First Aid & CPR Training for Schools and Teachers Vancouver
When a child falls on the playground or a co-worker suddenly collapses in the staff room, every second matters. In those moments, teachers and school staff are often the first to respond. That’s why WorkSafeBC requires schools to have trained first aid attendants on site, and why every educator can benefit from professional, hands-on training that prepares them for real-world emergencies.
At Fundamental First Aid, we specialize in WorkSafeBC-approved first aid and CPR training for teachers and school staff across Vancouver. Our courses combine practical, workplace-specific content with life-saving CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants, giving educators the confidence to handle emergencies in any situation.
About Fundamental First Aid
Located at 1868 Glen Dr #206, Vancouver, BC, Fundamental First Aid is a WorkSafeBC-approved emergency training school trusted by schools, community organizations, and workplaces throughout the Lower Mainland. The primary Occupational Health Services we offer Elementary and High Schools is WorkSafeBC-approved first aid training.
Our instructors bring both professional medical experience and a teaching approach that’s ideal for educators. We’ve trained staff from public and private schools across Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and North Vancouver, helping them meet WorkSafeBC’s requirements under Part 3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation while also building skills to protect students in their care.
We offer flexible scheduling for schools, including Pro-D days, weekend group sessions, and private staff training either at our Glen Drive facility or at your school location.
Why Teachers Need First Aid and CPR Training
In a school environment, emergencies can happen anywhere. In a classroom, on the playground, in the gym, or during a field trip. Teachers and educational assistants are often closest to the scene, and their quick actions can make a major difference before emergency services arrive.
WorkSafeBC designates schools as low to moderate-risk workplaces, but because teachers also work around children, their first aid responsibilities go beyond basic adult care. A good training program should prepare them for both staff-related incidents and student medical emergencies.
That’s why we recommend Standard First Aid with CPR-C, which provides the most relevant and well-rounded coverage for educators. It satisfies WorkSafeBC’s Intermediate First Aid requirements for workplace attendants while also including CPR and first aid for children and infants.
Recommended Course: Standard First Aid with CPR-C
Standard First Aid with CPR-C is a comprehensive program that prepares teachers and school staff to respond to medical emergencies involving coworkers, students, and visitors.
Course length: 2 days (approximately 13–14 hours total)
Certification: valid for 3 years (WorkSafeBC-approved and nationally recognized)
You’ll learn how to:
- Recognize and respond to life-threatening medical conditions
- Perform CPR-C (for adults, children, and infants)
- Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)
- Manage choking and breathing emergencies
- Treat shock, bleeding, burns, and fractures
- Respond to allergic reactions, asthma, and diabetic emergencies
- Prevent and manage playground and sports-related injuries
- Handle fainting, seizures, and heat-related illnesses
This course provides both workplace compliance and real-world readiness. It’s ideal for schools that want their staff to meet WorkSafeBC requirements while also gaining skills relevant to children’s health and safety.
WorkSafeBC Requirements for Schools and Educational Workplaces
Under WorkSafeBC Regulation Part 3 (Occupational First Aid), every workplace in British Columbia, including schools, must have a designated Occupational First Aid (OFA) attendant with training appropriate to their risk level and number of staff.
Schools are typically classified as low to moderate-risk workplaces, which means:
- For small schools or administrative offices, an OFA Level 1 or equivalent may meet minimum WorkSafeBC requirements.
- For larger schools or campuses, Standard First Aid with CPR-C satisfies the equivalent of Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2) under WorkSafeBC Schedule 3-A.
The Standard First Aid course goes beyond the minimum by including pediatric CPR and additional emergency scenarios common in educational settings. That’s why we recommend it for teachers, educational assistants, early childhood educators, and administrators who may be called upon to respond to both adult and child medical incidents.
How This Training Helps Teachers and Schools
Standard First Aid with CPR-C not only ensures compliance with WorkSafeBC regulations but also gives teachers peace of mind knowing they can help in critical moments.
Here are some ways this training benefits school communities:
- Faster response times: Immediate care can stabilize an injured or ill person before paramedics arrive.
- Better outcomes for children: Pediatric CPR and choking response training prepare teachers for emergencies that are unique to kids.
- Workplace safety compliance: Schools meet WorkSafeBC requirements and reduce liability by maintaining certified attendants.
- Confidence and leadership: Certified staff members can lead emergency drills and provide guidance during actual incidents.
When emergencies happen, trained teachers become leaders, calmly coordinating care, reassuring students, and keeping everyone safe.
Real-Life Scenarios Teachers May Face
Our courses use realistic examples drawn from real school environments. During your class, you’ll discuss responding to:
- A student collapsing during a gym class or sports event
- A playground fall resulting in a sprain or fracture
- A staff member suffering a medical emergency in the lunchroom
- A child experiencing an allergic reaction or asthma attack
- Heat-related illness during outdoor activities like a game of football
These scenarios build confidence and help you apply your skills in a setting that feels familiar and relevant to your daily work.
Why Schools and Teachers Choose Fundamental First Aid
Fundamental First Aid is trusted by schools across the Lower Mainland, including West Point Grey Academy, Pattison High School, St. Joseph’s Elementary School and Templeton Secondary School. This is because our approach blends professional safety training with real classroom understanding.
Here’s why teachers and administrators prefer us:
- WorkSafeBC-approved training that satisfies occupational health and safety requirements for schools
- Hands-on learning with practical, school-based scenarios
- Experienced instructors with backgrounds in emergency medicine and education
- Flexible group scheduling for schools, Pro-D days, or district staff sessions
- Convenient location near Science World with free parking and easy transit access
- Private group rates for schools booking multiple participants
We make certification simple, accessible, and relevant to every educator’s role.
Common Questions About First Aid & CPR Training for Schools and Teachers
Which course should teachers take to meet WorkSafeBC requirements?
We recommend Standard First Aid with CPR-C. It satisfies the requirements for Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2 equivalent) under WorkSafeBC Schedule 3-A and covers both adult and child emergencies.
Is this training recognized by WorkSafeBC?
Yes. All courses at Fundamental First Aid are WorkSafeBC-approved and meet the standards outlined in Part 3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
Do teachers need pediatric CPR certification?
While not required by WorkSafeBC, we strongly recommend it. Teachers and school staff work closely with children, and CPR-C includes care for infants and youth.
Can we arrange group training for our entire school?
Absolutely. We offer on-site and private group sessions for schools, either at your facility or our Glen Drive training centre.
How long is certification valid?
All Standard First Aid and CPR-C certifications are valid for three years from the date of completion.
Areas We Serve
We’re proud to train educators and school staff from across the Greater Vancouver Area, including:
- Downtown Vancouver
- East Vancouver and Mount Pleasant
- Fairview and Kitsilano
- Commercial Drive and Grandview-Woodland
- Burnaby
- Richmond
- North Vancouver
No matter where your school is located, Fundamental First Aid provides the certification and training your staff need to stay compliant and ready to respond.
Book Your First Aid & CPR Training for Schools and Teachers in Vancouver
Prepare your staff with training that meets WorkSafeBC requirements and keeps your students safe.
Contact Fundamental First Aid today to book Standard First Aid with CPR-C for your teachers and support staff. Group bookings and private sessions are available for schools across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Locally owned. WorkSafeBC-approved. Trusted by Vancouver schools for professional, practical first aid training.