Nanaimo First Responder Course (FR)

To become a certified First Responder, you only need to successfully complete a recognized 40 hour First Responder course. At Alert First Aid we offer the Canadian Red Cross First Responder course which is recognized both nationally and provincially. There are no prerequisites for this course. For some first responder roles, you may additionally need to become licensed in addition to being certified. The licensing process can be completed through the EMA Licensing Board in British Columbia, and it is open to anyone who has been certified as a Canadian Red Cross First Responder.

EMT or Emergency Medical Technician in BC is referred to as an Emergency Medical Responder. In addition to all of the skills that a First Responder performs, an EMR will also be trained in transporting patients, basic pharmacology, workplace considerations and the marine environment.

In BC this would typically refer to Occupational First Aid Level 3. OFA 3 is a 2 week course that is geared toward people who will be the first aid attendant for worksites that are further from a hospital (more than 20 minutes) where they may need to care for seriously injured workers for a longer time. Level 3 First Aid attendants will be able to move trauma patients, package them for transport, and care for them enroute in an Emergency Transport Vehicle. A Level 3 first aid attendant will also become proficient with a detailed assessment model and be familiar with a standard set of tools for managing patients who are critically injured - including assisted ventilations and other critical interventions.

Emergency Medical Responders need to complete an 80 hour course to become certified. Depending on their role, an EMR may need to become licensed in addition to being certified. The licensing process must be completed by the EMA Licensing Board in British Colubia and is open to anyone who is certified, but the process involves an additional practical exam for which there can be a waiting period.

The First Responder (FR) course introduces students to the basics of pre-hospital care and CPR skills. It is a comprehensive training program intended for professional first responders or those wanting to become first responders. Participants will learn techniques to prevent further injuries and provide essential care in emergency situations.

Our First Responder course covers essential CPR skills and uses dynamic training techniques, including video presentations, skills demonstrations, and scenario-based practice sessions. These methods simulate real-life situations, helping participants confidently respond to emergencies.

While the course is intended for professional first responders such as firefighters, paramedics, and those working in sports medicine, it is also suitable for those wanting to become first responders. The training provides a solid foundation for anyone looking to enter the world of emergency services.

Upon successful completion, participants receive a Red Cross certified First Responder certificate, valid for 3 years. The course also includes CPR ‘BLS’ certification, ensuring students are equipped with the basic life support skills necessary to respond in critical situations.

Students are engaged through dynamic training techniques that include media presentations, video demonstrations, practice sessions, and skills demonstrations. These interactive training methods simulate real-life emergency situations, making the learning experience hands-on and impactful.

After the 3-year certification period, participants must complete a First Responder Recertification course to maintain their certification. This ensures that their first aid and CPR skills remain up to date and that they can confidently respond to emergencies.

The First Responder course offers a comprehensive, hands-on learning experience with scenario-based training. Participants practice life-saving skills in simulated real-life situations, guided by knowledgeable and experienced instructors who are experts in pre-hospital care and emergency response.

Yes, the First Responder (FR) course includes BLS (Basic Life Support) certification, along with AED training. Participants will gain the essential CPR skills and life-saving techniques needed to respond effectively to emergencies in both pre-hospital and workplace settings.

To register for our First Responder training program, simply visit our registration page or reach out to us. Our team is available to help with any questions regarding the course, first responder recertification, or the registration process.

While our First Responder (FR) course was previously part of the Red Cross training program, we now offer the course under the Columbia Medical curriculum. This comprehensive program still equips participants with essential first aid and CPR skills, including BLS certification, and provides full EMALB Schedule 1 & 2 endorsements. Our focus remains on preparing students for real-world emergency response situations, using dynamic training techniques to ensure a high-quality learning experience.