Standard First Aid with CPR is a short training course that teaches you how to respond to injuries, sudden illness and cardiac emergencies. It is a voluntary credential, but many employers in coaching, child care, fitness and emergency work expect it.
Official website ↗Standard First Aid with CPR teaches you how to assess an emergency, call for help and give care until help arrives. You learn how to manage bleeding, broken bones, burns, choking, allergic reactions and other common emergencies. You also learn CPR and how to use an automated external defibrillator, known as an AED.
The certificate is offered across Canada by the Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance and the Heart and Stroke Foundation. It is not a licence, and you do not need it to work in most jobs. Still, it is a common hiring requirement in roles that involve looking after children, athletes, clients or the public. It is often listed for coaches, fitness instructors, early childhood educators, childcare workers, climbing guides, animal care workers, firefighters and emergency medical technicians.
Most courses assess you in two ways. You demonstrate your skills in hands-on scenarios, such as giving CPR and responding to choking. You also complete a short written test on what you learned. Instructors give feedback during class, so you can practise until you feel confident.
A first aid and CPR certificate does not last forever. You need to take a recertification course before it expires so your skills stay current. The expiry date is printed on your certificate. Many employers ask for proof that your certificate is still valid, so set a reminder to renew on time.