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A more flexible verson of the Basic First Aid, the blended alternative is an equivalent course. The training includes 4 hours of online learning followed by 4.5 hours of in-person, hands-on training. You’ll develop the skills to handle cardiac arrest, choking, bleeding, and injuries confidently. This WorkSafeBC-certified course is equivalent to Red Cross Emergency First Aid and leads to OFA 1 attendant certification.

Basic First Aid / OFA 1 - Equivalent (Blended)

Basic First Aid / OFA 1 - Equivalent (Blended)

A more flexible verson of the Basic First Aid, the blended alternative is an equivalent course. The training includes 4 hours of online learning followed by 4.5 hours of in-person, hands-on training. You’ll develop the skills to handle cardiac arrest, choking, bleeding, and injuries confidently. This WorkSafeBC-certified course is equivalent to Red Cross Emergency First Aid and leads to OFA 1 attendant certification.

Upcoming Changes to First Aid Equivalency – Important Notice - Oct 10, 2024

As of today, the current first aid guidelines have not been finalized by WorkSafeBC and the Red Cross. This means that the previous equivalencies between OFA1, Emergency First Aid, and Standard First Aid certifications remains valid through to their expiration date if received prior to November 1st. 

After November 1st, however, there is no confirmed agreement on the new equivalencies. We are expecting that:
  •  Emergency First Aid will be equivalent to Basic First Aid.
  •  Standard First Aid will be equivalent to Intermediate First Aid.

Please note that these changes are not yet legislation. We will continue to update you as more information becomes available.
 

Course Overview - Basic First Aid (OFA-1)

Prepare yourself to confidently respond to emergencies at home or in the workplace with our Basic First Aid (formerly OFA Level 1) course in Vancouver. This course is designed to meet WorkSafeBC standards and is ideal for those requiring workplace first aid training. You'll learn key first aid skills and techniques, including how to handle life-threatening situations such as cardiac arrest, choking, severe bleeding, and spinal injuries.

Our Basic First Aid course covers essential topics, including:

  • Cardiac arrest response
  • Choking emergencies
  • Severe bleeding and bandage application
  • Fracture, burns, and scald management
  • Basic CPR techniques for adults and children

Led by experienced instructors, this course emphasizes hands-on practice in first aid procedures and provides the skills you need to respond effectively in emergencies. You’ll gain confidence, build muscle memory, and learn first aid tips that could save a life.

 

Join A Basic First Aid Course!

Why Choose This First Aid Training?

  • Workplace Ready: Our course complies with WorkSafeBC requirements, equipping you to handle first aid emergencies in the workplace.
  • Practical Skills: Get hands-on training with life-saving techniques such as CPR, rescue breathing, chest compressions, and using personal protective equipment.
  • Expert Instruction: Learn from professionals with real-world experience in emergency medical services, ensuring you’re prepared for real-life situations.
  • Certification: Upon completion, you’ll receive a Basic First Aid certificate, recognized by WorkSafeBC, valid for 3 years.

 

Course Duration:

This is a blended course with 4 hours completed online at home prior to taking the 4.5 hour in-person session. Designed to give you immediate care skills, such as how to manage cardiac emergencies, control bleeding, and handle serious injuries before emergency medical services arrive.

 

Recertification Option:

Please note that a full course is required for all participants, even if you are renewing your certification. There is no shorter recertification course available, so you must complete the full training to ensure you're up to date with the latest techniques and WorkSafeBC requirements.

Full Course Length 4 hours online, 4.5 hours in class View Locations

Course Details

Basic First Aid Course Content

This course includes:

  • The Red Cross
  • Preparing to Respond
  • The EMS System
  • Check, Call, Care
  • Airway Emergencies
  • Breathing and Circulation Emergencies
  • First Aid for Respiratory and Cardiac Arrest
  • Wound Care

Certification

Canadian Red Cross certificates are now virtual! You will receive a certificate of completion once you've finished the online module, and a permanent virtual certificate will be emailed to you after you've successfully completed the entire course. You will also be able to view your manual and certification online at any time through your MyRedCross account. Certification is valid for 3 years.

Materials

Emergency First Aid & CPR Manual

The OFA Level 1 Equivalent course (Emergency First Aid & CPR Level C Blended) course includes the following materials:

  • Canadian Red Cross First Aid & CPR Course Manual (virtual)
  • Canadian Red Cross Comprehensive Guide to First Aid (virtual)

Note: The online portion of your course will be assigned within 1 business day of registering for your in-person section. Please keep this in mind when choosing a date, and allow yourself enough time to complete the online portion of the course.

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Replacement certs

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Who should take this course?

  • Police
  • Community Care
  • Residential Care
  • Dental Assistants
  • Pharmacists
  • Job Seekers
  • Teachers and Teaching Assistants
  • Bus Drivers
  • Flight Crew
  • Coaches
  • Volunteers
  • Respite Care
  • General Interest for All Ages

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 / OFA 1 - Equivalent (Blended) 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.

Really enjoyed the course; fun, funny, informative instructor & class atmosphere. Refreshments were a nice touch. Will definitely recommend course! (Much better than St. John’s Ambulance).

Megan Drolet Standard First Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Great instructor! And this course is very helpful.

Eonhee Chor Emergency Childcare First Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Great course, I like the hands on approach. Jason kept it engaging and dynamic, and was very knowledgeable on all questions.

Nicki Pederson Emergency Childcare First Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Great class! The interactive components were varied, the teacher was entertaining and it was nice to get feedback.

Angela Behn Occupational First Aid Level 1, Nanaimo, BC 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

Excellent instructor. Best first aid class I've done and I've had to do a class every couple of years for 25 years!

Diane Moncrieff Emergency First Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

Awesome course. I've taken a course through St. John's, but I found the level of "hands-on" training more useful. The scenarios were a great learning tool and helps to reinforce the learning.

Priti Bhathella Standard First Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials

"The  class was informational and fun. Fast paced, but covered a lot of topics. Jason was  a kind instructor with good humour. Thanks guys!"

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

Wonderful - great instructor! Answered all questions with great detail. This course taught me much more info than I expected and it was done in a very fun and hands on way.

Cassandra Pleasance Emergency First-Aid, Nanaimo, BC More Testimonials

It was a very hands-on course, which made the two days fun and easy to grasp. Thank you Jason for being such a great instructor!

Rebecca Pottery Standard First Aid, Victoria, BC More Testimonials
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