Although emergency first aid is the most popular basic first aid course offered in Canada, candidates have the option of registering for several other basic first aid courses or stand-alone CPR training. In stand-alone cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses candidates receive only CPR training with no first aid. No provider offers stand-alone first aid training. All credible basic first aid courses include first aid training and participants can not opt out of the CPR component. This page will outline the different options that candidates have when selecting a basic first aid or stand-alone CPR course.
Standard First Aid, CPR and AED Course
Standard first aid is a very popular basic first aid and CPR course that is offered in Canada. This is a 16 hour course that is more comprehensive in its first aid than emergency first aid. Candidates will learn additional topics such as sudden medical emergencies, diabetic emergencies, burns, seizures, poisonings and other emergency medical situations. Re-certifications are available for this course and certificates are valid for 3 years throughout Canada. This course is offered through all four of the major providers. Candidates have the option of partnering this course with either CPR level “A”, “C” or “HCP”. Automated external defibrillator (AED) training is included in the course.
Childcare First Aid, CPR and AED Course
St Mark James Training is the only provider that offers emergency and standard childcare first aid courses. Emergency childcare first aid is the most popular of the two. It is a intensive 8 hour course that offers almost identical curriculum as standard first aid and standard childcare first aid but in a reduced period of time. CPR level “B” comes standard with both courses and participants can not opt for any other level of CPR training. AED training is included in both courses. Standard childcare first aid is a 16 hour course with similar course content as emergency childcare first aid. St Mark James does not offer re-certification course for either childcare first aid course.
CPR level “A” and AED
This cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) only course is the shortest and most basic course offered through the 4 major providers. In this course participants will learn rescue techniques for adult and child victims. It takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete and includes training in the use of AED’s. Re-certification courses are not available for CPR level “A” and candidates must re-take the course to renew certification.
CPR level “C” and AED
This CPR only course is the most popular stand-alone CPR course offered through the 4 major providers. This course teaches participants CPR and AED techniques for adult, child and infant victims. It takes approximately 5 hours to complete. Re-certification courses are available for CPR level “C”.
CPR level “C” for health care providers (CPR “HCP”) and AED
This CPR level is the most comprehensive level offered through the 4 large credible first aid and CPR providers of Canada. This level encompasses all of the CPR curriculum of CPR level’s “A” and “C” and includes more training with advanced equipment such as bag-valve masks. This class includes training for patients with spinal injuries and other complications. This course takes approximately 6 hours to complete and includes training in the use of AED’s. Re-certification courses are available for CPR “HCP”