Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2)
This Intermediate First Aid course for industry replaces the WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 2 program, aligning with updated safety standards for workplace first aid.
Become An Intermediate First Aid Attendant
Our Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2) course provides comprehensive first aid training for those working in industries where emergency response skills are essential. This WorkSafeBC-approved course is designed to equip participants with the necessary skills to manage medical emergencies in the workplace, including the assessment of injuries and providing critical interventions.
This course replaces the former Occupational First Aid Level 2 (OFA 2) program and now aligns with the CSA standards, ensuring you receive up-to-date training in line with current regulations. Participants will gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical training, ensuring they are prepared for real-world emergencies.
Join A Intermediate First Aid Course!
Is This Course Right for You?
Secure Employment: This course is a critical requirement for many industries, ensuring that workers are equipped to manage emergency situations at worksites, and it’s ideal for companies aiming to meet their WorkSafeBC requirements. Having staff trained in Intermediate First Aid demonstrates a commitment to workplace safety and preparedness.
Path to Certification: This course is a direct pathway to receiving Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2) certification, which is valid for 3 years. Upon successful completion, participants will be prepared for the WorkSafeBC examination, which includes both a written and practical exam. A passing grade of 70% or higher is required for certification.
Comprehensive Skills Training: Participants will learn life-saving first aid techniques such as patient assessment, managing unresponsive patients, CPR and AED use, as well as handling burns, fractures, and respiratory distress. This 14-hour course (which includes in-class and hands-on training) is designed to prepare participants for a range of emergencies they may encounter on the job.
Course Overview:
The Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2) course is designed to provide essential first aid skills for individuals working in high-risk industries. Combining both theoretical knowledge and hands-on practical training, this course ensures participants can confidently apply their skills in real-world situations.
Key details include:
- Course Duration: 14 Hours
- Locations: Victoria, Nanaimo, Burnaby and Vancouver
- CSA-aligned and compliant with WorkSafeBC regulations
- Includes WorkSafeBC-approved exams with a written test and practical assessment
- Certification: Valid for 3 years upon successful completion
- No prior first aid experience required, making it suitable for both new and experienced workers
This course is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their emergency response skills in the workplace.
Recertification
For those looking to renew their certification, please note that recertification requires full completion of the Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2) course. There is no shorter option for recertification; all participants must complete the full 14-hour course to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest WorkSafeBC standards, techniques, and CSA-aligned curriculum.
WorkSafeBC Regulatory Updates
The Intermediate First Aid course replaces the former OFA Level 2 program and is now aligned with updated CSA standards. This change ensures that the curriculum meets the latest requirements under WorkSafeBC regulations, providing participants with more comprehensive training to better handle medical emergencies in the workplace. The course continues to deliver the same high-quality instruction while incorporating important updates to reflect modern workplace safety needs.
For detailed information on these amendments, visit the following pages on WorkSafeBC's website:
• Preliminary OHS Guidelines for Part 3 – Occupational First Aid
• Backgrounder: Occupational first aid regulatory changes
• First aid requirements (web page)
Course Details
Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2) Course Topics:
- Conduct a scene assessment
- Activate the workplace emergency response procedures
- Maintain support of the head and neck, initially and with a co-worker
- Open the airway with an airway opening manoevre (head-tilt chin-lift)
- Maintain an airway opening manoevre, instruct, and have a co-worker maintain (hold the head-tilt chin-lift)
- Assess for breathing
- Clear an obstructed airway
- Breathe for a worker with a pocket mask
- Perform CPR
- Deploy an AED
- Assess skin condition, and recognize shock
- Conduct a rapid body survey (RBS)
- Control bleeding with direct pressure, dressings and bandages and a tourniquet
FAQs
Are OFA Level 2 courses changing in BC?
First aid certification levels and first aid kit contents are being aligned with Canadian Standards Association standards. Level 1, 2, and 3 certificates and kits will become basic, intermediate, and advanced, respectively. The instruction time for the new intermediate (previously Level 2) first aid course is changing from five days to two days.
How is the Intermediate First Aid course different from Basic (OFA Level 1) First Aid?
While OFA Level 1 is a one-day course designed for low-risk workplaces, the Intermediate First Aid course (formerly OFA Level 2) is a 5-day intensive course. It provides lifesaving first aid skills geared toward training workplace first aid attendants in larger or urban workplaces, where there may be a greater number of workers and more complex safety requirements.
Is the OFA Level 2 course still available?
The OFA Level 2 program has been replaced by the Intermediate First Aid course, which meets updated WorkSafeBC requirements. This intermediate-level course is designed to provide comprehensive occupational first aid training for urban first aid attendants and those responsible for a large number of workers.
What certification do I receive after completing the Intermediate First Aid course?
Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a WorkSafeBC First Aid Attendant certification. This attendant certification is valid for 3 years and certifies you as a Level 2 First Aid Attendant, ready to handle workplace emergencies.
What are the prerequisites for enrolling in the Intermediate First Aid course?
There are no prerequisites for the Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2) course. However, participants are encouraged to review the course materials and practice before class to be fully prepared for the intensive training.
How does this course compare to Advanced First Aid (OFA Level 3)?
OFA Level 3 is a more advanced, longer course, typically covering 70 hours of training, while the Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2) course is a 5-day intensive course focused on providing the essential skills needed for urban workplaces and larger work environments.
What are the key benefits of completing the Intermediate First Aid course?
This workplace first aid course leads to attendant certification, equipping participants with lifesaving first aid skills that meet WorkSafeBC requirements. It’s designed to help first aid attendants manage safety in more complex workplace environments and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.
Materials
The Intermediate First Aid course includes the following materiesl:
- WorkSafeBC Intermediate First Aid Participant Guide (hard copy)
Resources
Intermediate First Aid Participant GuideLooking for a group class?
If you have a group of people and would like us to come to you to teach a
Intermediate First Aid (OFA Level 2) course, we offer this course in the following locations:
Victoria | Langford | Esquimalt | Sooke | Cobble Hill | Mill Bay | Duncan | Lake Cowichan | Cedar | Ladysmith | Nanaimo | Parksville | Qualicum Beach | Port Alberni | Coombs | Parksville | Campbell River | Saltspring Island | Pender Island | Powell River | Gabriola Isand | Burnaby | Coquitlam | Delta | Langley | Maple Ridge | New Westminster | North Vancouver | Pitt Meadows | Port Moody | Richmond | Surrey | Vancouver | West Vancouver | White Rock | Langley |
Give us a call at 1.866.282.5378, or send us an email at info@alertfirstaid.com to arrange a group course.