Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) courses are delivered in communities across Ontario, equipping individuals with the confidence and skills to act when every second counts.
From meeting workplace certification requirements to preparing professional first responders, supporting those who work with children, or simply gaining the knowledge to protect family and friends, our training provides practical, life-saving skills that make a real difference. First aid training covers a wide range of critical skills, including how to respond to respiratory and cardiac arrests, head and spine injuries, fractures, sprains, and joint injuries. It also includes proper wound care, handling poisons such as opioids, and managing various medical, airway, and environmental emergencies.
First aid is the immediate care provided to someone who is injured or suddenly becomes ill. The person who steps in to manage the situation and administers first aid is known as a first aider, while the individual in need of help is referred to as the casualty. First aiders play a crucial role in stabilizing the person until professional medical assistance arrives. Their main priorities are to preserve a life, prevent further harm, and encourage recovery.
Legal obligations
In Ontario, workplace first aid is governed by WSIB Regulation 1101, requiring employers to have trained staff who work in the immediate vicinity of certified first aid kits. First aid requirements apply to all workers regardless of their employment status and for all workplaces, including off-site work locations.
- For one to five employees per shift, at least one employee must be certified in Emergency First Aid, including CPR Level C.
- For six or more employees per shift, at least one employee must hold a Standard First Aid certificate, which includes CPR Level C.
- In workplaces with 200 or more employees, a first aid room, including a stretcher and blanket, must also be available and staffed by a qualified individual.
Certified training options
Workers Health & Safety Centre currently offers in-person community-based courses in our training centres across the province and onsite courses that can be delivered at your workplace to more than a few workers. Training offers the latest CPR guidelines and training in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). And where needed, Transport Canada requirements as outlined in the Transport Publication (TP) 13008 E are also met.
WHSC course options:
Basic Life Support
Basic Life Support – Recertification
CPR/AED Level A – Adult Only
CPR/AED Level C – Adult, Child, Infant
CPR/AED Level C – Recertification
Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level A – Adult Only
Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C – Adult, Child, Infant
Marine Basic First Aid
Standard First Aid & Basic Life Support
Standard Frist Aid & Basical Life Support – Recertification
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level A – Adult Only
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level A – Recertification
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C – Adult, Child, Infant
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C - Recertification
Complete any of our First Aid and CPR programs and earn an official certification record, valid for one or three years, depending on your course. Certificates are issued by the Canadian Red Cross.
Register for first aid in a community near you.
Onsite training can be a cost-effective and timely way to get learning into the hands of more. Contact us to discuss your options 1.888.869.7950 or at contactus@whsc.on.ca.
Related resources:
First Aid & CPR product library
First Aid and CPR Training FAQs
Need more information?
Contact a WHSC Training Services Representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
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