Transportation Endorsement
General Information
Transportation Endorsement is a 7 hour program designed by WorkSafeBC and is focused on developing practical skill in patient handling techniques and patient securing procedures.
Prerequisites
To qualify for a Transportation Endorsement the candidate must be at least 16 years of age and hold a valid Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 1 or 2 certificate or equivalent.
Intention
Course participants are encouraged to assist in improving pre-hospital care of injured workers by promoting:
- Workplace compliance with the Occupational First Aid Regulation
- Effective interaction between attendants, employers and workers
- Efficient co-operation with higher levels of medical care, such as the Level 3 Occupational First Aid Attendant, BC Ambulance Service and hospital emergency personnel
Certification
To qualify for certification the candidate must hold a valid OFA Level 1 or 2 certificate or equivalent and must successfully complete a board-developed training course or its equivalent. Successful completion of course objectives will result in a transportation endorsement to the OFA certificate. The transportation endorsement is valid for three years as long as the candidate has a current Level 1 or 2.
Safety Alert
This course is physically demanding. It will require prolonged kneeling, working in stooped positions, and rolling patients. Each class participant is required to function as attendant, helper and patient.
Accommodation may be made for participants that indicate a problem with some of the aforementioned activities. Participants may be permitted to adopt "comfort" positions on the floor to avoid kneeling or stooping for prolonged periods, even though the positions may not facilitate optimum patient care. However, regardless of accommodation made during the class, participants will be required to demonstrate specific skills according to an accepted standard before certification is issued.
Medical exam gloves are used during all practice sessions. Participants need to be aware of possible allergic reactions to gloves.
Personal Protective Equipment ("PPE") knee pads recommended.