First aid manikin and AED

WorkSafeBC Accepts Red Cross Blended Standard First Aid as OFA Level 1 Equivalent

Did you know WorkSafeBC accepts Canadian Red Cross Blended Standard First Aid as OFA Level 1 equivalent?

How does Blended Standard First Aid benefit employers?

Instead of employees taking two full days off work to attend a classroom-based course, they are now out of the workplace for a single day. This reduces the need for employers to find cover, saving time and money.

What is Standard First Aid?

Standard First Aid is a Canadian Red Cross training course that includes essential lifesaving first aid and CPR skills for the workplace and home. The course meets legislation requirements for provincial/territorial worker safety and insurance boards. It follows the latest first aid and CPR guidelines.

What does Blended Standard First Aid mean?

A blended course includes an online component as well as an in-person session. Students complete an online course where they learn the theory behind the first aid skills. Following this, they attend a practical skills class where they get hands-on practice with equipment in the classroom. During this session, they will complete a multiple-choice test.

What’s the difference between Standard First Aid and Standard First Aid Blended?

With the regular Standard First Aid program, students attend 16 hours of in-person training in the classroom. Classes usually take place over two days. With Blended Standard First Aid training, participants complete the online, theory portion of the course at home or in the workplace. Following this, they attend a full-day, in-person skills session in the classroom.

Where does the practical skills session take place?

The Blended Standard First Aid skills session can take place onsite in the workplace or at a local training venue. You can schedule a group training session at your workplace or register your team members on a public course.

Standard First Aid Blended – About

Duration

Standard First Aid with CPR C Blended includes 16 hours of training –  8 hours of online learning + 8 hours in-person training. Online learning time will vary depending on the learner.

Regular Standard First Aid with CPR C includes 16  hours of in-person training

Completion Requirements

  • Attend and participate in 100% of the course
  • Successfully demonstrate practical first aid skills and critical steps
  • Achieve a minimum 75% mark for written knowledge evaluation

Standard First Aid Certification

Red Cross Standard First Aid & CPR certification is valid for three years from the date the certificate is issued. After three years, the full course must be repeated to maintain certification. A shorter, recertification class may be taken before the initial certificate expires.

Standard First Aid Course Content

  • The Red Cross
  • Responding to Emergencies
  • Check, Call, Care
  • Choking
  • Circulation emergencies
  • CPR and AED
  • Breathing Emergencies
  • Wound Care
  • Head, Neck, and Spinal Injuries
  • Bone, Muscle and Joint Injuries
  • Sudden Medical Emergencies
  • Environmental Illness
  • Poisons
  • Includes any other content required by specific legislation

Participant Materials

  • First Aid & CPR (eBook)
  • Standard First Aid – Online course (8 hours)
  • Standard First Aid certificate (digital certificate issued upon successful completion)
  • Printable version – Standard First Aid

Standard First Aid Private Group Training

Interested in Private Group Training for your team? Please contact us and ask for a quote.

Safe + Sound Private group training, onsite at Vancouver Film Studios.

child in red cross babysitting class

Online Babysitting Training – Frequently Asked Questions

Virtual Babysitting Training, also called Online Babysitting Training, became very popular during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Red Cross developed the Virtual Babysitting course as a response to concerns from parents about children attending in-person group classes. Since then, the program has become so popular that parents, caregivers and group leaders often choose virtual training over in-person classes. Virtual classes are convenient for children and parents and they are especially beneficial for those who live in remote areas or can’t get to course locations easily.

Red Cross Babysitting Training includes basic first aid and caregiving skills for youth aged 11–15 years old. Participants learn how to provide care to younger children in a variety of age groups and how to prevent and respond to emergencies. The course also offers youth the training to promote themselves safely as a babysitter to prospective parents.

Please find below some of the questions parents and caregivers most commonly ask us about Babysitting training.

FAQs about Virtual Babysitting Training

Age

Q: How old do you have to be to take a Virtual Babysitting course?

Participants must be 11 years of age or older (or must have completed Grade 5). The Virtual Babysitting course is designed for children aged 11-15 years.

 

Q: My child is not yet 11 years old. Is there an online safety course they can take?

Children aged 9-13 can take our Home Alone Safety for Kids online course.

 

Course fees

Q: How much does a Red Cross Babysitting course cost?

You can find course information and current pricing here

 

Course length and timing

Q: How long is a Red Cross Virtual Babysitting class?

A Red Cross Virtual Babysitting class is 7 hours long including breaks.

 

Q: Is the Red Cross Babysitting course a one-day class, or is it split into two or more sessions?

A Red Cross Babysitting course can be run over one day or be split into two or more sessions.

 

Qualifications and certification

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

Red Cross Babysitting course instructors are certified Red Cross Youth Leaders.

 

Q: Will my child get a certificate after taking their Red Cross Babysitting class?

Yes. Children receive a Red Cross Babysitting participation certification upon completion of the class.

 

Q: When my child has taken a Red Cross Virtual Babysitting course, will they be qualified to babysit?

Your child will gain useful skills and knowledge from 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.

 

Group Size

Q: How many participants are there in a Virtual Babysitting class?

The Canadian Red Cross allows a maximum of 15 children in a Virtual Babysitting class.

 

Course Topics

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

On a Red Cross Babysitting course, 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

Private Group Virtual Babysitting Training

Q: Can I book a private Virtual Babysitting class for my group?

Yes. If you have 8-15 children aged 11-15 years, you can book a private Virtual Babysitting class for your group.

 

Course Materials

Q: What materials will I need to provide for my child for use during the Virtual Babysitting class?

When you register your child for the class, you will receive an email confirmation with course details, including what your child needs to have with them during the training. Your child will also receive a Red Cross Babysitting book and other materials in the mail. Here is a list of some of the items you may be asked to provide:

  • Doll or stuffed animal (to practice baby care – holding, carrying, burping, feeding, comforting etc.
  • Triangular bandage or clean tea towel (to practice bandaging life-threatening external bleeding.
  • Pair of disposable gloves or any gloves available in the home (to practice safe glove removal.
  • Thick marker pen or something that looks similar (to practice using an EpiPen)
  • Pen and paper for note-taking
  • Water bottle

There is no need to buy any of the above items. Children are encouraged to improvise with things they can find around the home.

Q: Will my child get a Red Cross Babysitting book with their course?

Yes. Red Cross Babysitting course students receive a copy of the Red Cross Babysitting book in the mail. If they register at least a week before the class, they should get their book before their class. If they register later, they will receive their book and their Babysitting certificate after the class.

 

Technical Info

Q: Do participants have to set up a Zoom account to take a virtual Babysitting class?

Participants are not required to have a Zoom account to participate in a Red Cross Babysitting class. We will email a link to each participant before the class. Participants need access to a computer with a webcam and microphone. This must be turned on for the duration of the class.

 

Legal Questions

Q: What is the legal age for babysitting in BC, Canada?

A: There is no age specified by law for babysitting. The parent determines if a child is responsible enough to provide a safe environment for the younger children in their care. Canadian social services organizations advise that children under 12 years should not be left at home alone.

 

Q: What is the legal age for leaving children unsupervised in Canada?

This is a difficult question, as the guidelines vary in different provinces. 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.

This is a complicated issue, and the guidelines are unclear. Please refer to this article:

Is your child ready to stay home alone?

 

Course Registration

Q: How can I register my child in a Red Cross Virtual Babysitting class?

You can find information, a schedule and online registration for Virtual Babysitting classes here. We look forward to meeting your child and their friends soon!

 

Q: Where can I find information about Home Alone training?

You can find information and registration for Home Alone training for 9-13-year-olds here.

Questions about Babysitting and Home Alone training in Canada

Please contact us if you have any questions about Babysitting or Home Alone courses.

First aid & CPR certification – time to update?

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 20+ years experience in the first aid training industry and over 40,000 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 one of our classrooms in Coquitlam or Burnaby/Vancouver. Our centres have kitchen facilities, 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 / or evaluation.

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

A: You can book a private course for your team at one of our classrooms in Coquitlam or Burnaby/Vancouver.

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 in order 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:

  • Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level A
  • Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
  • Standard First Aid & CPR/AED BLS
  • Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level A
  • Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C
  • Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED BLS
  • OFA Level 1 (Emergency or Standard First Aid & CPR/AED)
  • Emergency Child Care First Aid & CPR/AED Level B
  • CPR/AED level A
  • CPR/AED level C
  • Basic Life Support (BLS)
  • Mental Health First Aid – Basic
  • Mental Health First Aid for Adults who Interact with Youth

More info

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 participants to cover costs. If you have a smaller group, you may prefer to register your people on 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 on an individual rate.

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

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

Q: How much does group first aid training cost?

A: In order to provide a quote we will need the following information:

  • Your business location
  • Which certification / course your staff members need. Ask us if you’re not sure.
  • 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. We accept EFT, Visa, MasterCard and business cheque 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 first aid certifications are due to 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!

How can employers reduce the impact of poor mental health in the workplace?

The link between stress, mental health and employee absence is well known; it remains a significant challenge for many Canadian employers.

Poor mental health in the workplace has a negative impact on both physical and mental well-being of employees. The early signs of poor mental health can be seen when employees begin to experience physical illnesses or conditions that are not directly related to their jobs like back pain, headaches, arthritis, and skin disorders.

Each year, absenteeism costs Canadian employers $16.5 Billion dollars in lost revenue. It makes sense for employers to look after the physical and mental health of their workers.

Smart employers are now offering Mental Health First Aid training in the workplace. Maintaining a happy, healthy workforce leads to higher productivity, less down time and absenteeism and this has a positive impact on the bottom line.

Mental Health First Aid – About the course

Physical first aid courses prepare people for medical emergencies such as choking, heart attack and broken bones. Mental health first aid training gives people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.

A range of mental health issues will be covered, including mood, anxiety, trauma-related, psychotic and substance use disorders. The course will also teach first aid skills for dealing with drug overdose, suicidal behaviour, panic attacks, psychosis and acute stress reaction.

The goal is to enable participants to build the skills and confidence necessary to engage in effective conversations about mental health, help them recognize the most common mental health problems and illnesses, increase their comfort level with, and willingness to help others, and decrease the stigma and discrimination around mental health problems and illnesses.

PRIVATE group training for your team

Safe + Sound First Aid Training offers private group training as well as public courses. We can teach a course onsite at your location or at our Coquitlam classroom. For more information please call 604-945-7277 or follow this link

PUBLIC Mental Health First Aid course dates:

September 26&27 2018, Coquitlam  Register

November 7&8 2018, Coquitlam Register

Register online or call 604-945-7277

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, mental illness indirectly affects all Canadians at some time through a family member, friend or colleague. One in five people in Canada will personally experience a mental health problem or illness.

Everyone can benefit from taking Mental Health First Aid training.

 

How Mental Health First Aid Training Saves Employers Money

As a responsible employer, you provide a physically safe environment for your workers. But what about their psychological health and safety? Are you doing enough to help your staff be their best selves at work? Supporting your employees’ mental health with Mental Health First Aid training, can improve productivity, reduce absences, and increase worker retention.

According to the Canadian Mental Health Association, one in five (20%) of Canadians, will suffer from a significant mental health condition at least once in their lifetime. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about mental health issues, however, things are changing. Media campaigns and educational courses are bringing awareness to how many Canadians are affected by mental health conditions.  These initiatives are taking away the stigma that prevents those suffering from mental health issues from seeking help.

The cost of a disability leave for a mental illness is about double the cost of a leave due to a physical illness. A growing body of international evidence demonstrates that promotion, prevention, and early intervention initiatives show positive returns on investment. Smart employers provide Mental Health First Aid training in the workplace because they want to:

  • Reduce employee absenteeism
  • Reduce medical and disability costs
  • Improve employee retention
  • Improve employee morale
  • Reduce stigma around mental health issues

Safe + Sound offers public Mental Health First Aid training in Coquitlam and we also do onsite training in organizations all over Metro Vancouver. If you’d like more information about our public courses or private Group Training for your team, please contact us.

Mental Health First Aid training in Coquitlam:

Register online for Mental Health First Aid in Coquitlam ($200.00+GST)

 

Onsite First Aid Training in Metro Vancouver

Do your staff need first aid training?

We do onsite first aid training in workplaces in Metro Vancouver.  We can teach a class in the convenience of your own venue, or you can book a private course at our Coquitlam location. Private group training is easy to very organize. Just book a date with us and provide a group of people and we’ll take care of everything else!

We will come out to your location in the Tri-Cities (Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody) Surrey, Richmond, Burnaby, New Westminster, Vancouver, North Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Abbotsford or Langley.

The Venue

The training room should be clean and contain enough seating for the number of people attending as well as adequate clear floor space for the practical sessions. Please see guidelines below. There must be washrooms nearby.

Training room size

Red Cross minimum room size requirements: 1.4 m2 (15 sq. ft.) available for every 2 participants.

For Level 1 (Workplace Emergency First Aid) courses, WorkSafe BC requires a minimum of 500 sq ft of clear floor space in addition to the seating area.

First Aid Class Group Size

Red Cross First Aid/ CPR courses:

Maximum number of students per class = 18

Minimum number of students you will be invoiced for = 10

 

Mental Health First Aid courses:

Maximum number of students per class = 24

Minimum number of students you will be invoiced for = 10

Special arrangements can be made for smaller or larger groups.

Don’t have a suitable training room onsite?

No problem! We can teach your group at our Coquitlam location or you can register your staff members on one of our public courses. You can find our public course schedule at staging-wp123859.wpdns.ca

First Aid in Farsi?

Our public courses are usually conducted in English, however we have an Iranian instructor who can teach first aid and CPR classes in Farsi. We’d be happy to arrange a private course for your group conducted in Farsi.

Ready to book your private group course?

For more information, or to make arrangements for your onsite first aid training, please contact us. To help us to serve you better, please give us the following information if you can:

  • Which course do your staff members need to take?
  • Would you like us to teach the class at your workplace or our classroom in Coquitlam?
  • Which day of the week is most convenient for you?
  • Do you have any dates in mind for your training? Please give a two or three alternate dates and indicate your preference.
  • Would you prefer to be contacted by phone or email?

Contact us today to book a private first aid class for your group!
Call 604-945-7277 and speak to Gill, or email info@learnfirstaid.ca