A variety of first aid certificates are available to candidates requiring certification in first aid and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Certificates can be completed through a variety of providers in Canada. The main providers of first aid and CPR certification in Canada are as follows:
- St. Mark James Training.
- The Canadian Lifesaving Society.
- The Heart and Stroke Foundation.
- St. Johns Ambulance.
All of the above mentioned providers are the top first aid certification companies in Canada. A number of other smaller providers exist that can also provide certification courses. Find a workplace approved first aid and CPR certification provider near you.
Selection of Courses for First Aid Certification
Candidates can select from a variety of different first aid courses. Each first aid course has a mandatory CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) component. The CPR component is separated into different levels. CPR level “A” is the lowest level. This level focuses on only basic CPR techniques for adults and health care providers CPR (CPR HCP) is the highest level which teaches candidates CPR techniques for adults, children and infants.
Candidates can select which level of CPR to accompany the first aid course. The following is a list of a variety of different first aid and CPR courses offered by the major providers:
Standard childcare first aid, CPR level “B” and AED – This course is only provided through St Mark James. Candidates may not select a different level of CPR certification. This is a 18 to 20 hour course that is usually completed within 2 days.
Standard first aid, CPR HCP and AED – This course is one of the most comprehensive first aid and CPR courses offered by the major providers. This is 16 to 18 hour course in which candidates will receive the highest first aid certificate available through St Mark James and the Lifesaving Society.
Standard first aid, CPR level “C” and AED
This course is one of the most popular courses offered by all the providers. CPR level “C” is the standard option for this first aid course. This course is 14 to 18 hours in length.
Emergency childcare first aid, CPR level “B” and AED
This first aid course is taught exclusively through St Mark James. Candidates that successfully complete this course will receive an emergency childcare first aid certificate that is valid for 3 years.
Emergency first aid and CPR level “C”
This first aid and CPR course is for candidates who want basic first aid with comprehensive CPR training. It is a 8 to 10 hour course that is normally completed within one day.
Emergency first aid and CPR level “A”
This first aid and CPR course is one of the most popular and basic first aid courses available. It is a 8 hour course that teaches basic rescue techniques for adult victims.
Babysitting First Aid
Babysitting first aid and CPR courses are offered exclusively through the workplace. Upon completion of this course, candidates will receive a babysitting certificate that has no expiration date.
Wilderness First Aid and CPR
This is a comprehensive course offered usually only through the workplace. It is a 36 hour course that involves candidates receiving training outdoors.
To receive a first aid certificate register for one of the above mentioned courses. Having a first aid certificate builds your confidence and makes you more employable.