Basic first aid training can helps train candidates to be prepared for almost any emergency. The leading cause of death in Canada is cardiovascular diseases such as heart attacks, cardiac arrest and strokes. By learning first aid, CPR and how to use a automated external defibrillator (AED) through basic first aid and CPR training you can dramatically increase the chances of survival for victims of cardiovascular disease.

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 a fundamental skill that any individual should have. Accidents happen almost anywhere, whether it is at home, the workplace, school, or public areas. A trained first aider can help injured victims on the spot as professional help is on the way.  Sometimes life threatening accidents occur and those that know how to offer first aid can actually save a person’s life. These days, even elementary school kids need to be taught about basic first aid. This will equip them with skills that they need to attend to an injured person or even themselves when immediate help is not available.

When accidents happen, people tend to panic. This can cause the situation to get worse, especially when injured victims are in a helpless situation. First aid courses teach people what to do in an accident scene. Therefore, a trained first aider can quickly assess the situation and help to prevent accident victims from incurring further injuries.  In fact, knowing how handle an accident victim creates a sense of calm. With the right first aid skills, one can also help to get other people to safety. With these facts in mind, it is easy to see the importance of first aid training.