Why get staff trained in first aid?

Posted on November 6, 2019November 6, 2019 by Safe + Sound

There are more advantages than you might think.

Most conscientious employers have “Get staff trained in first aid” somewhere on their to-do list. How high up this item appears on the list may depend on their previous experience of accidents and injuries in the workplace or knowledge of the advantages of first aid training.

Safety Training Makes Sense

In workplaces, where employees have suffered severe injuries or death, employers have learned from bitter experience that safety should always be the number one priority. Think about it, if your staff members are trained to check for dangers and deal with hazards, there will be fewer accidents and injuries at your workplace and less downtime. Also, you’ll likely see a boost in morale as workers are happier and more productive if they feel like employers care about their safety.

What about the bottom line?

As well as the human suffering that often results from serious accidents, there will also be an impact on the bottom line. Employers often make decisions based on savings in time and money. If you’re asking yourself the question, “Will getting my staff trained in first aid save me time and money?” the answer is yes!

Don’t learn the hard way

Employers don’t have to learn about the advantages of safety and first aid training the hard way, though. All they need to do is be smart about safety training and practices and make arrangements for their staff to get trained through a recognized course provider.

Online or Classroom Training?

All employees need safety training. Workers can complete some of this online, but for first aid, you need to send your people to a classroom-based course. With first aid and CPR training, there is no substitute for getting hands-on experience working with a CPR mannequin, AED and other first aid equipment and supplies. In a classroom setting, participants get expert instruction and direct feedback from a certified instructor.

Use the Services of a recognized Training Provider

The Canadian Red Cross has been offering first aid and CPR training to Canadians for over 50 years and is one of the leading providers of first aid and CPR programs in Canada. Safe + Sound First Aid Training is proud to have been a Canadian Red Cross Training Partner since 1999. The Red Cross courses and certifications we offer are nationally recognized and accepted in BC by Child Care Licensing, Adult Care Licensing and WorkSafeBC.

Eight reasons to get your staff trained in first aid & CPR

It saves lives!
It will save you money. Less downtime = increased productivity.
Your workers will be safer in and outside of the workplace.
Employees will be able to act quickly, confidently and effectively in emergencies.
Your worker safety and insurance board will be pleased with you.
It’s a great team-building exercise.
You’ll see an increase in morale; people like to work for employers who care about their safety.
You’ll have one less thing on your “to-do” list, and maybe you’ll sleep better at night.

Group First Aid Training is Easy to Organize

Providing first aid and CPR training for employees is a smart, low-cost investment that helps ensure workplace health and safety. If you’re thinking about organizing first aid and CPR training in your workplace, please contact us, or complete our Group Training Form and we’ll be happy to help.

Gill McCulloch

Safe + Sound First Aid Training

learnfirstaid.ca

604-945-7277

Cellular-connected Drones to Deliver Life-saving Emergency Defibrillators

Posted on October 2, 2019October 2, 2019 by Safe + Sound

Cellular-connected drones will soon be delivering life saving emergency defibrillators (AED’s) to people suffering cardiac arrest. When medical emergencies occur in traffic clogged cities and remote rural locations, first responders often face challenges in getting to the scene in time.

Trials in Renfrew Ontario on Sept. 21-22, 2019 saw drones arriving at least seven minutes before the paramedic vehicles during each test run. The drone flew over cellular to remote take-off points selected by GPS and landed successfully to deliver an AED to the onsite researchers. They then utilized the device to deliver required shocks to a medical mannequin. Translated to an actual cardiac arrest, the extra time provided by the drones would be crucial.

To improve the mission-critical communications associated with these deliveries, the drones share images and video with operators and employ artificial intelligence to manage key functions, such as collision avoidance, all enabled by the speed, bandwidth and reliability of the LTE cellular network. The County of Renfrew Paramedic Service will use the trial results to plan deployment strategies that reduce time to treatment for people suffering cardiac arrest, and for those who need urgent medications, in private, residential or rural locations.

Getting emergency treatment rapidly is the difference between life and death. This exciting new technology is destined to save many lives!

Contact Safe + Sound First Aid Training

Let’s End Stigma Around Drug Use

Posted on October 1, 2019May 22, 2026 by Safe + Sound

How does stigma affect people who use opioids?

Stigma around drug use can prevent people from receiving the help they need. Stigma can have a major impact on the quality of life of people who use opioids, people who are in recovery, and their friends and families. Stigma creates barriers to accessing health and social services for substance use. Stigma can make people feel ashamed of their drug use which can prevent them from receiving help if they need or want it. Sadly, this often leads people to use drugs alone, which can in turn lead to overdosing and dying alone.

There are three types of stigma:

1. Social stigma – when you have negative attitudes or behaviours toward people who use drugs or their loved ones

2. Structural stigma – when health care providers or first responders ignore or do not take people with problematic substance use seriously

3. Self-stigma – when people apply to themselves the negative attitudes and beliefs that they have heard from others

Opioid Deaths in Canada: National numbers

According to the national report, Apparent Opioid-related Deaths in Canada, more than 12,800 apparent opioid-related deaths occurred between January 2016 and March 2019:

3,023 deaths occurred in 2016, and 4,120 occurred in 2017
4,588 deaths occurred in 2018; this means that one life was lost every two hours related to opioids
1,082 occurred between January and March 2019

How can we help end stigma around drug use? Why words matter

Choosing our words carefully is an important first step toward reducing the cycle of stigma surrounding people who use drugs. What we say and how we say it can have a profound impact on those suffering around us. By using compassionate words in place of negative ones, you can make it easier for someone to speak up, to feel heard and understood, or to receive help

A small change can help reduce the cycle of stigma

Listen with compassion and without judgement, so that a person who uses drugs feels heard and understood Words matter. Be kind with the words you use. Use people-first language:

• Instead of “junkie,” use “a person who uses drugs.”

• Instead of “addicts,” use “people who have used drugs.”

• Instead of “drug abuse,” use “problematic substance use.” Speak up when someone is being treated disrespectfully because of their substance use.

End Stigma Around Drug Use #endstigma

Source: Canada.ca

Download Stigma: Why Words Matter (fact sheet)

Photo by Matt Collamer on Unsplash

Learn to perform CPR with Safe + Sound First Aid Training

Contact Safe + Sound

Canada Soccer chooses Red Cross for first aid services!

Posted on September 20, 2019December 18, 2025 by Safe + Sound

The Canadian Red Cross has become the Official Supplier to Canada Soccer for first aid services. These services include First Aid Training, First Aid Kits and Automated External Defibrillators.

Canada Soccer is the official governing body for soccer in Canada. In partnership with its members, Canada Soccer promotes the growth and development of soccer in Canada, from grassroots to high performance. Soccer is the largest participatory sport in Canada and is considered the fastest-growing sport in the country. There are nearly 1,000,000 registered Canada Soccer active participants in Canada within 1,200 clubs. These clubs operate in 13 provincial/territorial member associations.

At Safe + Sound First Aid Training, we look forward to seeing lots more soccer players and coaches attend our Red Cross First Aid & CPR classes in Coquitlam and Burnaby! If you are a soccer player, coach or parent helper and you’d like to take a first aid course, please follow this link to check our course listings

For more details on Canada Soccer, visit the official website at www.canadasoccer.com

Group First Aid Training at Your School – FAQ’s

Posted on September 10, 2019October 2, 2019 by Safe + Sound

Interested in private group First Aid & CPR training at your School? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from Principals and teachers.

FAQ’s about Group First Aid Training at School.

Q: Which first aid/CPR class do teachers usually take?

A: Teachers usually take the one day Red Cross Emergency First Aid & CPR program. This includes CPR level C skills for all age groups (adult, child and infant). If time and budget allows, a more comprehensive option is the two day Standard First Aid & CPR program. Both courses are recognized by WorkSafeBC as equivalent to Occupational First Aid Level One.

Q: What is the course duration?

A: Red Cross Emergency First Aid is a one day course – 8 hours including breaks.

Red Cross Standard First Aid is a two day course – 16 hours including breaks.

Q: What is the course start time?

A: Most groups choose a start time of 8:30 or 9:00am. We are flexible, so let us know what works for your group. There are usually at least three refreshment breaks during the day including a 30 minute lunch break.

Q: What is the maximum number of participants per class?

A: On a Red Cross Emergency or Standard First Aid class, the instructor to participant ratio is 1:18 (one instructor per 18 participants). Special arrangements can be made for groups of 18+ people.

Scheduling a First Aid class at your school

Q: How far ahead do I need to book the class?

A: Safe + Sound takes course bookings up to 6 months ahead. The further ahead you book, the more chance that your preferred course date is available. Pro-D days are very popular for first aid/ CPR classes.

Q: Which days of the week are available for first aid classes?

A: The class can take place on a regular school day, Pro-D day, during the school holidays or on a Saturday. Let us know which dates work best for you and we will check our instructor availability.

Pricing and Payment

Q: What is the cost of onsite first aid training?

A: This depends on the number of course participants, the course you choose and your location. Please contact us for current pricing and ask us to provide a quote for your school or group.

Q: How can participants make their payments for the first aid course?

A: Option 1: Participants can register themselves online via a private link on Safe + Sound’s website.

Option 2: Safe + Sound can invoice the school for the full amount.

Q: What methods of payment do you accept?

A: We accept EFT, Visa, MasterCard and business cheques. We do not accept personal cheques.

Q: What does the first aid course fee include?

A: The course fee includes a Red Cross certificate and e-book.

Room and Equipment Requirements

Q: What are the training room requirements for a first aid class?

A: The room must have a minimum of 500 sq. ft. of clear floor space as well as a seating area, chairs for participants, a few tables and washrooms nearby.

Q: What are the equipment requirements for a first aid class?

A: Our instructor will bring everything they need to teach the course. If you are able to provide a whiteboard or blackboard, flip chart, projector or other AV aids that is very helpful and much appreciated, but not required.

Q: Can a first aid course be held in a regular school classroom?

A: It depends on the size of the classroom and the number of participants. There are lots of physical activities included in a Red Cross first aid class, so the more floor space, the better. A gym, multi-purpose room or library space works best unless the group is very small.

Q: We have a small group of people, can we still book a private class?

A: You can still book a private class, however if you have a small group (less than 12 people) you may prefer to register them on one of our public classes in Coquitlam or Burnaby:

View public first aid course schedules in Coquitlam and Burnaby:

Red Cross Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C

Red Cross Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C

Q: Which school districts does Safe + Sound First Aid Training serve?

A: We run first aid classes in schools in the following BC school districts:

Coquitlam School District 43 – SD43

Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows School District 42 – SD42

Burnaby School District 41 – SD41

New Westminster School District 40 – SD40

Vancouver School District 39 – SD39

Group First Aid Training – Booking a Class for your School

For further information or a quote for a first aid class at your school, please fill in our Onsite Training Form We will then provide a quote or contact you if we need more information.

Private group first aid training is easy to organize. Book a date with us and provide a group of people. We’ll take care of everything else!

Red Cross Babysitting Training at your SD43 School – FAQ’s

Posted on June 25, 2019July 4, 2019 by Safe + Sound

Interested in hosting a Red Cross Babysitting class at your SD43 School?

If you’re a teacher or youth worker at an SD43 school, you may like to provide Red Cross Babysitting training for your students. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from teachers and parents:

FAQ’s about hosting a Babysitting class

Q: How old do children have to be to take the Babysitting course?

A: Children must be 11 years of age or older (or must have completed Grade 5). The maximum age is 15 years.

Q: How long is a Red Cross Babysitting class?

A: A Red Cross Babysitting class is usually 8 hours long (7 hours of teaching time + breaks). There are usually at least 3 refreshment breaks during the day. Most classes start at 8:30 or 9:00am but we are flexible so let us know what works for your group.

Q: What is the maximum number of children in a Red Cross Babysitting class?

A: The instructor to participant ratio is 1:30 (one instructor per 30 participants). Special arrangements can be made for groups of 30+ children.

Scheduling a Babysitting class

Q: How far ahead do I need to book the class?

A: We take bookings up to 6 months ahead. The further ahead you book, the more chance there is that your preferred course date is available. Pro D days are very popular for Babysitting classes.

Q: On which days of the week can a Babysitting course be held?

A: The class can take place on a regular school day, Pro-D day, during the school holidays or on a Saturday. Let us know which dates work best for you and we will check our instructor availability.

Babysitting Course Cost and Payment

Q: What is the cost of onsite Babysitting training?

A: Please contact us for current pricing and ask us to provide a quote for your school.

Q: How can families make their payments for the Babysitting course?

A: Option 1: Children can be registered online via a private link on Safe + Sound’s website.
Option 2: The school can collect payments and be invoiced by Safe + Sound.

Q: What does the course fee include?

A: The Babysitting course fee includes a Red Cross Babysitting book, participation certificate and mini first aid kit.

Training Room and Equipment Requirements

Q: What are the training room and equipment requirements for a Babysitting class?

A: The room must have some clear floor space as well as a seating area, chairs for participants, a few long tables, whiteboard or blackboard, flip chart.

Q: Can a Babysitting course be held in a regular school classroom?

A: It depends on the size of the classroom and the number of participants. There are lots of activities included in a Red Cross Babysitting class so the more floor space, the better. A gym, multi-purpose room or library space works best.

Q: What are the qualifications of a Red Cross Babysitting course instructor?

A: The Babysitting course instructor is a certified Red Cross Youth Leader.

Red Cross Babysitting Course Content

Q: What topics are included in a Red Cross Babysitting class?

In a Babysitting class children learn how to:

Look after babies, toddlers, preschoolers and school-age children.
Care for himself/herself and siblings when home alone.
Create a safe environment, and deal with phone calls and unexpected visitors.
React confidently in case of an emergency, such as choking, bleeding, poisoning or burns.
Cope with common problems, such as tantrums and crying.
Play games and organize activities to keep kids of all ages entertained.
Manage a babysitting business. This includes creating a resume and a business card and asking the right questions before accepting a babysitting job.

First Aid Content includes:

Check, Call, Care (includes phoning EMS/911)\
Glove removal
Recovery position
Conscious choking (adult/child/baby/alone)
CPR (baby/child)
Illness
Asthma (includes use of inhaler and spacer)
Anaphylaxis (includes use of EpiPen)
Poisoning
Insect stings
Wound care (i.e. minor cuts and scrapes, splinters, nosebleeds, bumps and bruises
Life-threatening bleeding, burns)
Head, neck and back injuries
Broken bones
Seizures

Booking a Red Cross Babysitting Class for your school

For further information or a quote for a class at your school, please contact us

If you have a small group (less than 10 children) you may like to consider registering them on one of our public Babysitting classes in Coquitlam:

View Public Babysitting course schedule, Coquitlam

Book a class today and help children build valuable skills for a lifetime. Read 11 year old save’s mom with Red Cross Babysitter Training

First aid & CPR certification – time to update?

Posted on May 30, 2019May 19, 2026 by Safe + Sound

Do your staff members need to update their first aid & CPR certifications?

Are you responsible for staff safety training at your workplace?

Do you find it hard to keep track of who needs training and which staff members have to update their certificates?

What gets in the way of having your staff trained?

Time?
Budget restrictions?
No training room?
Confusion about which courses your team members need?
Lack of knowledge, about the differences between courses/providers?

If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, you need our services!

Safe + Sound is a Training Partner for the Canadian Red Cross First Aid Program. With 27+ years experience in the first aid training industry and over 50,000 satisfied clients, we are well qualified and equipped to get your staff trained and certified. If it’s time for your team to update their certifications, let’s chat!

Group training is easy to organize. All you need to do is book a date for your class at our location or yours and provide a group of people. We’ll do the rest.

We can come out to your location with all the necessary equipment and supplies and conduct the training for your group. If you don’t have a suitable training room or area onsite, we can teach the class at our Coquitlam classroom. We have free parking and WIFI and are close to public transport.

Benefits of Group Training

Courses can be tailored to meet the needs of your group.
Our instructors can include industry-specific first aid scenarios on request.
Group first aid training is a great team-building opportunity.

Request a quote for Group First Aid Training

If you’re thinking about booking a group first aid training session in the Tri-Cities or Metro Vancouver, please fill out our inquiry form. We’ll be happy to send you the information you need and provide a quote.

Safe + Sound has been conducting group first aid training for 20 years. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received regarding group first aid training:

Private Group First Aid & CPR Training – FAQ’S

Training Room Requirements

Q: What are the room/space requirements for private group first aid training?

A: To meet WorkSafeBC requirements, the training room must have a minimum of 46.5 sq. metres (500 sq. feet) of clear working space in addition to the seating area per class of 10-18 candidates. For classes with fewer than 10 candidates, the room must be equal to 4 sq. metres (44 sq. feet) per candidate. The instructor must have an unobstructed view of the candidates during the training and evaluation.

Q: What if we don’t have a suitable training room onsite?

A: You can book a private course for your team at our Coquitlam classroom.

Choosing the right first aid course/certification

Q: Which first aid course or certification do my staff members need?

A: If you’re not sure which first aid course or certification your staff members need to meet industry and work safety requirements, we can help.

Q: Which group first aid training classes does Safe + Sound Offer?

A: Safe + Sound offers the following group first aid training classes:

Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2)
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level A
Basic First Aid (OFA Level 1)
Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR/AED Level B
CPR/AED level C
Mental Health First Aid

Group Size – Private Group First Aid Training

Q: What is the minimum number of students for a group first aid class?

A: For Red Cross First Aid & CPR certification classes, we will invoice for a minimum of 10 or 12 participants to cover costs. If you have a smaller group, you may prefer to register your people in one of our public classes.

Q: What is the maximum number of students for a group first aid class?

A: For Red Cross First Aid & CPR certification classes, the maximum number of participants is 18 per class. For Basic Life Support (BLS) the maximum is 12.

Q: What is the minimum number of students for a group Mental Health First Aid class?

A: First Mental Health First Aid classes we will invoice for a minimum of 18 participants. Additional participants will be charged at an individual rate.

Q: What is the maximum number of students in a Mental Health First Aid class?

A: The maximum number of participants in a Mental Health First Aid class is 25 or 15 for a virtual class.

Q: How much does group first aid training cost?

A: To provide a quote, we will need the following information:

Your business location
The certification your staff members need. Please ask for advice if you’re unsure.
Number of people who need training

Q: What methods of payment do you accept for group first aid training?

A: We will send you an invoice with your booking confirmation and we accept EFT, business cheque or credit card payments.

Course days and dates

Q: Which days of the week are available for private group training?

A: We can run a class on any day of the week, and dates are subject to availability. Saturdays are the most popular day for first aid training. We recommend booking your class a few weeks before the first aid certifications expire. We take bookings up to 6 months ahead.

If your staff members need to update their first aid certifications, plan ahead and book the training now before their certificates expire.

Contact us today. We can help. It’s easier than you think!

Home Alone and Babysitting in BC – FAQ’s

Posted on April 22, 2019April 5, 2023 by Safe + Sound

Safe + Sound has been running the Canadian Red Cross Babysitting program for 20+ years in Coquitlam, BC. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get from parents and caregivers about kids babysitting and being home alone.

Q: What is the legal age to babysit in BC?

A: There’s no minimum legal age for when children can become babysitters in Canada, and it’s not uncommon for them to start as early as 12 years old. Many people believe that the legal age is different when you are babysitting brothers and sisters. This is not the case.

Q: What is the legal age to leave a child at home alone in BC?

A: In British Columbia, there is no legislated minimum age for leaving a child alone for a short period. However, according to a B.C. Supreme Court decision, children under the age of 10 should not be left unsupervised at home. Read more: https://bit.ly/2Cqc4X3

Q: What kind of training can kids do to prepare themselves to babysit?

A: The Canadian Red Cross offers a babysitting course for kids between 11 and 15 years old. The program is focused on child care, first aid, injury prevention, leadership and business skills.

Q: What do kids learn on a Red Cross Babysitting course?

A: A Red Cross Babysitting Course includes the following topics:

How to be responsible and demonstrate leadership
How to make good decisions and manage difficult behaviours
Information on children’s developmental stages and specific strategies for each stage
How to feed, diaper, dress and play with children and babies
How to recognize and prevent unsafe situations, make safe choices and promote safe behaviours
First aid skills
The business of babysitting

Q: What age do kids have to be to take a Red Cross Babysitting course?

A: Children need to be 11-15 years of age or have completed Grade 5.

Q: When a child has taken the Babysitting course will they be qualified to babysit?

A: A child will gain useful skills and knowledge on the Babysitting course. After the class, they will be more prepared and confident to babysit. The Babysitting course is a participation class. There is no testing of skills and therefore no “qualification” Whether or not the child is ready to take on the responsibility of babysitting is left to the discretion of the child’s parent or guardian. There is no such thing as a “babysitter’s license” for kids.

Q: What are the qualifications of the babysitting course instructor?

A: To teach the Canadian Red Cross Babysitting program, you must be a certified Red Cross Youth Leader. Many Youth Leaders are also Red Cross First Aid instructors.

Q: Is the Red Cross Babysitting course appropriate for child care workers and adult babysitters?

A: No – the Babysitting course is designed for 11-15 year olds. If you are a child care worker or an adult who babysits children, we recommend you take the Red Cross Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR Level B course.

Q: Where can I find more information about Red Cross Babysitting courses?

A: Follow this link to the Babysitting information page on our website. You can also find course information on the Canadian Red Cross website.

We look forward to meeting your child and their friends soon!

September 20 2019, Pro D Day Babysitting Class, Coquitlam. Register today!

Posted on April 15, 2019July 4, 2019 by Safe + Sound

Why register your child for a Babysitting course?

Are you worried when you leave your older child at home alone with their younger siblings? If you’d like your 11-15 year old to learn babysitting skills and how to be safer when home alone, register them on our Red Cross Babysitting class on September 20 2019 in Coquitlam. You can Register online or call 604-945-7277.

What will your child learn in a Babysitting class?

Your child will learn how to:

Look after babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children.
Care for himself/herself and siblings when home alone.
Create a safe environment, and deal with phone calls and unexpected visitors.
React confidently in case of an emergency, such as choking, bleeding, poisoning or burns.
Cope with common problems, such as tantrums and crying.
Play games and organize activities to keep kids of all ages entertained.
Manage a babysitting business. This includes creating a resume and a business card and asking the right questions before accepting a babysitting job.The Canadian Red Cross Babysitting course now has a greater emphasis on First Aid skills. The course covers everything from managing difficult behaviours to essential content on leadership and professional conduct as a babysitter. Babysitting promises to deepen and enhance the responsibility that older youth feel when caring for younger children. This updated curriculum, complete with new science, also provides improved learning when it comes to giving the appropriate care in the event of an emergency.

Babysitting Course First Aid Content includes:

Check, Call, Care (includes phoning EMS/911)
Glove removal
Recovery position
Conscious choking (adult/child/baby/alone)
CPR (baby/child)
Illness
Asthma (includes use of inhaler and spacer)
Anaphylaxis (includes use of EpiPen)
Poisoning
Insect stings
Wound care (i.e. minor cuts and scrapes, splinters, nosebleeds, bumps and bruises
Life-threatening bleeding, burns)
Head, neck and back injuries
Broken bones
Seizures

Babysitting course details, Coquitlam

Registration: Register online or call 604-945-7277

Cost: $70.00+GST per person

Course location:
Public Babysitting classes take place at Eagle Ridge Bible Fellowship, 1160 Lansdowne Drive, Coquitlam, BC, V3B 5V8

Private group Babysitting classes: Book a class for your group at our Coquitlam location or your venue in Metro Vancouver

Babysitting Course Instructor: Certified Red Cross Youth Leader

Prerequisites: Child must be 11-15 years old or have completed Grade 5

2019 September 20 Pro-D Day Babysitting course printable flyer

View Babysitting course schedule, Coquitlam

Register today and help your child build valuable skills for a lifetime.

Basic Life Support (BLS) – 2019 Update and FAQ’s

Posted on February 8, 2019February 8, 2019 by Safe + Sound

Red Cross recently launched the Basic Life Support Program. Development of this course was driven by industry audiences and the need for a clear distinction from public (or lay) CPR courses. Health care provider audiences require a professional, skills-driven resuscitation course that recognizes requisite knowledge.

BLS – Frequently asked questions

Q. What is Basic Life Support?
A. Basic Life Support (BLS) is the recognition of, and initial intervention or treatment given by pre-hospital or in-facility responders to, a patient suffering from cardiac arrest or respiratory arrest.

Q. Is BLS just a different name for CPR HCP (Health Care Provider), or are HCP and BLS completely different?
A. BLS is a new course that is vastly different from HCP, from the target audience to the curriculum and content. BLS is focused on high performance resuscitation and professional skills and does not provide prevention education and address other first aid components as was the case in our HCP curriculum.

Q. Why is Red Cross sunsetting HCP?
A. BLS training supersedes CPR HCP training. The introduction of BLS means CPR HCP is no longer needed – audiences who previously requested the CPR HCP Course will either take CPR C or BLS training depending on the skills needed.

Q: Is Red Cross Basic Life Support (BLS) a nationally recognized program?
A: Yes, the BLS certification is recognized across Canada.

Q: Who is the BLS course designed for?
A: This course is designed for healthcare providers and trained first responders who provide care to patients in a wide variety of in-facility and prehospital settings or by those that require BLS certification and CPR training to enter into a healthcare-related training program.

Q: What do students learn on a BLS course?
A: The primary goal of BLS is to give professional responders the fundamental skills needed to sustain life with CPR/Rescue Breathing and restore an effective rhythm with use of an AED. Follow this link and click View Course Details for more info and list of topics.

Q: Who is the Basic Life Support (BLS) Recertification course for?
A: The Basic Life Support (BLS) Renewal course is a fast-paced course that allows the experienced BLS provider (those who are confident in their BLS skills through regular use in their work in the ED, CCU, ICU on code team, or paramedics and first responders) the opportunity to demonstrate knowledge through written and skills assessment in a concentrated program. Successful completion of this two hour 15 minute course (approximate time) allows students to renew their BLS course completion card.

Q: How long is a BLS certificate good for?
A: A Red Cross BLS certificate is good for 1 year.

Q. Why is BLS only a one-year certification?
A. One year is the industry standard for BLS due to the high skill competency required. Resuscitation skills deteriorate over time and professional responders working in a team environment must know all positions and the skills within those positions. In a cardiac arrest event, any team member may be assigned to any role and must be competent to fulfill their duties.

Q. How long is the BLS Course?

A. BLS on its own is four hours of instructional time, with one additional hour for each of Airway Management and Oxygen Therapy certifications. The focused course allows for a shorter time frame and more flexible scheduling options.

Q. Is there a BLS Recertification Course? If so, how long is it?
A. Yes, there is a BLS Recertification Course and it is two hours of instructional time. If the participant has Airway Management and/or Oxygen Therapy certification(s) as well, they may recertify those at the same time. Additional time is needed to complete the Airway Management and/or Oxygen Therapy certification(s).

Q. Is there a minimum age for BLS participants?
A. There is no minimum age requirement. Participants must be able to successfully demonstrate skill competency.

BLS Training for Private Groups in Metro Vancouver

Book a private group BLS class for your team at your location or ours or register your staff on one of our public BLS classes in Coquitlam.

Questions? Email info@learnfirstaid.ca or call 604-945-7277

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