Aid Training for Your Team
Train your staff at your workplace with a private first aid course built around your schedule, team size, and workplace risks. Fundamental First Aid brings the instructors, mannequins, AED trainers, materials, certification, and paperwork, so your team gets trained with less disruption.
- WorkSafeBC Approved
- Anytime/Anywhere in the Lower Mainland
- Same-day certification
- We Bring Everything to you
Get a fast, no-obligation quote:
We will reply today. No spam, no pressure.
TRUSTED BY INDUSTRY LEADERS
If you live or work in Vancouver and need a quick, practical way to meet WorkSafeBC requirements, our OFA Level 1 Vancouver course makes it simple. At Fundamental First Aid, we help students earn their certificate through clear instruction, hands-on practice, and real-world scenarios that stick.
We’re a WorkSafeBC-approved emergency training school located at 206 – 1868 Glen Drive, just minutes from Science World and Main Street–Science World SkyTrain Station. Every week, students from Mount Pleasant, East Vancouver, Fairview, Kitsilano, Commercial Drive, Burnaby, and North Vancouver come to us to get certified for work or personal readiness.
What is OFA Level 1?
Occupational First Aid Level 1 is the entry-level workplace first aid certification designed and approved by WorkSafeBC. In November 2024, WorkSafeBC renamed it Basic First Aid, though most employers and job postings still use the OFA Level 1 name. They are the same certification.
The course teaches you to recognise an emergency, take control of the scene, and provide immediate care until help arrives. It is built for low-risk workplaces and for the designated first aid attendant at smaller worksites.
One day covers:
- Primary survey and scene assessment
- Clearing airways and checking for breathing
- CPR and AED use
- Bleeding control and wound care
- Shock management
- Minor burns, strains, and musculoskeletal injuries
- Record keeping and incident reporting to WorkSafeBC standards
By the end of the day you will be able to identify hazards, respond effectively to common workplace injuries, and communicate clearly with emergency services.
Who is the OFA Level 1 course for?
This course is for anyone who needs WorkSafeBC-recognised first aid certification for employment, including:
- Office and retail workers
- Construction and warehouse employees
- Hospitality and recreation staff
- Film and television crew
- Trades apprentices and students starting a new programme
- Anyone named as the designated first aid attendant at a low-risk worksite
Job seekers make up a large share of our Level 1 students. If a posting asks for “OFA Level 1,” “Basic First Aid,” or “WorkSafeBC first aid,” this is the course.
Even if you don’t need it for work, Level 1 is the most practical single day of training you can do. Most emergencies people encounter happen at home or in public, not at work.
What to Expect in Class
Sitting through long lectures doesn’t teach anyone first aid. You will spend most of the day moving, practising, and working through real scenarios with your instructor.
How the day runs:
Morning. Introduction to WorkSafeBC first aid standards and your responsibilities as an attendant. Learning and practising the Priority Action Approach.
Late morning. Hands-on practice assessing wounds and providing basic wound care.
Lunch. Plenty of options nearby on Terminal Avenue, in East Van, and in Mount Pleasant. We also have a fridge and microwave if you’d rather bring your own.
Afternoon. Choking scenarios, CPR and AED practice, group scenarios, and skill assessments.
Wrap-up. Written test and debrief, then your certificate printed on site.
You don’t need medical experience or special gear. Comfortable clothes you can kneel in, and a willingness to get involved. We provide all equipment and materials.
Course Details
Everything you need to know before you book.
| Course length | 1 day8 hours that include two 15 minute coffee breaks and a 30 minute Lunch |
|---|---|
| Price | $115 + GST |
| Certification | WorkSafeBC Basic First AidOccupational First Aid Level 1 |
| Valid for | 3 years from the date of your course |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Examination | 25-question written testPlus practical skills assessment throughout the day |
| Certificate issued | Same day, printed on site |
| Location | 1868 Glen Drive, VancouverFree parking, steps from Main Street-Science World SkyTrain |
| Included | Textbook, all equipment, certificateNo hidden fees |
OFA Level 1, 2 and 3 Compared
Not sure whether Level 1 is enough for your workplace? The right level depends on how many people work on site at once, how far you are from a hospital, and your worksite’s risk rating under Schedule 3-A of the WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation.
Level 1 is the correct choice for low-risk workplaces and smaller teams. If you’re unsure, we can work through it with you before you book.
| OFA Level 1This course | OFA Level 2 | OFA Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Also called | Basic First Aid | Intermediate First Aid | Advanced First Aid |
| Length | 1 day | 2 days | 70 hours over 10 days |
| Price | $115 + GST | $225 + GST | $900 + GST |
| Best for | Low-risk workplaces and small teams | Moderate to high-risk worksites | Large or remote worksites with significant hazards |
| Patient assessment | Basic | In-depth primary and secondary survey | Advanced, including ongoing patient care |
| CPR and AED | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Spinal immobilisation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Packaging patient for transport | No | No | Yes |
| Oxygen therapy | No | No | Yes |
| Written exam | Yes25 questions | Yes66 questions | Yes113 questions |
| Practical exam | No | No | Yes |
| Valid for | 3 years | 3 years | 3 years |
Why Choose Fundamental First Aid for OFA Level 1 in Vancouver
People choose our course because it feels personal, not corporate. We focus on the skills that actually matter and on helping every student succeed.
- Pass or your money back. If you don’t pass, you get a full refund
- Certificate printed on site, so you can send it to an employer the same day
- Instructors who are working medical professionals, not career classroom trainers
- Free parking and a short walk from Main Street-Science World SkyTrain
- Flexible scheduling, including weekday, evening, and weekend classes
- Modern, upscale facilities with current equipment
- WorkSafeBC-approved training provider and Canadian Red Cross Training Partner
- 1000+ 5-star reviews and counting!
How OFA Level 1 Certification Helps Employers
If you manage a team or run a small business, keeping staff certified at Level 1 isn’t only about compliance. It shortens response times, and it changes how confident people feel about stepping in.
Employers across Vancouver, Burnaby, North Vancouver, and Richmond use our courses to:
- Meet WorkSafeBC first aid coverage requirements
- Reduce workplace injury risk and response time
- Keep certification records organised and audit-ready
- Build employee confidence in emergencies
We can host private sessions at your workplace or reserve seats for your staff in our regular classes. Group bookings include flexible payment terms, direct invoicing, and attendance reporting.
OFA Level 1 Across the Lower Mainland
Our Vancouver centre at 1868 Glen Drive draws students from Downtown Vancouver, Mount Pleasant, East Vancouver, Fairview, Kitsilano, Commercial Drive, Richmond, and North Vancouver.
We also run OFA Level 1 at our Burnaby centre near Metrotown and our Surrey centre, and deliver private training on site at workplaces anywhere in the Lower Mainland.
We’re central, easy to reach by transit, and surrounded by cafés and amenities that make the day comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Jump to: Course basics · Certification · Which course do I need? · On the day · For employers
Course basics
How long is the OFA Level 1 course?
One day. Class runs 8 hours, with a 30-minute lunch and two coffee breaks. You leave the same day with your certificate.
How much does OFA Level 1 cost in Vancouver?
$115 plus GST. That covers your textbook, all equipment and materials, instruction, the exam, and your WorkSafeBC certificate. There are no additional fees.
Do I need previous experience or another certificate first?
No. There are no prerequisites for OFA Level 1. The course starts from the beginning and assumes no medical background.
Does OFA Level 1 include CPR training?
Yes. OFA Level 1 includes adult CPR and instruction on using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
Is OFA Level 1 the same as CPR Level C?
No. OFA Level 1 includes adult CPR and AED, but CPR Level C also covers child and infant CPR. If your employer specifically asks for CPR Level C, or you work with children, you need our Standard First Aid with CPR Level C course instead.
Can I take OFA Level 1 online?
No. WorkSafeBC requires Occupational First Aid courses to be delivered in person with a qualified instructor present, because your practical skills have to be evaluated directly. Any provider offering a fully online OFA Level 1 certificate is not issuing a valid WorkSafeBC certification.
Is there a written exam?
Yes. A 25-question written test at the end of the day, plus a practical skills assessment throughout the class. Everything on the test is covered during the course, and our instructors work through the material with you rather than testing you cold.
What happens if I don’t pass?
You get your money back. That’s our guarantee. In practice it very rarely comes up, because the day is built around making sure you can actually do the skills before you’re assessed on them.
Certification
Is this course WorkSafeBC approved?
Yes. Fundamental First Aid is a WorkSafeBC-approved training provider, and this course meets the Basic First Aid (OFA Level 1) standard set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
When will I get my certificate?
The same day. We print certificates on site at the end of class, so you can send it to an employer or add it to a job application immediately.
How long is an OFA Level 1 certification valid?
Three years from the date of your course. You’ll need to retake the course before it expires to stay certified, and we email past students ahead of their expiry date.
Is OFA Level 1 recognised outside British Columbia?
WorkSafeBC certification is recognised throughout BC and is often accepted by employers in other provinces. Each province sets its own occupational health standards, so confirm with your employer if you’ll be working outside BC.
Which course do I need?
Is OFA Level 1 the same as Basic First Aid?
Yes. WorkSafeBC renamed Occupational First Aid Level 1 to Basic First Aid in November 2024. It is the same certification with the same requirements. Employers and job postings still commonly use the older name, so you’ll see both.
Is OFA Level 1 the same as Standard First Aid?
No. Standard First Aid is a Canadian Red Cross course that runs two days and includes child and infant CPR. OFA Level 1 is a one-day WorkSafeBC course focused on adult workplace emergencies. If a job posting asks for Standard First Aid, OFA Level 1 will not satisfy it. See our Standard First Aid course.
What is the difference between OFA Level 1 and OFA Level 2?
OFA Level 1 is a one-day course for low-risk workplaces and small teams. OFA Level 2 is a two-day course for moderate to high-risk worksites, adding in-depth patient assessment, spinal immobilisation, and management of major injuries. See the full comparison table above.
How do I know if OFA Level 1 is the right level for my workplace?
Three factors decide it under Schedule 3-A of the WorkSafeBC OHS Regulation: how many employees work at the same time, how far the site is from a hospital by ambulance, and the worksite’s risk rating. Level 1 covers low-risk workplaces and smaller teams. Email us and we’ll work through your specific site with you.
Which course do I need for a job posting that just says “first aid”?
Usually OFA Level 1 or Standard First Aid, depending on the industry. If the posting mentions WorkSafeBC, it’s OFA Level 1. If it mentions CPR Level C or working with children, it’s Standard First Aid. If you’re not sure, send us the posting and we’ll tell you which one it is.
On the day
What should I bring to class?
Government-issued photo ID, comfortable clothing you can kneel and move in, and a positive attitude. We supply all first aid materials, textbooks, and equipment.
What are my food options during the course?
We provide free water, coffee, and tea, and there’s a fridge and microwave if you’d like to bring your own lunch. There are also plenty of options on Terminal Avenue, in East Van, and in Mount Pleasant if you’d rather step out.
Is parking available?
Yes, free parking for all students at our Glen Drive location. We’re also a short walk from Main Street-Science World SkyTrain station and served by several bus routes.
How big are the classes?
We cap our classes at 18 people maximum.
For employers
Can you train my team on site?
Yes. We run private OFA Level 1 sessions at your workplace anywhere in the Lower Mainland, or at our Vancouver, Burnaby, or Surrey centres. Custom scheduling is available, including weekends and split shifts to keep your operation running. Contact us for a group quote.
Can my employer be invoiced?
Yes. We invoice employers directly for group and corporate bookings, and can accommodate purchase orders and standard payment terms. Get in touch and we’ll set it up.
How many of my staff need to be certified?
That depends on crew size, risk rating, and distance to hospital under Schedule 3-A. Most employers certify more than the minimum so they keep coverage when the primary attendant is on holiday, off shift, or away sick.
Do you offer OFA Level 1 in Burnaby or Surrey?
Yes. We run the same course with the same instructors and equipment at our Burnaby centre near Metrotown and our Surrey centre.
Book Your OFA Level 1 Course in Vancouver
Get WorkSafeBC-certified in one day at Fundamental First Aid. $115 plus GST, everything included, certificate in your hand before you leave.
Whether you need it for a job, for your workplace, or just so you know what to do when it matters, you’ll leave able to use what you learned.
Locally owned. WorkSafeBC approved. Trusted by Vancouver employers.