Red Cross First Responder
General Information
Red Cross First Responder program is your first step in getting hired by a BC Fire Department.
Red Cross First Responder course is a 74 hour blend of independent study and instructor guided learning. The 44 hour classroom work is structured to train students to work as members of the EMS community through lecture and lab practice.
This program is recognized nationally by many other designations (Environment Canada, Fire Departments, Athletic Therapy, Canadian Coast Guard, Department of National Defence) as the entry-level program for the pre-hospital profession.
Red Cross First Responders provide a service in an environment requiring special skills, knowledge and serves as liaisons with other emergency services.
Who is hiring??
Red Cross First Responder has been approved by the B.C. Emergency Medical Attendant Licensing Board (EMALB) for First-Responder level 3 licensing (Schedule 2). This course includes CPR-BLS, AED, and Spinal Management.
If you would like to get licensed, please let us know in 2-3 weeks in advance so we can get this organized with BC EMA Licensing.
Licensing information Schedule 3 First Responders
Applying for an Initial First Responder Licence in British Columbia
A first responder licence is valid for three years. There are no fees required for a first responder licence.
To apply for your licence, follow these steps:
- Successfully complete a recognized training program and the Board exams. Red Cross First Responder is recognized.
- Once training and practical exams are complete, your evaluator submits your program certificate and course results to getanexam@gov.bc.ca.
- Successfully complete the EMA Licensing Board online EMA FR written exam.
- Complete and electronically submit an application for licence form.
- Undergo a criminal record check within 12 months of the licence application
First Responder Licence Renewals (BC)
First responder licences are valid for three years and must be renewed before it expires. If your licence has expired, please refer to the EMALB – 2016-06 Reinstatement policy below. Please see the First Responder Licence Renewal FAQ for more information.
- Successfully complete the EMA Licensing Board online EMA FR written exam.
- A licensee has 3 attempts to successfully complete online written exam.
- After the exam is complete, If an EMA FR did not successfully complete the online exam in the three attempts provided, the licensee must then successfully complete an EMA FR recognized training program and the Board approved exams to renew their licence.
- Complete and electronically submit an application for licence renewal form.
Applying for an Online Examination
1. How to obtain a BCeID
- A BCeID is required to access the online exam system. If you do not already have a BCeID, click on the link and register for a Basic BCeID. Please use only lowercase characters in your BCeID username. (If you already have a BCeID and password you may skip this step.)
2. How to Request your exam
- Once you have obtained your BCeID, you need to Request Access to the exam system by logging in using your BCeID, and creating an account for the exam system.
- To create an account, please fill out the account form on the right-hand side of the screen and submit. A request for access will then be emailed to the branch for review and a copy will be sent to you for your records.
The exam coordinator will review your information and grant you access to the exam within two weeks of the request.
Red Cross First Responder
***After completion of the First Responders program students can continue with the EMR Upgrade program. This will give you a better chance in getting hired by any of the local Fire Halls. If the dates would not work right away, students can come to a later date.***
Certification
Red Cross First Responder ticket is valid for 3 years.
EMALB FR(3) License is valid for 3 years.
Red Cross First Responder
With your FR License you already are recognized with WorkSafeBC and the company that needs your Intermediate First Aid WorkSafeBC certificate will now only have to have a Jurisprudence package done by you and kept on file.
FoodSafe Level 1
General Information
The Level 1 course is for food service front-line workers such as buspersons, servers, dishwashers, and cooks. Level 1 is usually delivered in a one day format (8 hours). If you take this course in British Columbia and pass the final exam, you will be registered in the BC Centre for Disease Control database and you will receive a FOODSAFE certificate.
Designed to:
- create awareness of foodborne illness and worker safety.
- to reduce the possibility of food related illness.
- share the importance of safe work habits in the food industry.
Food Safety
Who should take this course?
The BC Health Act: Food Premises Regulation, Part 3, Division 2 – Training, Foodsafe Training 10 states that:
1) Every operator of a food service establishment must hold a certificate, issued by a health official, for the successful completion of the food handler training program known as FOODSAFE or its equivalent.
2) Every operator of a food service establishment must ensure that, while the operator is absent from the food service establishment, at least one employee present in the establishment holds the certificate referred to in subsection (1).
This means that it is not required by the BC regulation that you have a FOODSAFE Level 1 certificate, in order to work as a server. However, some employers require that all their employees have a Level 1 certificate. Also, it is an advantage to have your certificate when applying for jobs.
The FOODSAFE Level 1 course is about preventing the transmission of foodborne illness. FoodSafe is also about worker safety on the job. People who prepare, serve and clean up food should take this course. It will be for the safety of the customers and also for their own safety.
To add to your training, Basic First Aid (WorkSafeBC) would be highly recommended.
WHMIS 2015
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System 2015
What is it?
This is a 3-4 hour program that will introduce WHMIS Education and Training for Workers. Employers must establish an education program for their workers to ensure that workers understand WHMIS and the hazards of the controlled products they work with or near. Education programs about WHMIS must be followed up with job-specific training in safe work procedures for handling, storing, and disposing of these controlled products. Workers must also be trained in emergency procedures in the event of an accident or spill.
What is covered in the course?
This WHMIS 2015 course covers the implementation of the GHS in Canada as well as WHMIS legislation introduced in 1988.
Health Canada is the government body responsible for the overall WHMIS supplier-related laws. Note that WHMIS is also regulated in the workplace by the provinces, territories and federal (for federally regulated workplaces) governments under their occupational health and safety legislation. While these jurisdictions based their WHMIS regulations on the common model, small variations between jurisdictions may exist in how they adopted WHMIS 2015.
WHMIS 2015
The course also includes valuable practical advice, so you will know basic health and safety measures to protect yourself and prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
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 Basic or Intermediate 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 Advanced First Aid Attendant, BC Ambulance Service and hospital emergency personnel
Certification
To qualify for certification the candidate must hold a valid Basic or Intermediate 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 BFA/IFA certificate. The transportation endorsement is valid for three years as long as the candidate has a current Basic or Intermediate First aid certificate.
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, no latex gloves are present in the classroom.
Personal Protective Equipment (“PPE”) knee pads recommended to use and are provided in the classroom.
General Information
This is a 24 hr formal Occupational First Aid Level 1 Instructor training program. The Instructor School will follow the new 2018 curriculum.
There will be a 2 day Train the Trainer Program (Fundamentals of Instruction – Red Cross certified). After successful completion of the Train the Trainer Program, there will be a 2 day WorkSafeBC OFA L1 Instructor School Program.
A maximum of 8 students are allowed in the Program.
Prerequisites OFA L1 Instructor
- Be at least 19 years of age prior to instructor training
- Hold a current/valid Standard First Aid certificate or higher (preferred OFA L2 or L3)
- Have successfully participated in a complete OFA Level 1 or, for OFA Level 1 equivalent course instructor candidates, have successfully participated in an OFA Level 1 equivalent course and scored 85% or higher on the written examination (i.e., achieve certification) not more than 6 months prior to initial instructor training
- Complete a WorkSafeBC Jurisprudence Package.
Certification
Materials
All candidates will receive the most up to date Instructor Guide (s) and student manual (s)
***Bonus***
After completing the Train the Trainer – Red Cross Fundamentals of Instruction – the candidate is able to continue with becoming a Red Cross Instructor for Standard First Aid Instructor or First Responder/Emergency Medical Responder Instructor, if holding a valid ticket in the course desired. Please contact Be Prepared for more information.
Basic First Aid (formerly known as OFA L1)
General Information
Basic First Aid (formerly known as OFA L1) is a 7 hour program (8 hour day with normal breaks) designed to provide life saving first aid skills to workers in industry.
Candidates must be at least 16 years of age and be able to understand and perform the first aid skills required to complete the learning tasks. No previous first aid training is required.
Certification is valid for three years from the date of completion of the Basic First Aid training course.
To renew a Basic First Aid (formerly known as OFA L1) a candidate must successfully retake the Level 1 course. There is no more the option of going through a recert class.
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
Upon successful completion of this interactive course and successfully writing a written 25 question multiple choice exam, candidates will receive a WorkSafeBC Basic First Aid certificate. The certificate is valid for 3 years.
First Aid Kits
Please visit our online store for all your first aid supplies, or send us an email to bep@be-prepared.ca or text to 778-987-5228.
Please look at our facility on Clearbrook Road in Abbotsford by visiting our home page: https://be-prepared.ca/
When ready to schedule yourself or company for our next course coming up, please go to: https://be-prepared.ca/courses-abbotsford-richmond/
Advanced First Aid (formerly known as OFA L3)
New 2024 CSA-standard course
Advanced First Aid (formerly known as OFA L3)
General Information
Advanced First Aid (formerly known as OFA L3) is a 70 hour program designed to provide the first aid attendant with the skills to function as part of an effective first aid program in the work place.
The course consists of Lessons involving a minimum of 70 hours of classroom study and practice. Pre-reading for each lesson is essential. Lectures will cover those areas essential for learning emergency care, but the need for pre-reading and continual review is essential for the understanding of first aid subjects covered in each lesson.
Candidates must be at least 16 years of age and be able to understand and perform the first aid skills required to complete the learning tasks. No previous first aid training is required. This means you do not need to take Basic First Aid (OFA L1) or Intermediate First Aid (OFA L2) prior to taking this course.
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 BC Ambulance Service and hospital emergency personnel
Handouts
For walk-in patients that are sent back to work after treatment we give them a handout. These handouts used to be part of the printed material you receive during training, but not anymore. Please find the link to this document here for download.
What to do after booking your spot in the course:
Books will be given out on the first day of class.
You can already start by downloading the Electronic version of the new Advanced First Aid book, please read the information for the Priority Action Approach before day 1.
Advanced First Aid – Reference and Training Manual – v4 – 4 Sept 24-1
Download your electronic version
Please visit our new page Intermediate First Aid (2 days) that will replace the OFA L2 program
Occupational First Aid Level-2 (OFA L2)
NEW 2018 course – 5 days includes the exam now!
Occupational First Aid Level-2 (OFA L2)
General information
This 36-hour WorkSafeBC course covers all medical techniques within the responsibility of the attendant at a workplace.
Candidates must be at least 16 years of age. Students need to be able to understand and perform the first aid skills required to complete the learning tasks. No previous first aid training is required. This means you can take this course, and not having to take any other level of first aid.
Maximum class size is 12.
Occupational First Aid Level 2 (OFA L2) certificates are valid for three years from the date of the examination.
Extensions of the duration of certificates are not permitted, unless indicated by WorkSafeBC under special circumstances like Covid-19.
You can challenge the Occupational First Aid Level-2 (OFA L2) if you have done this course before, please contact us for details.
Intention
All 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. Those would be the Level 3 Occupational First Aid Attendant (OFA L3), BC Ambulance Service and hospital emergency personnel.
Handouts
For walk-in patients that return to work there are patient handouts given after treatment. They used to be part of the printed materials, but not anymore, so here is the document for downloading.
If you have any questions, please let us know via our contact form.
What to do after booking your spot in the course:
Please make an appointment to come pick up your student binder from our location. (please contact us prior so we are there and we have your materials) If you don’t have the opportunity to do so, please download the electronic book and homework and we will have your printed book(s) ready at the start of the course.
Pre-reading assignments ready for download here OFA 2 Course Reference and Training Manual – Required Reading NEW
Occupational First Aid Level 2
Here is the link for the electronic version of your student manual:
Red Cross CPR/AED
Be Prepared – Trainers in First Aid Inc. also provides special training for people who face new challenges and are going back to work.
Red Cross CPR/AED course
Includes 2011 First Aid & CPR Guidelines
- 3-year certification
- AED content and certification included
Course Content
- 4 hrs; intended for workplace and general public
- Adult CPR – one rescuer
- Adult choking
- Child / Infant CPR and choking with the CPR-C/AD
- Barrier device/pocket masks
- AED
- Heart Attack and Stroke
- Recovery Position