Frequently Asked Questions

First Aid & CPR Courses

What are Red Cross Training Courses?

Red Cross Training Courses are courses designed by the Red Cross and delivered by our experts. Red Cross Training Courses are HRSDC (Human Resources and Skill Development Canada) approved and meet CCOHS (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety) requirements. Red Cross training courses are also approved by every WSIB board, with the exception of Quebec. Firstaid4u is a Red Cross partner, meaning we have met or exceeded the rigorous standards set by the organization. For more information, take a look at our Red Cross Online Courses.

What is the difference between Emergency First Aid & CPR and Standard First Aid & CPR?

Emergency CPR & First Aids are shorter and more introductory compared to Standard First Aid & CPR. Emergency First Aid courses involve learning how to prevent and respond to cardiovascular emergencies, choking, breathing emergencies and prevention of disease transmission.
Standard First Aid on the other hand is more intensive and is designed for people who need first aid training for work, or at home. Standard First Aid Courses include twice the amount of in-class training to help attendees develop a deeper understanding and more practice for First Aid situations.

What CPR Course Levels do you offer and what do they mean?

Red Cross First Aid Courses come in several different levels. We offer the two certifications which are the most sought after in the workplace and for those looking to be prepared for emergencies at home.
CPR Level A – CPR Level A is the most common requirement for workplaces in Canada. It is a First aid for Adults Course, and is the most basic level of CPR Certification offered by Red Cross Partners. In this course you will learn how to treat and administer emergency care to Adults.
CPR Level C – CPR Level C is a more comprehensive course teaching how to deliver First Aid and CPR to Children and Adults. Due to physiological differences, administering CPR to a child is very different than to a child, so special techniques for children must be taught. CPR C courses are generally taught to first responders such as police and firefighters as well as those who wish to be prepared for any emergencies which might occur at home.

Who should attend first aid training sessions?

While in the labour marketplace, trades people, security guards, and drivers are those who are often required to receive first aid certifications, First Aid training sessions are useful to anyone who wants to be able to effectively administer help during emergency situations.

Do First Aid Courses teach you how to use a defibrillator?

Yes, First Aid Courses teach how to correctly and effectively use Automated External Defibrillators (AED). While those who have a heart attack outside of a hospital have about a 5% chance of survival, intervention with a defibrillator can increase the chances of survival up to 75%. Defibrillators save lives and our First Aid Courses will teach you how to use them.

How long are courses?

The length of our courses vary depending on the level of training and format you attend (in-class only / blended training). Blended training allows for you to complete roughly half of the course at home online.
CPR Level C: In class only: 6 Hours. Blended: 3 hour Online component, 3 hours in class.
Emergency First Aid Course: In class only: 8 Hours. Blended: 3-4 hour Online component, 4-5 hours in class.
Standard First Aid Course: In class only: 16 Hours Blended: 8 hour Online Component, 8 hours in class.
Please note for Blended Training the online components must be completed prior to the in-class training. The length of the online component varies from person to person and can depend on prior experience and knowledge of the material.

What is Psychological First Aid? When is it useful?

Just as traditional first aid helps us understand how to treat physical injuries, Psychological First Aid can help us give treatment to those experiencing the effects of loss, stress, trauma, and grief. Our Psychological First Aid courses place an emphasis on self-care and personal protection while recognizing the signs of psychological distress. The course follows the look, listen, link, live model for identifying and understanding those in need of Psychological First Aid. Psychological First Aid. Psychological First Aid seeks to address the urgent and immediate needs of an affected person in the aftermath of a disaster, and not to provide ongoing therapy. For more information, take a look at our Psychological First Aid Training Course page.

What is Mental health First Aid? How is it different from Psychological First Aid?

In very general terms, Mental Health First Aid is a broader, more general course designed to help provide assistance to people developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Psychological First Aid goes into greater detail on how to respond to a person who has experienced a traumatic event. Psychological First Aid is often delivered to health professionals and others with specialist mental health training. Mental Health First Aid Courses are appropriate for the general public, including non-healthcare professionals, so that they can assist someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. We offer both Psychological First Aid Training and a Mental Health First Aid Course

What exactly is a bloodborne pathogen? How can I protect myself against them?

Bloodborne Pathogens are microorganisms such as viruses or bacteria carried in blood that cause disease. Bloodborne pathogens can be transmitted with infected human blood as well as other potentially infectious bodily fluids. Those most exposed to the risks of bloodborne pathogens are healthcare workers, disposal workers, emergency and safety workers. Some examples of common bloodborne pathogens are:

Hepatitis B (HBV)
Hepatitis C (HCV)
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

There are many methods which should be employed to protect yourself against bloodborne pathogens, such as wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), treating all blood and body fluid spills as though they are infectious, handing all trash as if it contains sharp and infectious items, and more. For more information on how to keep yourself protected, register for our Red Cross Bloodborne Pathogens (Online Training).

Who needs to take transportation of dangerous goods training?

Transportation of Dangerous Goods Training (TDG) is required for anyone involved in shipping, receiving, or otherwise handling dangerous goods. Training must be completed prior to the employee beginning work with dangerous goods. For more information check out our Transportation of Dangerous Goods online course.

Re-certification Courses

Why should I take a re-certification course?

After 3 years, your First Aid & CPR certification will expire. Rather than retaking the entire course, re-certification courses are available. These courses are cheaper than standard courses and cost less, saving you time and money.

How long do re-certification courses take?

The length of the re-certification course depends on which certification is being renewed.
For CPR Level C/AED: Re-certification courses take between 4 to 5 in-class with an online component. For Standard First Aid & CPR Level C/AED: Re-certification courses take 8 Hours in-class with an online component.
Please note the online components are to be completed prior to the in-class training. The length of the online component varies from person to person and can depend on prior experience and knowledge of the material.

Why can First Aid 4U only re-certify Red Cross Certificates?

In Ontario first aid training is regulated by the WSIB; they state “You can renew your standard first aid certificate one time by completing a one-day standard first aid renewal course with the original provider before your original certificate expires. The new certificate will state “renewal” on it.” Link to WSIB FAQ Section

Do I qualify for a Re-certification Course?

As a Red Cross Training Partner, First Aid 4U is able to offer re-certification courses for Red Cross CPR C/AED and Standard First Aid with CPR C/AED. ***Emergency First Aid is not eligible for re-certification in Ontario due to WSIB Regulations.**

In order to qualify for a re-certification course, you must meet the following criteria; 1) Your certificate must be valid (it cannot be expired), 2) Your certificate must have been issued by the Canadian Red Cross and, 3) If you are re-certifying Standard First Aid with CPR C/AED, your certificate must state that you are “certified in” not “re-certified in”

For more information and visual examples please refer to our Recertification Information Page

How we are addressing COVID-19 concerns

Is First Aid 4U Able to Operate During Covid?

First Aid 4 U is able to continue to operate as we are deemed an essential service by providing safety training.

Do you offer COVID-19 Training courses?

Firstaid4u offers courses designed to help you and your company protect its workers and customers during the pandemic. In addition to our Red Cross Preventing Disease Transmission (PDT) online course, we also offer a COVID-19 Safety Training course, and a Coronavirus Action Plan For the Workplace course. To maintain social distancing and prevent the spread of the virus, these courses are offered online.

Are in-person courses still being delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic?

We Have Resumed Training In Most Regions, Click Here to Register. To See Our New In-Class Training Protocols, Click Here .

Do you sell facemasks and other types of Personal Protective Equipent (PPE)?

In addition to our regular selection of First Aid Kits and Supplies, we also sell a variety of surgical masks, reusable face masks, face shields, as well as hand sanitizer. You can view our selection in the PPE Section of our online store.

Can I wear my own mask into the facility or will one be supplied?

You can bring your own face mask to the course. Please note the mask is required to remain on during the course. There is a limited supply of disposable masks on site for replacement, should it be needed.

Red Cross Online Courses

How do I create a My Red Cross account?

Important Note: We do not recommend the use of mobile devices for online courses.
Once registered for a course, a system-generated email would have been sent to you from Canadian Red Cross | Croix-Rouge canadienne <my.account@Redcross.ca> with the subject Action Required: Register for your new Red Cross account / Action requise : Inscription à votre nouveau compte Ma Croix-Rouge.
Note: If you have not received an email invitation for your online course, or have any issues please call or email our contact centre (1-877-356-3226, myrcsupport@redcross.ca).
Click on the link in the email that says “Please click here to create a new My Red Cross account to access your course information and online course component” After clicking the link, you will be taken to the sign in page. Click “Sign up now” which is on the right hand side of the page. Proceed with entering your email address, create and confirm a password. The email address you enter here will be the username you will use whenever you login to your account. You have finished creating a My Red Cross account.

How do I access my Online Course?

From the My Courses page you can click on the link “your online training” and it will take you to your online course page where you will be redirected to the learning site (https://lms.redcross.ca/student/default.php) where you will see a list of your available courses.
The first time you go to access your course you will see it listed twice in the Course Language
Selection area: one English and one French. Click Activate next to the language you wish to be instructed in. Now that your course is activated, you’ll be given the option to enter the course and begin (or continue where you last left off) your online learning. Once you have completed your course, you will have the option to review the course or to see your certificate. This document is not your final certificate, but you may be asked to present it to your instructor.

How do I access my Final Certificate?

Upon completion of your full course (online and in class), a .pdf copy of your certificate will be sent to you by email. It will be from Canadian Red Cross. You can also access your certificate at any time in your Red Cross account in the top right corner of the page under “My Certificates”.

What happens if I do not complete the online portion before my in-class date?

You will not be permitted to attend your in-class date, if you have not completed your online portion. No refunds will be given under this circumstance and you will forfeit your registration.

Certifications and Methodology

What is Blended First Aid Training?

Blended First Aid Courses combine in-person instruction combined with online theory and information components. Blended learning offers an added level of flexibility with students able to complete the theoretical and informational components of their courses on a schedule and rhythm that works for them. Our Blended First Aid Training courses allow students to learn the hands-off portions of the course at their own pace while benefiting from the presence of in-person training for more hands-on instruction.

What should I bring to my course?

We recommend bringing paper and a pen to take notes, a water-bottle and your lunch to the course. We also recommend you wear comfortable clothing (such as active wear) as you will be moving about the room and practicing various skills on the floor.

Is the training approved by the Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB)?

Yes, we are a registered Canadian Red Cross training partner and we offer the full Canadian Red Cross training program. All our courses meet WSIB guidelines for workplace First Aid and CPR training. To see a list of WSIB-approved first aid and CPR providers, please follow the link (the program that we run is listed as “The Canadian Red Cross Society”).

Is the training approved by the The Canadian Standards Association (CSA)?

Yes, the Canadian Red Cross has adopted the CSA Standard Z1210–17 into their training guidelines to make it easier for your certificate to transfer interprovincially if they recognize the CSA standard. Being in Ontario your certificate will now show the proper language to be WSIB and CSA approved.

CSA Certifications Include:

Emergency First Aid – Meets CSA Standard Z1210–17 – Basic

Standard First Aid – Meets CSA Standard Z1210–17 – Intermediate

Advanced First Aid – Meets CSA Standard Z1210–17 – Advanced

Do you offer group or private training?

Yes, depending on the size of your group we do offer group and private training. For more information please fill out our Group Training Request Form.

When will I receive my certificate?

Your certificate will be emailed to you from the Canadian Red Cross approximately 7 business days after you have completed your course.
If you did not provide an email address, please contact us for further assistance as all certificates are issued digitally.

Why do you no longer offer CPR Level HCP? What is BLS?

As of January 2019, Canadian Red Cross training partners, including First AID 4U are now offering BLS (Basic Life Support) courses. BLS has replaced the HCP (Healthcare Provider) course. BLS is a more accurate and up to date version of the HCP course. Some (but not all) of the information included in BLS training is as follows: Glove Removal, Primary Assessment, CPR, AED training, Airway Obstruction, Assisted Ventilation and Basic Life Support special considerations including ethics, the 6 rights of medication, trauma, hypothermia, post cardiac arrest care and more.