Program and Course Search

The Advanced First Aid Refresher (Exam Challenge) course is designed for those currently holding a current and valid OFA 3 certification and looking to recertify through the exam challenge process. Currently, OFA 3 certificates issued before November 1, 2024, will be considered equivalent to Advanced First Aid certificates until their natural expiry date, up to November 1, 2027. https://www.worksafebc.com/en/health-safety/education-training-certific… In this advanced condensed course, students are given the opportunity to meet the criteria for the Advanced First Aid exam challenge as set in the WorkSafeBC First Aid Program Standards Aug 2024: 
 
2.10.5 To challenge a First Aid Advanced or Equivalent course, the Candidate must have:

a) achieved a passing grade on each of the evaluations;

b) completed the two practical skills evaluations (inclusive of adult basic life support CPR/AED);

c) completed obstructed airway procedures and basic limb immobilization and minor wound management skills), and;

d) completed the written evaluation. 
 
Upon successful completion, certificates issued are valid for three years.
 
Please bring your valid photo ID and current/valid OFA 3 certificate to class and present them to the trainer at the beginning of class. 
 
**NEW: WorkSafeBC First Aid Program Standards Aug 2024: 2.10.4 Candidates that meet the Evaluation challenge criteria outlined in 2.10.5 2.10.2 must surrender their current valid or expiring Advanced or Equivalent Certificate to be placed in the Evaluation or course file prior to challenging the FA Advanced or Equivalent Evaluation. Candidates who fail to produce a valid FA or Equivalent Certificate must not be permitted to challenge the FA Advanced or Equivalent Evaluation.

Wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Students may wish to bring knee pads, as they spend considerable time kneeling.

Manuals: Before class, pick up the MANDATORY manuals for pre-reading. The cost is $79.95 +GST. Contact your local campus for information about manuals.

The manuals include:
1. Advanced First Aid Reference and Training Manual
2. Advanced First Aid Participant Manual (Binder)

If students wish to purchase them individually, the Reference and Training Manual is $40 +GST, and the Participant Manual (Binder) is $42 +GST.

A pdf copy of the Reference and Training Manual is available here: Advanced First Aid: A Reference and Training Manual | WorkSafeBC.

** Ensure to pick up the manual in advance for pre-reading.
 

Registration Process: How to Get Started

Advanced First Aid: WorkSafeBC is the most comprehensive highest level of care Occupational First Aid Course. In this 70-hour advanced level workplace first aid training students learn assessment and treatment skills required to be an OFA attendant who provides first aid care in industry. Three-year certificate. Pick up your books prior to class for pre-reading. No prerequisites. Bring your photo ID to class, and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. Students may wish to bring knee pads as there is considerable time spent kneeling.

This course covers the basics of airway, breathing and circulation - including how to deal with obstructed airways, breathing distress, bleeding control, shock and one and two-person CPR. In addition, continuing patient assessment, hard collar application, securing a patient to a spine board, upper and lower limb splinting and minor wound care are covered. Completion of records and reports is an integral part of the course.

In BC, workplace first aid attendants must have a certificate that is recognized by WorkSafeBC. Students must: 1) pass a multiple-choice exam with 70% or higher and 2) pass the practical exam with 70% to be successful in obtaining the OFA 3 certification.

Recommended for workplaces located more than 20 minutes from a hospital.

Exams contained in course dates.

** Note:  Candidates must be able to comprehend the information presented and be physically capable of performing the required skills in order to be issued a first aid certificate.

Manuals

Pick up your manuals prior to class for pre-reading. Contact your local campus for information about your manuals.
 
Manuals are extra ($79.95 +GST).

There are two required manuals for this course:

1. Advanced First Aid Reference and Training Manual
2. Advanced First Aid Participant Manual (Binder)

If students wish to purchase them individually, the Reference and Training Manual is $40 +GST, and the Participant Manual (Binder) is $42 +GST.

Access a pdf of the Reference and Training Manual.

Registration Process: How to Get Started

Our most popular workplace first aid course. Learn CPR/AED, how to deal with minor wounds, airway breathing, circulatory emergencies and more. Completion of records and reports is part of the course. Know what to do until the paramedics arrive. Does NOT include airway management and oxygen use.

Successful completion requires 100% attendance, demonstration of critical skills and a 70% pass mark on the written exam. Once you have passed the course, you will receive a Basic First Aid certificate, which is valid for three years.

No prerequisites. Bring your photo ID to class. Wear closed-toed shoes and long pants.

To be eligible for this course, you must be able to understand and perform the first aid required to complete the learning tasks, including being physically and mentally capable of performing basic techniques of first aid as well as a multiple-choice exam.

Students should arrive 15 minutes before class.

NOTE:  Red Cross Emergency First Aid courses taken after October 31, 2024, are now recognized by WorkSafeBC as equivalent to WorkSafeBC Basic First Aid (formerly OFA 1).  See here for dates and to register.

Register Now

At this level, the role and responsibility of the workplace first aid aider shall be to have competence in the basic training level and to provide a broader scope of emergency workplace first aid care for the injured/ill worker. Learn CPR/AED, how to deal with minor wounds, airway breathing, circulatory emergencies and more. Completion of records and reports is part of the course. Know what to do until the paramedics arrive. This course has 14 instructional hours which includes 7 hours of practical skill demonstration. This course does NOT include airway management and oxygen use.

Successful completion requires 100% attendance, demonstration of critical skills and a 70% pass mark on the 66 question multiple choice written exam.

Once you have passed the course, you will receive an Intermediate First Aid certificate, which is valid for three years.

No prerequisites. Bring your photo ID to class. Wear closed-toed shoes and long pants.

To be eligible for this course, you must be able to understand and perform the first aid required to complete the learning tasks, including being physically and mentally capable of performing basic techniques of first aid as well as a multiple-choice exam.

Students should arrive 15 minutes before class.

PLEASE NOTE:  Red Cross Standard First Aid courses taken after October 31, 2024 are now recognized by WorkSafeBC as equivalent to WorkSafeBC Intermediate First Aid.  Please see here for dates and to register.

Visit our registration page for course locations, times and fees.

Register Now

A Trauma-Informed Approach for Educators

Including Teachers, Parents and Family Members, Educational Assistants, Tutors

Orton-Gillingham is literacy instruction for everyone. It is a curriculum designed by a neurologist and a linguist using a trauma-informed perspective and multi-sensory learning tools.

Learn science-based literacy instruction skills that can be applied in a classroom setting or with one-to-one instruction. These techniques will prepare teachers/tutors/educators/parents to help anyone who struggles with reading and writing.

Certification includes:

• Level 1: Kindergarten Literacy
• Level 2: Primary Literacy
• Level 3: Advanced Primary Literacy

Upon completion of Levels 1, 2, and 3, students will obtain the Learning Difference Centre’s completion certificate for Orton-Gillingham Tutoring, which can allow them to open their own business and work successfully with students of any age with a variety of special needs. Students who successfully complete the full course (all 3 levels) will receive Certification. Students are welcome to register for individual levels.  Please keep in mind that those unfamiliar with literacy instruction may find it challenging to jump in at Level 2 or 3.  However, students can choose to participate and not perform a practicum.  Certification is not issued for individual levels.

Many schools and literacy organizations also recognize the value of an Orton-Gillingham certificate, which can enhance their competitive edge in the education field.  https://www.theldc.com/#4

Course Expectations

To achieve certification in this course, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Assessment Performance
   • Achieve a minimum of 90% overall across all course assessments.
   • Assessments will evaluate the practical application of skills taught throughout the course (in-course practicum and drills).
2. Attendance
   • Maintain full attendance for all scheduled sessions.
   • Participation in all learning activities is required.
3. Demonstration of Trauma-Informed Practice
   • Consistently demonstrate understanding and application of trauma-informed principles in both practical and theoretical components.

Prerequisites:

•                Grade 12 reading and comprehension level.

Meet the Trainer

Erin Bauman is excited to offer trauma-informed Literacy Tutor Training Certification in Nelson in July. Erin will help participants engage with the Orton-Gillingham approach and gain an understanding of how to work with students (individually or in a group) in a fun way that is effective for every type of learner.

Erin has been a children's educator for twelve years working with students of all ages & abilities. Along with a BA, majoring in English and minoring in History and Gender studies, Erin has certification and work experience with: Conflict Resolution; Trauma Informed Practice (CPI, MANDT, and the Healing Institute), EFT/TFT, Orton-Gillingham instruction, multi-sensory learning techniques, mindfulness and children's yoga instruction.