First Aid
In B.C., workplace first aid attendants must have a certificate that is recognized by WorkSafeBC. The level of first aid services required for a workplace depends on the number of workers, distance to medical aid, and industry hazard rating. Thompson Rivers University is an authorized provider of the following first aid training programs under WorkSafeBC to certify attendants who successfully complete the programs:
| OFA Level 1 | Basic level first aid training and certification |
| OFA Level 2 | Intermediate-level first aid training and certification |
| OFA Transportation Endorsement | Training required for transportation of injured workers as required by Schedule 3-A |
| OFA Level 3 | Advanced level of first aid training and certification |
XOCH 0800 - WorkSafeBC Basic First Aid (Previously Level 1)
You will learn the priority action approach to provide lifesaving first aid enabling you to keep your co-worker or yourself alive until help arrives. Skills include primary survey, management of obstructed airway, one-person CPR with AED, shock and bleeding management, as well as how to treat minor wounds. No previous first aid training is required. Upon successful completion of this course, you will receive a three-year certificate. The minimum age limit is 16 years of age. Students must provide a picture ID at the start of class. Acceptable photo identification includes a driver's license, student card, recreation center pass, BCID, or passport.
Dates: Monday January 13, 2025
Wednesday January 29, 2025
Wednesday Febuary 22, 2025
Wednesday March 5, 2025
Wednesday March 26, 2025
Wednesday April 9, 2025
Wednesday April 30, 2025
Times: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Course Duration: 8 classroom learning hours (1 full day)
Course Fee: $165 (includes student manual and pocket mask)
XOCH 0810 - WorkSafeBC Intermediate First Aid (Previously Level 2)
The WorkSafeBC Intermediate First Aid course is a 16 hour program designed for the urban attendant. Initial certification requires full participation and course attendance. Candidates must demonstrate practical skill competency and achieve 70% on a multiple choice. Upon successful completion the participant will receive certification that is valid for 3 years.
The course curriculum includes:
- Basic Life Support (CPR-A)
- Scene assessment
- Patient assessment
- Critical airway & breathing and circulatory interventions with C-spine management
- Small wound, soft tissue, and fracture management
There is no pre-requisite for this course. You DO NOT have to take Basic First aid prior to Intermediate First Aid.
Dates: February 6-7, 2025
Thursday - Friday
Times: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Course Duration: 16 classroom learning hours (2 full days)
Course Fee: $335 (includes student manual and pocket mask)
XOCH 0780 - Transportation Endorsement
This WorkSafeBC course provides Occupational First Aid, Level 1 and 2 certificate holders with the required training to move injured workers. The curriculum includes:
- Patient handling and lifting techniques
- Use of the spine board and basket stretchers
- Spinal immobilization techniques
- Patient assessment and treatment during transport
- Critical interventions
- Transportation method
Upon successful completion, you will receive a Transportation endorsement certificate. This certificate expires with the Occupational First Aid Level 1 or 2 certificates.
A transportation endorsement ticket is required in any Class A hazard job that is located more than 20 minutes of surface travel from a hospital when the crew size is two to 10 workers.
Prerequisite: A valid Basic First Aid or equivalent certificate. Candidates must be at least 16 years of age. Please bring Occupational First Aid, Level 1 or Level 2 certificate, and photo ID to class.
Dates: Tuesday January 14, 2025
Wednesday January 15, 2025
Thursday January 16, 2025
Times: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Course Duration: 8 classroom learning hours
Course Fee: $165
XOCH 0820 - WorkSafeBC Advanced First Aid (Previously Level 3
OFA Level 3 courses are offered to qualified candidates for certification by WorkSafeBC as first aid attendants in the industry. TRU provides instruction in both the theory and practice of first aid. Applicants must be 16 years of age or older and have at least Grade 10 reading comprehension skills. Students must bring a photo ID to class. Acceptable photo identification includes a driver's license, student card, recreation center pass, BCID, or passport. OFA Level 3 requires 70 hours of class time plus at least 35 hours of homework in the two-week course. Upon confirmation of registration, you will receive a handout of pre-reading assignments and exercises that must be done before the first class.
Dates: TBD
Course Duration: 70 classroom hours + homework
Course Fee: $1,295 (includes books and pocket mask)
XOCH 0400 - Basic Life Support
This one-day course is designed to build participant confidence in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills in a team environment for professionals with a duty to respond. Teaches the important steps to perform a rapid assessment, perform Basic Life Support (BLS) skills, and perform rapid defibrillation including the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Airway Management and Oxygen Therapy will also be included in this course.
Date: TBD
Course Duration: 8 classroom hours
Course Fee: $185
XOCH 0360 - CPR C / AED
This one-day course on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) provides the skills needed to recognize and respond to cardiovascular emergencies and choking for adults, children, and babies depending on the level of CPR chosen. Courses meet legislation requirements for provincial/territorial worker safety and insurance boards and include the latest CPR guidelines and training in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Course Duration: 6.5 classroom hours
