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Our First Responder (FR) course provides the essential skills and certifications needed to start your career in emergency services. With full EMALB Schedule 1 and 2 endorsements, no additional "Scope Update" training is required.

First Responder Course (FR)

First Responder Course (FR)

Our First Responder (FR) course provides the essential skills and certifications needed to start your career in emergency services. With full EMALB Schedule 1 and 2 endorsements, no additional "Scope Update" training is required.

Start Your Career as a First Responder

Whether you're aiming to work in firefighting, emergency medical services, or industrial emergency response, our First Responder (FR) course provides the essential skills to respond quickly and effectively to medical emergencies. You’ll learn how to assess situations, stabilize patients, and manage critical incidents, all while ensuring the safety of both yourself and others on the scene. This course covers vital techniques such as CPR, AED use, and managing injuries or medical conditions until professional medical personnel arrive.

Offered in Victoria, Nanaimo, and Burnaby, BC, our First Responder course is perfect for anyone looking to enter the world of emergency services, work with fire departments, or handle medical emergencies in industrial settings. Graduates are fully prepared for licensing through the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB), opening doors to careers in emergency response across British Columbia.

 

Is the First Responder Training Right for You?

  • Secure Employment: Graduates of the First Responder course often find work with fire departments, ambulance services, industrial workplaces, and other emergency response roles throughout British Columbia. Many of our students successfully complete EMALB licensing, with a strong track record of success.

  • Path to Licensing: This course provides a direct pathway to First Responder licensing through the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB). Upon completion, you can apply for licensing exams to become a certified First Responder in BC.

  • Further Your Education: Many students use this course as the first step toward careers in paramedicine or emergency services, or as a prerequisite for further studies such as Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) programs.

  • Meet Industry Standards: This course meets the Paramedic Association of Canada’s National Occupational Competency Profile for First Responders, preparing you to handle emergencies and provide critical care in pre-hospital settings.

 

Course Overview:

The First Responder (FR) course is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to respond to emergencies, provide pre-hospital care, and manage critical situations until advanced medical help arrives. It is ideal for those looking to enter professions such as firefighting, industrial first response, and other emergency services roles.

  • Course Duration: 18 hours online and 48 hours (6 days) in-class
  • Locations: Victoria, Nanaimo, and Burnaby, BC
  • Includes: CPR ‘BLS’ & AED certification, full EMALB Schedule 1 and 2 endorsements
  • Additional Exams: Licensing exams through EMALB are completed during the course (fees and scheduling are managed by EMALB).

Upon completing this course, students can apply for their First Responder (FR) license through the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB). With full Schedule 1 and Schedule 2 endorsements included, no additional "Scope Update" training is required.

Full Course Length 18 hours online plus 48 hours in class Register Now
Recertification 20 hours

Course Details

First Responder Course Topics

  • The Professional Responder
  • Responding to the Call
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Assessment
  • Airway Management and Respiratory Emergencies
  • Shock
  • Hemorrhage and Soft Tissue Trauma
  • Musculoskeletal Injuries
  • Chest, Abdominal, and Pelvic Injuries
  • Head and Spinal Injuries
  • Acute and Chronic Illnesses
  • Poisoning
  • Environmental Illnesses
  • Pregnancy, Labour, and Delivery
  • Special Populations
  • Crisis Intervention
  • Reaching, Lifting, and Extricating Patients
  • Multiple-Casualty Incidents

FAQs

How do you become a certified 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.

What is the difference between EMT and 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.

What is a level 3 first responder?

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.

How long does it take to be a medical first responder?

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.

What does the First Responder (FR) course introduce students to?

The First Responder (FR) course introduces students to the basics of pre-hospital care and CPR skills. It is a comprehensive training program intended for professional first responders or those wanting to become first responders. Participants will learn techniques to prevent further injuries and provide essential care in emergency situations.

What type of CPR skills and training techniques are covered in the First Responder course?

Our First Responder course covers essential CPR skills and uses dynamic training techniques, including video presentations, skills demonstrations, and scenario-based practice sessions. These methods simulate real-life situations, helping participants confidently respond to emergencies.

Is the First Responder course intended for professional first responders only?

While the course is intended for professional first responders such as firefighters, paramedics, and those working in sports medicine, it is also suitable for those wanting to become first responders. The training provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to enter the world of emergency services.

What certificate do students receive upon successful completion of the First Responder course?

Upon successful completion, participants receive a Red Cross certified First Responder certificate, valid for 3 years. The course also includes CPR ‘BLS’ certification, ensuring students are equipped with the basic life support skills necessary to respond in critical situations.

How are students engaged during the First Responder training program?

Students are engaged through dynamic training techniques that include media presentations, video demonstrations, practice sessions, and skills demonstrations. These interactive training methods simulate real-life emergency situations, making the learning experience hands-on and impactful.

What is the First Responder Recertification process?

After the 3-year certification period, participants must complete a First Responder Recertification course to maintain their certification. This ensures that their first aid and CPR skills remain up to date and that they can confidently respond to emergencies.

What can I expect from the hands-on training in the First Responder course?

The First Responder course offers a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience with scenario-based training. Participants practice life-saving skills in simulated real-life situations, guided by knowledgeable and experienced instructors who are experts in pre-hospital care and emergency response.

Does the First Responder course include BLS (Basic Life Support) certification?

Yes, the First Responder (FR) course includes BLS (Basic Life Support) certification, along with AED training. Participants will gain the essential CPR skills and life-saving techniques needed to respond effectively to emergencies in both pre-hospital and workplace settings.

How can I register for the First Responder training program?

To register for our First Responder training program, simply visit our registration page or reach out to us. Our team is available to help with any questions regarding the course, first responder recertification, or the registration process.

Is the First Responder (FR) course still part of Red Cross training?

While our First Responder (FR) course was previously part of the Red Cross training program, we now offer the course under the Columbia Medical curriculum. This comprehensive program still equips participants with essential first aid and CPR skills, including BLS certification, and provides full EMALB Schedule 1 & 2 endorsements. Our focus remains on preparing students for real-world emergency response situations, using dynamic training techniques to ensure a high-quality learning experience.

Certification

Includes CPR ‘BLS’ & AED certification

Includes in-class Ministry of Health
(EMALB) licensing exams 

Recertification

Training Schedules & Locations
There are no certification classes at this time. Please check back.

Materials

First Aid Course Materials for First Responder Course (FR)
FULL COURSE: 

The required course textbook is Emergency Medical Responder: A Skills Approach, Fifth Canadian Edition by Limmer, Karen et al.  Students can choose to purchase either an e-book or a hardcopy of the text. This can be done directly through the publisher here, or  students are free to source this themselves. Please note that this must be purchased in advance and the school does not sell this book or keep any copies on site. The First Responder full course is a Columbia Training course and will result in a Columbia Training First Responder certificate valid for 3 years.

RECERTIFICATION: 

No manual is required. The First Responder Recertification is a Canadian Red Cross course and will result in a Canadian Red Cross First Responder certificate valid for 3 years.

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Who should take this course?

  • Professionals in a fire service
  • rescue team
  • workplace response team
  • sports-medicine professionals
  • lifeguards
  • and ski patrol

Looking for a group class?

If you have a group of people and would like us to come to you to teach a
First Responder Course (FR) course, we offer this course in the following locations:

Victoria | Langford | Esquimalt | Sooke | Cobble Hill | Mill Bay | Duncan | Lake Cowichan | Cedar | Ladysmith | Nanaimo | Parksville | Qualicum Beach | Port Alberni | Coombs | Parksville | Campbell River | Saltspring Island | Pender Island | Powell River | Gabriola Isand | Burnaby | Coquitlam | Delta | Langley | Maple Ridge | New Westminster | North Vancouver | Pitt Meadows | Port Moody | Richmond | Surrey | Vancouver | West Vancouver | White Rock | Langley |

Give us a call at 1.866.282.5378, or send us an email at to arrange a group course.

"Best course yet - thanks! Good alternating of teaching/hands on."

Dana Wright Emergency First-Aid and CPR-C, Victoria, B.C. More Testimonials

"It was a great course! I will definitely come back for the Wilderness Remote First-Aid class."

Simon Widmann Emergency Childcare First-Aid, Victoria, B.C. More Testimonials

Always great! Love Alert First Aid!

Heidi Tissari CPR, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Gary was the best! The course was very straight forward and enjoyable. Thanks so much for improving my first aid knowledge and for the awesome instructing!

Michele Marcelic Occupational First Aid Level 1, Nanaimo, BC More Testimonials

Your fun energy made the course enjoyable. Thanks for keeping it up, it was a long day of classes for us so we appreciated it! 

Ryan Heron CPR HCP, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

"I was pleased that CPR procedures are so much simpler than in the past. I feel equipped to handle an emergency now, because most of it just reinforces common sense. Although, it is crucial to know that what you're doing is the best thing for someone who needs help."

Kathleen Monaghan Standard First-Aid and CPR-C, Victoria, B.C. More Testimonials

I learned a lot, I feel comfortable performing first aid.

Bradley Remington Emergency First-Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

"Andrea was great. enthusiastic and knows her stuff!"

Brandon Jones Standard First-Aid and CPR-C, Victoria, B.C. More Testimonials

Great combination of teaching and learning as well as handson information. I learned a lot. Thank you!!

Marissa Emergency Childcare First Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Nathan made the day so much fun!

Elizabeth Robertson Emergency First-Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials
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