Basic first aid training equips individuals to handle almost any emergency situation. In Canada, cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks, cardiac arrest, and strokes, are the leading causes of death. By learning first aid, CPR, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED), you can significantly improve the chances of survival for victims of cardiovascular emergencies.

Different Providers

Canadians have the option of selecting from a number of first aid and CPR providers to take a course with. Most of our providers meet government legislation for first aid and CPR courses. The following is a list of the top 4 providers:

• St Mark James Training
• Vancouver First Aid
• The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada
• St. Johns Ambulance

Different Levels of Basic First Aid and CPR

The providers listed above offer a variety of different basic first aid and CPR courses. All first aid courses include training and certification in CPR and AED’s. The following is a list of courses that are offered by all 4 mentioned providers:

• Emergency First Aid, CPR level “A” and AED.
• Standard First Aid, CPR level “C” and AED.
• Standard First Aid, health care provider CPR (CPR HCP), and AED.

These course are the most popular first aid courses available to Canadians. Some providers, such as St Mark James offer other first aid courses that meet legislation standards. The following is a list of courses offered through St Mark James:

• Emergency Childcare First Aid, CPR level “B” and AED.
• Standard Childcare First Aid, CPR level “B” and AED.
• WorkSafeBC approved occupational first aid level 1.

St Mark James also offers Babysitting first aid courses which do not meet any legislation standards.

Different Levels of Basic CPR Training

When registering for a basic first aid course candidates can have the option of selecting the level of CPR training. The following is a list of the different levels of CPR training:

• CPR level “A” and AED.
• CPR level “B” and AED.
• CPR level “C” and AED.
• Health Care Provider CPR (CPR HCP) and AED.

All of the major providers offer these CPR courses.

Certification

Upon successful completion of the basic first aid and or CPR courses candidates will receive either a wallet sized certificate, wall mount certificate or both. Most providers and training partners give candidates the opportunity to select either or both of the awards. All of the providers give certification that is valid for 3 years and awards that are nationally accredited and valid throughout Canada. Awards are not valid internationally.

The Importance of Having First Aid Training

Basic first aid training is an essential skill everyone should have. Accidents can occur anywhere—at home, work, school, or in public spaces—and having a trained first aider nearby can make all the difference. In life-threatening situations, individuals who know first aid can save lives while waiting for professional help to arrive. First aid knowledge is so vital that even elementary school children are being taught these critical skills, enabling them to assist injured individuals or themselves when immediate help isn’t available.

During accidents, people often panic, which can worsen the situation, especially when the victim is vulnerable. First aid courses teach individuals how to stay calm, assess the situation quickly, and prevent further harm to the injured. Equipped with these skills, first aiders can ensure the safety of others and provide effective care when it’s most needed. It’s clear that first aid training is not just important, but lifesaving.