Basic First Aid (Emergency/OFA 1)
This one-day Basic First Aid course meets WorkSafeBC training requirements for first aid attendants in the workplace.
WorkSafeBC updated their program in the fall of 2024 (previously Occupational First Aid Level 1, now called Basic First Aid) and recognizes the Canadian Red Cross Emergency First Aid program as an equivalent course. Both meet WorkSafeBC requirements for a basic first aid attendant in the workplace in British Columbia.
Why Choose This Basic First Aid Training?
- Workplace Ready: Meets WorkSafeBC standards for a basic first aid attendant in the workplace.
- Hands-On Skills: Focus on practical first aid skills through realistic scenarios with real first aid supplies.
- Expert Instruction: Our qualified and friendly instructors break down essential first aid topics into manageable steps.
- Certification: Receive a certificate recognized by WorkSafeBC and valid for 3 years.
Certification
Successful course participants will receive either a WorkSafeBC Basic First Aid certificate or a Canadian Red Cross Emergency First Aid with CPR/AED Level A (CSA Z1210-17 - Basic) certification.
Course Details
Course Overview - Basic First Aid
Gain essential knowledge of Basic First Aid techniques with our Basic First Aid equivalent course. Designed to meet WorkSafeBC standards, this course teaches participants to respond to life-threatening situations at work, including cardiac arrest, severe bleeding, choking, and spinal injuries - skills that can save a life before EMS arrives.
Our courses are let by experienced and certified instructors and emphasize hands-on practice and real-world scenarios. You'll build muscle memory performing CPR and other first aid techniques like stopping bleeding - knowledge that could make a real difference in a medical emergency.
Basic First Aid Course Content
This course includes:
- Conducting a Scene Assessment
- Activating the Worksite Emergency Plan
- Maintaining Support of the Head and Neck
- Opening and Maintaining the Airway
- Assessing for Breathing
- Clearing an Obstructed Airway
- Breathing for a Worker with a Pocket Mask
- Performing CPR and AED
- Assessing Skin Condition – Recognizing Shock
- Conducting an RBS
- Controlling Bleeding
Recertification
To recertify, you must re-take the full course - there is no shorter recertification course available. Taking the full course also ensures that you're up-to-date on latest standards and first aid best practices.
FAQs
What are the different levels of first aid?
This question is complicated since there are a number of different types of first aid courses. For Occupational First Aid, there are 3 levels of first aid, simply named Basic First Aid, Intermediate First Aid, and Advanced First Aid. If you work in a marine environment and are required by Transport Canada to be certified in first aid, then there is Marine Basic First Aid and Marine Advanced First Aid. For first aid for those responsible for people in the community there is Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid. If you are caring specifically for children, Emergency Childcare First Aid is probably the best fit. If you are interested in first for the outdoors or remote situations (or are required to take first aid as an outdoor guide) then there is the 20 hour Remote First Aid, or more advanced 40 hour Wilderness First Aid. There is also an 80 hour Wilderness First Responder course for professional responders responding to remote emergencies. For the professional responders there is also the 48 hour First Responder course and the more advanced 120 Hour Emergency Medical Responder.
What is "Basic First Aid - CSA"?
Basic First Aid - CSA is an 8 hour course aimed at meeting the Canadian Standard for preparing workers to be first aid attendants in relatively low risk environments where a hospital is close by. Participants will learn basic first aid skills and knowledge that are essential for handling life threatening emergencies, as well as handling more common minor injuries that can happen in the workplace. Red Cross Emergency First Aid, and Red Cross Standard First Aid are now officially recognized by Worksafe BC as equivalent to Basic First Aid, formerly known as OFA 1.
What is the difference between Basic First Aid and Intermediate First Aid?
Basic First Aid is a one day course meant to train a First Aid attendant in the basic skills necessary to provide first aid in low-risk environments, or for a smaller number of workers. Intermediate First Aid is a 2 day course geared toward training First Aid attendants who might be responsible for a larger number of workers or more dangerous job sites.
Materials
The CSA Basic First Aid (OFA 1 Equivalent) course includes the following materials:
WorkSafeBC Basic First Aid Participant Guide (hard copy)
OR
- Red Cross Comprehensive Guide to First Aid (pdf)
Who should take this course?
- Job seekers
- Occupational First Aid Level 1 attendants
- Construction
- Roofing
- Office
- Retail
Looking for a group class?
If you have a group of people and would like us to come to you to teach a
Basic First Aid (Emergency/OFA 1) 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 info@alertfirstaid.com to arrange a group course.