Vancouver Advanced First Aid (OFA Level 3)
Advance your emergency response skills with a comprehensive Advanced First Aid course, formerly known as WorkSafeBC OFA Level 3. This intensive two-week program equips you to handle serious workplace injuries and emergencies with confidence. Perfect for first aid attendants in high-risk or remote work environments. Enroll now for recognized certification and expert training!
Become an Advanced First Aid Attendant in Vancouver
Looking to get certified with Vancouver’s top-rated first aid training centre? Our Advanced First Aid course (formerly WorkSafeBC OFA Level 3) is designed for individuals and first aid attendants working at large or remote worksites with a moderate to high risk of injury—especially those more than 20 minutes from medical aid. This comprehensive, WorkSafeBC-approved course provides advanced workplace first aid and safety training, equipping you with the knowledge and skills to confidently respond to emergencies and manage serious workplace injuries.
Participants will develop advanced first aid skills in areas such as wound care, spinal management, patient assessment, cardiac emergencies, shock, severe bleeding, and minor wound care. You’ll also receive hands-on practical training in hard collar application, patient transport (including how to move a patient to a spine board), and upper and lower limb injury care. Our course teaches both fundamental first aid and advanced emergency care, preparing you to provide advanced first aid in any high-risk environment.
Why Choose Our Advanced First Aid Course in Vancouver?
- CSA-Aligned & WorkSafeBC-Compliant: This occupational first aid course is fully updated to meet the latest CSA standards and WorkSafeBC regulations for occupational health and safety.
- Comprehensive Skills Training: Participants will develop skills and confidence in advanced first aid, CPR/AED use, airway management, fracture care, and patient assessment.
- Hands-On Learning: Our first aid training in BC emphasizes real-world scenarios and practical skills, ensuring you’re prepared to handle emergencies at the workplace.
- No Prior Experience Required: While intermediate first aid training (such as OFA Level 2) is recommended, there are no prerequisites to attend the course.
- Canadian Red Cross Certified Instructors: Learn from experienced trainers who are certified by the Canadian Red Cross and experts in emergency care.
Course Overview
This Advanced First Aid Attendant Certification is a 72-hour, intensive 10-day program held in Vancouver, designed for those seeking advanced first aid certification and the skills to respond to emergencies in high-risk or remote worksites.
Key Details:
- Duration: 72 hours (10 days)
- Location: Vancouver
- Certification: Valid for 3 years upon successful completion
- Exams: Written and practical exams required (minimum 70% to pass)
- Course Content: Advanced patient assessment, wound care, CPR course, airway and breathing management, fracture and spinal care, burns, cardiac arrest, and transport skills.
- Who Should Attend: This course is designed for individuals working in industries with a high risk of injury, including construction, forestry, mining, and remote worksites.
Secure Your Employment & Meet WorkSafeBC Requirements
Employers and workers alike benefit from this advanced occupational first aid training, which is essential for meeting WorkSafeBC requirements and ensuring workplace safety. Whether you need a standard first aid course, intermediate first aid, or advanced first aid certification, this program will prepare you to provide advanced first aid and emergency care when it matters most.
WorkSafeBC Regulatory Updates
The Advanced First Aid course replaces the former OFA Level 3 program and is now fully aligned with updated CSA standards. This ensures your training reflects the latest regulations and best practices in occupational first aid. For more details, visit WorkSafeBC’s Preliminary OHS Guidelines for Part 3 – Occupational First Aid, Backgrounder on regulatory changes, or First aid requirements.
Recertification
To renew your advanced first aid certificate, participants must complete the full 72-hour Advanced First Aid course, as recertification cannot be achieved through a shorter course under current WorkSafeBC regulations. This ensures all first aid attendants remain up-to-date with the latest safety standards and life-saving skills.
Ready to take the next step?
Join Vancouver’s leading advanced first aid course and become confident in your skills to respond to emergencies, provide advanced first aid, and secure your place as a valuable workplace first aid attendant.
Course Details
Topics Covered
Occupational First Aid Level 3 includes:
- Responsibilities of an OFA
- Preparing to Respond
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Priority Action Approach
- Transportation Decisions
- Adult CPR and AED
- Shock
- Minor Injuries
- Bleeding
- Fainting and Seizures
- Sudden Medical Emergencies
- Stroke
- Exposure to Heat and Cold
FAQs
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 First Aid?
OFA Level 3 First Aid attendants learn and practice a number of skills that OFA Level 2 attendants do not. Level 3 is a full two-week (80hr) course compared to Level 2 which is only one-week (40hr). OFA 3 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. First and foremost a Level 3 First Aid attendant will learn 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 more detailed assessment model and have a greater set of tools for managing patients who are critically injured - including assisted ventilations and other critical interventions.
What is the highest level of first aid?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely as there are different types of first aid courses, and First Aid ™ can sometimes overlap into Professional Responder training, and still be called First Aid. In BC, this is clearly defined for Occupational First Aid, where the highest level of first aid is OFA Level 3. For community oriented first Aid, Standard First Aid is the highest level before getting into Professional Responder courses. For Marine First Aid the highest level defined by Transport Canada is Marine Advanced First Aid. For those who need first aid in remote settings, Wilderness First Aid is the highest level. All of that being said, there are Professional Responder courses that go beyond some of these, such as First Responder, Emergency Medical Responder, and Wilderness First Responder courses for those who want to go beyond learning ‘first aid’.
Why are workplace first aid levels changing in BC?
First aid certification levels and first aid kit contents are being aligned with Canadian Standards Association standards. Level 1, 2, and 3 certificates and kits will become basic, intermediate, and advanced, respectively.
What is the Advanced First Aid course (formerly OFA Level 3)?
The Advanced First Aid course, formerly OFA Level 3, is a comprehensive occupational first aid level 3 program. It is designed to equip designated first aid attendants with the skills required to handle serious workplace emergencies. This WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 3 replacement aligns with updated safety standards for high-risk environments.
Does the Advanced First Aid course cover the same content as OFA 3?
Yes, the Advanced First Aid course covers all the critical content from OFA 3, including advanced emergency medical care, managing severe injuries, and ensuring proper patient transport. It builds upon the foundation of the OFA Level 3 program to meet the latest WorkSafeBC standards for workplace safety.
Who is the Advanced First Aid course (formerly OFA 3) designed for?
This course is ideal for first responders and those designated to act as the first aid attendant in high-risk workplaces. It is particularly suited for individuals working in environments where access to medical facilities may be limited, making advanced emergency medical training essential.
What certifications will I receive after completing the Advanced First Aid course?
Upon successful completion of the Advanced First Aid course (formerly OFA 3), participants will receive a certification that is valid for 3 years, recognized by WorkSafeBC for managing emergencies in high-risk environments. This certification prepares you to act as a designated first aid attendant in your workplace.
What equipment is used during the Advanced First Aid course?
The Advanced First Aid course involves the use of various first aid tools, including a pocket mask for CPR training, ensuring that participants are prepared to respond to real-life emergency medical situations.
Materials
The Occupational First Aid Level 3 (OFA 3) first aid course includes the following materials:
- WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 3 First Aid Training Guide (Hard copy and virtual copy for initial certification. Virtual only for Recertification)
- WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 3 First aid course Manual (Hard copy and virtual copy for initial certification. Virtual only for Recertification)
Where to find us:
Visit our Vancouver training courses here.
Vancouver
Who should take this course?
- Occupational First Aid Level 3 attendants - typically working at large worksites or high-risk workplaces that are more than 20 minutes from the hospital
Looking for a group class?
If you have a group of people and would like us to come to you to teach a
Advanced First Aid (OFA Level 3) course, we offer this course in the following locations:
Vancouver | Burnaby | New Westminster | Port Moody | Port Coquitlam | Coquitlam | Richmond | North Vancouver
Give us a call at 1.866.282.5378, or send us an email at grouptraining@alertfirstaid.com to arrange a group course.