First Responder

To become a certified First Responder, you only need to successfully complete a recognized 40 hour First Responder course. At Alert First Aid we offer the Canadian Red Cross First Responder course which is recognized both nationally and provincially. There are no prerequisites for this course. For some first responder roles, you may additionally need to become licensed in addition to being certified. The licensing process can be completed through the EMA Licensing Board in British Columbia, and it is open to anyone who has been certified as a Canadian Red Cross First Responder.

EMT or Emergency Medical Technician in BC is referred to as an Emergency Medical Responder. In addition to all of the skills that a First Responder performs, an EMR will also be trained in transporting patients, basic pharmacology, workplace considerations and the marine environment.

In BC this would typically refer to Occupational First Aid Level 3. OFA 3 is a 2 week course that is geared toward people who will be the first aid attendant for worksites that are further from a hospital (more than 20 minutes) where they may need to care for seriously injured workers for a longer time. Level 3 First Aid attendants will be able to move trauma patients, package them for transport, and care for them enroute in an Emergency Transport Vehicle. A Level 3 first aid attendant will also become proficient with a detailed assessment model and be familiar with a standard set of tools for managing patients who are critically injured - including assisted ventilations and other critical interventions.

Emergency Medical Responders need to complete an 80 hour course to become certified. Depending on their role, an EMR may need to become licensed in addition to being certified. The licensing process must be completed by the EMA Licensing Board in British Colubia and is open to anyone who is certified, but the process involves an additional practical exam for which there can be a waiting period.