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Super confused about First Aid and CPR Training...?

Hey, first of all, thanks for checking out my question.

OK, so I work at this place where one of the job requirements are to have Emergency First aid and CPR level C. I have no training in any of these areas, but they hired me knowing this and I always work with people that have this training.

I just got my Summer work schedule and it turns out I am going to be working alone now, starting mid-July. I feel it's in my best interest to get certified now that I will be working alone.

My questions are:

1. I am required to have Emergency First Aid training, but I have checked my local Saint Johns Ambulance and the course for Standard First Aid training is twice as long, but only $10 extra. I figure I might as well get that instead, but does that mean Standard First Aid outranks the Emergency First Aid? Meaning, f I have Standard First Aid, does that mean I am more than qualified, or does that mean that I need to also get Emergency First Aid?

2. I also need CPR Level C. Is This included in my First Aid Training? If not, how long does this course usually take for and how much (ballpark figure is OK) does it usually cost?

3. Where I work there is an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Am I also trained to use this when I am trained in EFA/SFA? If not, is there any way I can get trained to use this, or does it even require training?

If it helps, I live in Canada and work with children and infants.
Thanks, and sorry for all of the questions! :)

Public Comments

1. Check with your local Red Cross, as they usually offer *free* CPR and First Aid courses. If they don't in your area, they can probably point you in the direction of somewhere that does. Specify that you're interested in become certified for children and infants too, as some of those courses may be more limited due to the special equipment it takes to properly train someone.

If you can't find a free course, but your job is requiring you to have the training, they should be footing the bill. Either way, it's a great set of skills to have.

Basic First Aid is really all you need for the common workplace. There are advanced courses, but unless you're pursuing an EMT certification or have a very specific job that requires more in depth training, you shouldn't require anything more than the basics.

My CPR/AED classes last about 4-5 hours, even with first-time students. I suppose if students have very little knowledge of physiology the class can be drawn out longer, but the important part I watch for in class is if the students can perform the skills. Most CPR classes taught in the US now also include instructions on basic first aid and AED use.

2. ok well i also live in Canada and work with a summer kids program, but happen to also volunteer with St. johns ambulance so... i can probably help you out....
yes to work with kids you need to have CPR level C, and at least standard first aid, if not OHS standard, witch is ocupational health and safety.

the usually cost for training in CPR and first aid is $129.00 and that covers everything i believe the A.E.D. training is more. but the training really helps and you shouldn't be using it if you don't know about it or how to use it. call your local st.johns branch, or google them. the training at st johns i find is usually better and more detailed than some of the other programs and well worth the money and time.

3. If you have a 'higher' level of first aid or CPR, you do not need to certify at a lower level. So if you have Standard First Aid, you have outranked the Emergency First Aid qualification (which is good).
Here is the hierarchy of first aid:
Basic First Aid
Emergency First Aid
Standard First Aid
... (you can do advanced courses here)

For CPR:
CPR-A
CPR-B
CPR-C
CPR-HCP (Health Care Provider)

AED is a separate qualification. It is included in most Canadian Red Cross courses, separate with St. John's Ambulance (usually), and available with the Lifesaving Society.

It is definitely worth getting Standard First Aid training as it includes a bunch of valuable information. On top of that, unless you are in health care or on a first response team, you will never need a higher certification. Additionally, most SFA courses include CPR-C (double check this though).

Costs of courses vary in price depending on the level of the course, where you are taking it, and if it includes AED. I have seen courses for SFA & AED run by independent instructors for $75 and as high as $200 with some agencies in Toronto area.

Check out the sites I listed below. Look for "Take a Course" on the St. John's or Lifesaving Society sites. The Red Cross address below is the site for all their available courses by location. Also, check out your local recreation centre or pool - they run lots of courses as well.