Nanaimo Advanced First Aid (OFA Level 3)
This Advanced First Aid course replaces the WorkSafeBC OFA Level 3 program, aligning with updated safety standards for high-risk workplaces. Located in Nanaimo, it equips participants with essential emergency medical skills for large or remote worksites, more than 20 minutes from medical aid.
Become an Advanced First Aid Attendant (OFA Level 3) in Nanaimo
Our Advanced First Aid course in Nanaimo is designed for Level 3 First Aid Attendants working in large workplaces or remote worksites where immediate access to medical aid may not be possible. This WorkSafeBC-approved course provides advanced training in managing serious workplace injuries, including falls, cardiac emergencies, shock, and severe bleeding. You will also learn critical skills in patient transport, including hard collar application and packaging patients for safe transport.
This course has been updated to align with the new CSA standards, ensuring your training meets the latest WorkSafeBC regulations for occupational health and safety. Participants will receive both theoretical instruction and hands-on practical training, preparing them for real-world emergency scenarios in high-risk environments.
Is This Course Right for You?
Secure Employment: This Advanced First Aid course is essential for those working in large, high-risk workplaces or for employers with large workforces where immediate access to medical aid is not always available. The course equips workplace first aid attendants with the necessary skills to manage serious medical emergencies, making them valuable assets in industries that require advanced-level safety training. The training helps businesses meet their WorkSafeBC safety requirements while ensuring overall workplace safety.
Path to Certification: This 70-hour training course leads to Advanced First Aid Attendant certification, valid for 3 years. The course includes both written and practical exams to test your ability to apply first aid skills in real-world scenarios. A passing grade of 70% or higher is required for successful certification.
Comprehensive Skills Training: Participants will develop advanced emergency response skills, including spinal management, fracture care, airway management, and CPR/AED use. The course will also teach you how to assess and manage severe bleeding, breathing distress, burns, and cardiac arrest, as well as how to make critical transport decisions for injured workers in remote or high-risk areas.
Course Overview:
The Advanced First Aid (formerly OFA Level 3) course is designed to provide advanced first aid training for individuals working in high-risk environments. This WorkSafeBC-compliant course covers everything from spinal injury management to cardiac emergency care, ensuring participants can handle the most serious workplace injuries.
Key details include:
- Course Duration: 70 hours
- Location: Nanaimo
- CSA-aligned and compliant with WorkSafeBC regulations
- WorkSafeBC-approved exams with a written test and practical assessment
- Certification valid for 3 years upon successful completion
- No prior first aid experience required, though completion of OFA Level 2 is recommended for easier comprehension
- Full participation and course attendance are required for certification
This 10-day intensive program is perfect for anyone looking to advance their first aid skills and take on the responsibility of managing serious emergencies in large or high-risk workplaces.
WorkSafeBC Regulatory Updates
The Advanced First Aid (formerly OFA Level 3) course replaces the previous OFA Level 3 program and is now aligned with the updated CSA standards. These updates ensure that the curriculum meets the latest WorkSafeBC regulations, providing participants with the necessary skills to handle serious workplace injuries in remote worksites or high-risk environments. The course continues to offer high-quality instruction while reflecting 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
Advanced First Aid (OFA Level 3) Course Topics
- Responsibilities of an OFA
- Preparing to Respond
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Priority Action Approach
- Transportation Decisions
- Adult CPR and AED
- Shock
- Minor Injuries
- Bleeding
- Fainting and Seizures
- Sudden Medical Emergencies
- Stroke
- Exposure to Heat and Cold
FAQs
What is the difference between Level 2 and Level 3 First Aid?
OFA Level 3 First Aid attendants learn and practice a number of skills that OFA Level 2 attendants do not. Level 3 is a full two-week (80hr) course compared to Level 2 which is only one-week (40hr). OFA 3 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. First and foremost a Level 3 First Aid attendant will learn 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 more detailed assessment model and have a greater set of tools for managing patients who are critically injured - including assisted ventilations and other critical interventions.
What is the highest level of first aid?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely as there are different types of first aid courses, and First Aid ™ can sometimes overlap into Professional Responder training, and still be called First Aid. In BC, this is clearly defined for Occupational First Aid, where the highest level of first aid is OFA Level 3. For community oriented first Aid, Standard First Aid is the highest level before getting into Professional Responder courses. For Marine First Aid the highest level defined by Transport Canada is Marine Advanced First Aid. For those who need first aid in remote settings, Wilderness First Aid is the highest level. All of that being said, there are Professional Responder courses that go beyond some of these, such as First Responder, Emergency Medical Responder, and Wilderness First Responder courses for those who want to go beyond learning ‘first aid’.
Why are workplace first aid levels 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.
What is the Advanced First Aid course (formerly OFA Level 3)?
The Advanced First Aid course, formerly OFA Level 3, is a comprehensive occupational first aid level 3 program. It is designed to equip designated first aid attendants with the skills required to handle serious workplace emergencies. This WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 3 replacement aligns with updated safety standards for high-risk environments.
Does the Advanced First Aid course cover the same content as OFA 3?
Yes, the Advanced First Aid course covers all the critical content from OFA 3, including advanced emergency medical care, managing severe injuries, and ensuring proper patient transport. It builds upon the foundation of the OFA Level 3 program to meet the latest WorkSafeBC standards for workplace safety.
Who is the Advanced First Aid course (formerly OFA 3) designed for?
This course is ideal for first responders and those designated to act as the first aid attendant in high-risk workplaces. It is particularly suited for individuals working in environments where access to medical facilities may be limited, making advanced emergency medical training essential.
What certifications will I receive after completing the Advanced First Aid course?
Upon successful completion of the Advanced First Aid course (formerly OFA 3), participants will receive a certification that is valid for 3 years, recognized by WorkSafeBC for managing emergencies in high-risk environments. This certification prepares you to act as a designated first aid attendant in your workplace.
What equipment is used during the Advanced First Aid course?
The Advanced First Aid course involves the use of various first aid tools, including a pocket mask for CPR training, ensuring that participants are prepared to respond to real-life emergency medical situations.
Materials
The Occupational First Aid Level 3 (OFA 3) first aid course includes the following materials:
- WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 3 First Aid Training Guide (Hard copy and virtual copy for initial certification. Virtual only for Recertification)
- WorkSafeBC Occupational First Aid Level 3 First aid course Manual (Hard copy and virtual copy for initial certification. Virtual only for Recertification)
Where to find us:
Visit our Nanaimo training courses here.
Nanaimo - First Aid, CPR & AED Courses
Who should take this course?
- Occupational First Aid Level 3 attendants - typically working at large worksites or high-risk workplaces that are more than 20 minutes from the hospital
Looking for a group class?
If you have a group of people and would like us to come to you to teach a
Advanced First Aid (OFA Level 3) course, we offer this course in the following locations:
Nanaimo | Parksville | Qualicum Beach | Lantzville | Comox | Courtenay | Cumberland | Campbell River
Give us a call at 1.866.282.5378, or send us an email at grouptraining@alertfirstaid.com to arrange a group course.