Different Levels of First Aid and CPR Certifications Offered in Alberta
Onsite Safety Management Inc.
What first aid certifications exist across Canada and what do you need?
Your employer will typically specify which certification you need but it can still be a little bit confusing navigating all the different options
First Aid certification is primarily split up into 2 categories:
Standard
Emergency
CPR certifications vary on top of these 2 First Aid options
Level A
Level B
Level C
Level HCP
Most of the time if you’re receiving CPR training you will also be trained on AED devices as well.
Standard First Aid
This is the most common first aid training program. Standard First Aid courses meet most provincial workplace standards. Typically, it is a 15-hour course and covers medium and high-risk occupational hazards.
Topics Include:
Casualty Management
Secondary survey
Shock
Unconsciousness
Severe bleeding
Wound care
Medical conditions
Bone and joint injury
Head and spinal injury
Chest injury
Eye injury
Burns
Poisoning
Temperature injury
Occupations that commonly require this certification include:
Daycare Workers, Police, Provincial Police, RCMP, Firefighting, Canadian Border Control, Security Personnel, Ski-Patrol, Social Services, Special Needs Support Workers, Lifeguards, Construction Workers, Nursing Students, Child and Youth Workers, Babysitters, Nanny’s, Pharmacists, Coaches, Instructors, Healthcare Workers, Massage Therapists, Fitness Workers, Nutritionists, Community Outreach Workers, Justice Services, Developmental Services, Telecommunications, Alberta Oil Field Workers, Tradesmen, Carpenters, Farmhands, Concrete Workers, Iron workers, Foresters, Fieldworkers, Industrial Workers, Heavy Machinery Operators, Mechanics, Search and Rescue, Volunteer Relief Staff, Factory Workers, Processing Plant workers, Warehouse Personnel, Eldercare.
Emergency First Aid
Emergency First Aid is another common certification. In Alberta, the number of people required to be certified is determined on the risk level associated with the work being performed.
Typically, this is an 8-hour course and provides a minimum level of first aid training as required by the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Legislation for limited, low hazard occupations or workplace environments, such as offices or administration sites.
Topics covered in this course include:
Casualty Management
Shock
Unconsciousness
Severe Bleeding
Head and spinal injuries
Major medical conditions
Burns
Eye injuries
How long is a First Aid Certification good for?
Usually, both the Emergency and Standard Certifications are valid for 3 years upon completion.
Occupations that commonly require Emergency First Aid include:
Recreational Activity Workers, Community Association Workers, Security Guards, Taxi Drivers, Government Workers, Camp Councilors, Child and Youth Workers, Parks Staff, Coaches, Instructors, Support Workers, Designated First-Aiders, Culinary Students, Scouts, Girl Guides, Social Groups, Corrections Canada, Personal Trainers, Medical/Lab Technicians.
CPR
CPR A
CPR to be used on adults only. There are no child or infant skills covered in this level.
CPR B
Covers only infant and child CPR skills. No adult skills are covered.
CPR C
The full CPR with adult, child and infant skills. This is an all-inclusive CPR level to prepare and certify individuals to perform CPR on people of any age.
CPR HCP (Health Care Provider)
Reserved strictly for hospital emergency staff (RN or MD). Generally, this is for those working on a crash team or working in a critical care area and in hospitals. Other medical professions that receive HCP include paramedics, Firefighters and emergency services personnel. The HCP course is not applicable to the general public or non-critical care staff.
Onsite Safety Management
If you’re in the Lethbridge area and need your first aid certification please don’t hesitate to register online or give us a call today.