The Vital Role of Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 3 in High-Risk and Remote Workplaces
Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 3 is essential for high-risk and remote workplaces. This program provides advanced training for managing severe medical emergencies, ensuring readiness for complex scenarios.
What is OFA Level 3?
OFA Level 3 builds on the skills learned in lower levels, offering extensive training for emergencies in high-hazard environments and remote worksites. Spanning 70 hours, this course is tailored for remote worksites or employers with large workforces more than 20 minutes away from medical aid.
Key Components of OFA Level 3 Training
- Advanced Patient Assessment: Comprehensive evaluation techniques to identify and manage life-threatening issues.
- Advanced Airway Management: Techniques for maintaining and securing airways in severe cases.
- CPR and AED: Training on CPR for adults, children, and infants, including the use of AEDs.
- Advanced Bleeding Control: Use of advanced techniques and equipment to control severe bleeding.
- Spinal and Head Injury Management: Identifying and stabilizing spinal and head injuries.
- Fracture Management: Advanced techniques for immobilizing fractures and preventing further injury.
- Medical Emergencies: Managing severe conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and diabetic emergencies.
- Environmental Emergencies: Treating severe cases of heat stroke, hypothermia, and other environmental injuries.
- Transportation and Evacuation: Safe methods for transporting and evacuating injured individuals from remote locations.
Who Should Take OFA Level 3?
OFA Level 3 is ideal for individuals working in high-risk environments and remote locations where immediate medical assistance is not readily available. Careers that typically require OFA Level 3 certification include:
- Remote Worksite Personnel: Workers in isolated areas, such as oil and gas fields, mines, and forestry operations.
- Construction Supervisors: Managing large teams on high-risk construction sites.
- Industrial Safety Officers: Ensuring safety in large manufacturing plants and industrial facilities.
- Firefighters and Emergency Responders: Advanced first aid skills for managing complex emergencies.
CSA Changes for OFA Level 3
With the upcoming CSA changes, the current OFA Level 3 will be rebranded as Advanced First Aid, extending the course duration to 10 days from the previous 70 hours. This change aims to provide a more comprehensive training experience, ensuring participants are thoroughly prepared for high-risk and remote work environments. Key amendments include:
- Course Duration and Naming: OFA Level 3 will become Advanced First Aid with a 10-day duration.
- First Aid Kit Requirements: Aligning with CSA Z1220-17 standards, which include updated contents for personal, basic, intermediate, and advanced kits.
- Workplace Characteristics: New criteria for classifying workplaces based on risk levels and accessibility.
Conclusion
OFA Level 3, soon to be known as Advanced First Aid, is vital for high-risk and remote workplaces. This extensive training ensures readiness for severe medical emergencies, enhancing workplace safety and compliance with updated CSA standards. By investing in this advanced training, employers can significantly improve their emergency preparedness and ensure the safety and well-being of their workforce.
