If you need to update your first aid certification, you may be concerned about whether it’s safe to take an in-person class during COVID-19 restrictions. This article explains what you can expect in a first aid class and what we’re doing to ensure your health and safety. We hope the information below will reassure you about registering for a course or booking a private group training session for your team.
Safe + Sound First Aid Training is following WorkSafe BC and Canadian Red Cross health and safety guidelines for first aid agencies.
Click here for our full COVID-10 Health and Safety Protocols
On arrival at your first aid class, a friendly staff member will greet you and ask you to use hand sanitizer before completing a health screening questionnaire.
Brief outline
Participants:
- Receive health and safety information via email before the class.
- Are required to show proof of Covid-19 vaccination on arrival at the course location.
- Complete a health screening questionnaire before entering the classroom.
- Are required to wash/sanitize their hands before, during and after class.
- Wear a mask before entering the classroom and throughout the course.
- Are spaced at least 2 metres apart in the training room.
- Have their own manikin, equipment, and supplies.
- Are given a disposable, one-way valve with a filter to use with their CPR breathing mask.
- Use equipment that has been sanitized following WorkSafeBC and Canadian Red Cross guidelines.
Health screening
Before admittance into the class, participants must complete a health questionnaire. This helps us determine if they have been ill or have had any signs of illness (fever, cough, breathing difficulties/shortness of breath, or other symptoms) within the last 24 hours, travelled outside of Canada within the previous 14 days or been in contact with someone who is ill. (Source Government of Canada https://ca.thrive.health/covid19/en) Participants with pre-existing conditions (e.g., allergies causing sneezing) are discouraged from attending training; this helps participants in the course feel secure.
Each student completes a health screening questionnaire before being admitted to class.
Face masks
We require that students and instructors wear face masks during the entire class. While this is slightly inconvenient, it gives people confidence that they will remain safe while spending a day in a room with other people.
Hand sanitizing
We ask participants to use hand sanitizer on arrival and wash their hands regularly throughout the day and at the end of the class. Washrooms are situated close to the classrooms.
Smaller group sizes and physical distancing
We have reduced our class sizes to meet physical distancing guidelines in our classrooms. Each student has a two-metre square area, with their chair and all the equipment and supplies they need for the class. Students are asked to remain in their area throughout the class, except during breaks.
Classroom layout
With current physical distancing guidelines, participants need to be separated by a minimum of 2 metres. As you can see from the image, we have arranged our classroom to create individual stations where students remain during class.
First aid workstations are situated two metres apart in the classrooms.
Physical contact
Participants are not required to have any physical contact with other students or the instructor. Previously, some first aid skills like the recovery position, splints and slings, required people to work in pairs. We have come up with creative ways to teach these skills without students having physical contact with others.
Equipment – one to one ratios
Each student has an adult manikin, infant manikin, AED trainer (defibrillator), and first aid supplies to use during class. There is no sharing of equipment or supplies.
First aid class workstation. Each student has their own Mankins, AED, kneeling mat and first aid supplies. No sharing or physical contact with other students.
What about gloves and CPR breathing masks?
We give each student disposable vinyl gloves and a new, disposable one-way valve and filter to use with their CPR mask. Students may take the CPR masks home with them.
Each student has a tray containing the first aid supplies they need for the day.
Cleaning and sanitizing
Following guidelines from WorkSafeBC and the Canadian Red Cross, we sanitize all first aid equipment thoroughly after use.
Questions?
We hope the above information will reassure you about taking a class or booking a private class for your team. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Google review from Emergency Child Care First Aid CPR course participant, June 2020. Thank you Becky! More Google Reviews
First aid course information, schedules and online registration
Private Group First Aid Training
June 2020. Private onsite group training at Pacific Backlot / Vancouver Film Studios. Workers learning CPR during a Red Cross Emergency First Aid (OFA 1) class.
