FR to EMR Bridge

As of August 12, 2024, we will be teaching the 2-week Columbia Emergency Medical Responder Upgrade course that includes the scope update. Click here to register. 

The Canadian Red Cross  EMR Bridge Courses, designed to empower First Responders (FR) in British Columbia with the skills and knowledge necessary to transition seamlessly into the role of an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). At Alert First Aid  we understand the importance of bridging the gap between First Responder and EMR roles, and we're here to guide you every step of the way.

About the EMR Bridge Course

Our EMR Bridge Course is meticulously crafted to equip First Responders with the advanced skills required to excel in the dynamic field of pre-hospital emergency care. It's your gateway to a rewarding career with BC Ambulance and a stepping stone toward becoming a certified Emergency Medical Responder.

Prerequisites:

Before beginning this course, you must meet the following prerequisites:

• Currently Certified First Responder: You must hold a valid and current First Responder certification. Your certificate must not be expired when you start the EMR Bridge Course.
• Maintained First Responder Skills: To be successful in this course, it's crucial to have most of your First Responder skills intact. When you register for the course, you'll receive a list of expected skills to review. Additionally, you'll have access to approximately 20 hours of pre-course work, which is essential to ensure your success during the in-class portion of the course.

In order to be certified, participants must demonstrate proficiency in skills, complete practical scenarios, attend and participate in 100% of the course, and pass a minimum of 75% on the closed-book written knowledge evaluation. Upon successful completion, they will receive certification as a Canadian Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder.

Prerequisites:

Before beginning this course you must be currently certified First Responder. Your certificate must not be expired when you start the course.

In order to be successful in this course, you should still have pretty much all of your First Responder skills intact. When you register for the course, you'll receive a list of expected skills to review, along with about 20 hours of pre-course work that is very important to make sure you're successful in the in-class portion of the course.

About EMA Licensing:

This certification qualifies to meet the prerequisite to apply to become a Licensed Emergency Medical Responder in British Columbia. However, becoming licensed is a separate process that must be completed through the EMALB (Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board). This process involves:

• Separate Application: You will need to submit a separate application to the EMALB to begin the licensing process.
• Additional Online Written Exam: As part of the licensing requirements, you'll need to pass an additional online written exam to demonstrate your knowledge and competency.
• Separate Practical Evaluation: The EMALB will also conduct a separate practical evaluation to assess your skills and readiness for licensure.

If you wish to become a licensed EMR, our program is designed to prepare and support you through the EMALB Licensing process. You can learn more about the EMA Licensing process here.

Key Course Highlights:

• Comprehensive Curriculum: Our course covers a wide spectrum of critical topics, including advanced patient assessment, trauma management, cardiac emergencies, pharmacology, and more. You'll gain a deep understanding of pre-hospital care.
• Hands-On Practical Training: We emphasize hands-on learning to ensure that you're not just familiar with theoretical concepts but also capable of applying them in real-life situations. Scenario-based training prepares you for the challenges you may encounter in the field.
• Experienced Instructors: Learn from seasoned professionals with extensive experience in pre-hospital care and emergency medicine. They'll share valuable insights, best practices, and real-world anecdotes to enrich your learning experience.

Why Choose the EMR Bridge Path?

The decision to upgrade from a First Responder to an Emergency Medical Responder is a significant one, and it comes with numerous advantages:

• Expanded Scope of Practice: As an EMR, you'll have an increased scope of practice, enabling you to provide more advanced medical interventions and treatments.
• Career Advancement Opportunities: Many prestigious positions in the field of pre-hospital care, including paramedic roles, require EMR certification as a foundational qualification.
• Enhanced Clinical Skills: EMRs are trained to handle a wide range of medical emergencies with confidence and competence, making a substantial difference in critical situations.