Non-certification First Aid and CPR Courses in London

Person practicing CPR on a mannequin, pressing down on the chest with interlocked hands. A first aid manual is visible on the side, and the setting appears to be an indoor training session.

First Aid and CPR Training in London, Ontario

First Aid and Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training is something everyone should think about pursuing. Having this training means you could help save someone’s life or de-escalate an emergency situation so that the outcome is not as serious. There are many reasons to consider CPR First Aid training in London, Ontario, not the least of which is that the person you could be saving is likely someone close to you – a family member, friend or co-worker. Now First Aid and CPR training is available from Coast2Coast.

What First Aid and CPR training is available in London, Ontario?

This post will focus on the non-certification First Aid and CPR/AED training courses that are available in London. Coast2Coast offer both certification and non-certification CPR and First Aid courses, depending on your needs.

Certification Aid

If you require a certification to assist in your employment, see this post about our Canadian Red Cross certification courses. You can greatly enhance your employable skills by becoming certified in Level A and C First Aid and CPR/AED. In fact, this training can be a requirement if you are pursuing a career in law enforcement and health care support, among other fields. Coast2Coast offers courses in Standard, Emergency and Marine First Aid. These courses are offered as a blend of online and in-class learning.

What non-certified First Aid and CPR courses are available in London, Ontario?

You may not require certification and wish to take a CPR and First Aid course in London for your own personal peace of mind. London, Ontario First Aid and CPR training from Coast2Coast is not limited to certification courses, thankfully. Many of our students are expectant or new parents, as well as grandparents, who will be caring for babies and small children. You may have elderly parents who you wish to be able to assist in the event of an emergency. Keeping loved ones safe is a priority for many who take our courses, and our students learn the necessary measures to ensure their safety. Given that heart disease is one of the most common causes of death in Canada, CPR is a valuable skill to have. For those caring for small children, choking is a real hazard and is very scary if you don’t know what to do.

Baby Aid

Coast2Coast workshops are ideal for those who do not require an official WSIB approved First Aid and CPR certificate, but still wish to learn live-saving skills.

Aid Courses

Coast2Coast also offers First Aid and CPR workshops for those who don’t wish to commit to the full-length or cost of a Red Cross certification course, but still want to learn these valuable skills. These courses are shorter and less in-depth than our other CPR and First Aid courses, while still giving you a solid foundation in the course work. Our workshops are great for those seeking a solid foundation in CPR and First Aid training, as well as those who are looking to expand their skill set for personal use. The London CPR/AED and First Aid workshops are available for public or private training and include the following: Know Your Baby, Baby Emergency Preparedness, and Build Your Own (private training only).

First Aid and CPR for pets is another non-certification that is available from Coast2Coast in London, Ontario. Keeping our pets safe is a top priority and this course is a great way to ensure you have the confidence to assist your pet in an emergency. CPR for pets is actually quite similar as it for humans, but our specific training will allow you to master this training for your cat or dog. Our Pet First Aid course in London is done in partnership with Walk N Wags’. In this course, we cover bone injuries, CPR, poisons, and much more.

Dog Cpr

Looking for private CPR and First Aid training in London, Ontario?

Look no further! Coast2Coast also offers private training for its London First Aid and CPR courses. A minimum of eight people can participate in the training of your choice with a Canadian Red Cross instructor. You choose the time and place, and Coast2Coast will do the rest, including bringing our top-notch equipment for your group to practice with. This is an ideal way to have staff trained in a workplace, club or family. Private First Aid and CPR/AED training is available for any of our courses, including non-certification courses. 

Online learning for all of our blended courses is done from the comfort of your own home, and our in-class First Aid and CPR training can be done at Western in London, Ontario and other locations. Please visit here for a full listing of courses offered in London (click the button below)

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Which First Aid and CPR training program in London, Ontario is right for you?

Many students who take our courses need to be certified at their jobs, but if that isn’t necessary you can take advantage of one of Coast2Coast’s non-certification courses. You will receive training in amazing life-saving skills, while saving yourself time and money. Register today to expand your First Aid and CPR knowledge or ask one of our customer service representatives which course is right for you!

BLS vs CPR HCP: Why the Healthcare Provider Course Was Replaced (2026)

Two emergency responders in red uniforms perform CPR on a man lying on the ground. One administers chest compressions while the other uses a bag valve mask for ventilation. An ambulance is partially visible nearby.

Understanding CPR HCP vs BLS: What Healthcare Providers Need to Know

One of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Coast2Coast First Aid and Aquatics is: “Why don’t you offer the CPR HCP (Healthcare Provider) course?” It is a fair question, and the answer reflects an important evolution in emergency medical training standards in Canada. The short answer is that the CPR HCP designation has been replaced by the Basic Life Support (BLS) course, which provides more comprehensive and up-to-date training for healthcare professionals and anyone requiring a healthcare-level CPR certification. Understanding the differences between these courses — and why the change was made — helps you choose the right training for your needs. As a Canadian Red Cross Training Partner, Coast2Coast follows the most current training standards and guidelines established by the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and the Canadian Red Cross. These standards are updated regularly based on the latest medical research, and the transition from CPR HCP to BLS certification reflects a significant improvement in how healthcare-level resuscitation skills are taught and assessed. BLS training for healthcare providers

What Was the CPR HCP Course?

The CPR HCP (Healthcare Provider) course was traditionally a CPR certification designed for individuals working in healthcare settings. It covered one-rescuer and two-rescuer CPR for adults, children, and infants, the use of bag-valve-mask (BVM) devices, AED operation, and management of choking emergencies. For many years, CPR HCP was the standard certification required by hospitals, dental offices, physiotherapy clinics, long-term care facilities, and other healthcare environments across Canada. While CPR HCP served its purpose well, the evolution of resuscitation science revealed opportunities to improve the training. Specifically, the healthcare community recognized the need for more emphasis on team-based resuscitation, high-performance CPR metrics, and integration of multiple interventions during cardiac arrest management. These needs led to the development and adoption of the BLS course as the new standard for healthcare-level CPR training.

Why did the Canadian Red Cross Replace CPR HCP with BLS?

The transition wasn’t just a name change; it was a shift toward High-Performance CPR. According to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, high-quality chest compressions can increase survival rates by up to 40%. The old HCP curriculum lacked the rigorous “Team Dynamics” required in modern clinical environments.

The 2026 Regulatory Landscape: CSA Z1210:24 and Healthcare

While the WSIB has transitioned to the CSA Z1210:24 standard for workplace first aid (classifying courses as Basic or Intermediate), healthcare settings demand an even higher tier. Basic Life Support (BLS) remains the gold standard.

Expert Insight: “In a 2026 clinical setting, a ‘120-second response time’ is the absolute maximum. BLS training ensures that teams can deploy a BVM and AED within seconds, not minutes.” — Coast2Coast Clinical Training Dept.

Who Specifically Requires BLS in 2026?

The list of professionals requiring BLS has expanded. Beyond Nurses and Doctors, the following now mandate BLS for compliance:

  • Pharmacists: Under new expanded scopes of practice in Ontario and Alberta.

  • Dental Professionals: As per the RCDSO requirements.

  • Paramedic Students: Must have BLS before their first clinical placement.

What Is the BLS Course?

The Basic Life Support (BLS) course is the modern replacement for CPR HCP. It covers everything that CPR HCP covered and significantly more. BLS training includes all the core CPR skills — compressions, ventilations, and AED use for all age groups — plus advanced concepts specifically relevant to healthcare providers:

High-Performance Team CPR

One of the most significant additions in BLS training is the emphasis on team-based resuscitation. In a real healthcare setting, cardiac arrest response involves multiple team members working simultaneously — one person performing compressions, another managing the airway, another operating the AED, and a team leader coordinating the effort. BLS training prepares participants for this reality through team-based practice scenarios where each person rotates through different roles, learning to communicate effectively and coordinate their efforts seamlessly.

Continuous Quality Improvement

BLS training emphasizes the measurable components of high-quality CPR including compression rate (100-120 per minute), compression depth (at least 5 centimetres for adults), full chest recoil between compressions, minimizing interruptions in compressions, and avoiding excessive ventilation. Participants receive real-time feedback during practice, helping them develop the precise technique needed to deliver the most effective CPR possible.

Advanced Airway Management

While CPR HCP covered basic BVM use, the BLS course provides more extensive training in airway management techniques relevant to healthcare settings. This includes proper BVM technique for one and two rescuers, the use of oropharyngeal and nasopharyngeal airways, and oxygen delivery systems. These skills are essential for healthcare providers who may need to manage airways in clinical emergencies.
Safety Tip: If your employer requires CPR HCP certification, the BLS course meets and exceeds that requirement. Many employers have already updated their policies to specifically require BLS, but even those that still list CPR HCP will accept BLS certification because it covers all HCP content and more.

Who Needs BLS Certification?

BLS certification is essential for a wide range of professionals and aspiring professionals in healthcare and related fields:

Healthcare Professionals

Nurses, physicians, paramedics, respiratory therapists, dentists, dental hygienists, physiotherapists, chiropractors, pharmacists, and other regulated healthcare providers typically require BLS certification as a condition of employment and professional licensing. Many regulatory colleges mandate current BLS certification for all practitioners.

Healthcare Students

Students in nursing, medicine, paramedicine, dental hygiene, respiratory therapy, and other health science programs are generally required to hold current BLS certification before beginning clinical placements. Obtaining BLS certification early in your program demonstrates professionalism and preparedness.

First Responders

Firefighters, police officers, lifeguards, and other first responders benefit from BLS-level training because they may need to provide advanced resuscitation support before paramedics arrive. BLS certification complements other certifications such as first aid and Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training.

Fitness and Recreation Professionals

Personal trainers, fitness instructors, swim coaches, and recreation facility staff often need healthcare-level CPR certification due to the physical nature of the environments they work in. BLS provides these professionals with the advanced skills needed to manage cardiac emergencies in athletic and aquatic settings. BLS certification for healthcare workers

BLS Recertification: The 1-Year Rule

Unlike Standard First Aid (Intermediate) which is valid for 3 years, BLS is valid for only 1 year. This ensures healthcare providers maintain “muscle memory” for life-saving interventions.

  • Note: You are eligible for a recertification only if your current certificate is still valid and was issued by the Canadian Red Cross.

Watch: BLS Training Overview

BLS vs Standard CPR Courses: Understanding the Difference

It is important to understand that BLS is different from standard CPR and AED courses designed for the general public. Standard CPR courses teach single-rescuer CPR, basic AED use, and choking management — excellent skills for everyday citizens. BLS goes further by adding two-rescuer CPR, team dynamics, advanced airway techniques, and healthcare-specific protocols. If you are a member of the general public without a specific requirement for healthcare-level certification, a standard CPR/AED course is perfectly appropriate and highly valuable. However, if you work in healthcare, are entering a health science program, or want the most comprehensive CPR training available, BLS is the right choice. The additional skills and knowledge you gain in BLS make you a more effective responder in any cardiac emergency, whether in a hospital, a clinic, or a public setting.

Course Format and Certification

The BLS course at Coast2Coast is typically completed in a single day and includes both classroom instruction and extensive hands-on practice. Participants practice on mannequins equipped with feedback devices that measure compression rate, depth, and recoil, ensuring that every graduate can perform high-quality CPR. The course concludes with a written test and practical skills assessment. Upon successful completion, participants receive a BLS certification card valid for the period specified by the certifying body. Recertification courses are available when your certification approaches expiration, allowing you to refresh your skills and stay current with any updates to resuscitation guidelines. BLS courses are offered at multiple locations across Canada, and private group sessions can be arranged for healthcare facilities and organizations.

Get Your BLS Certification Today

Need healthcare-level CPR certification? The BLS course from Coast2Coast First Aid and Aquatics exceeds the old CPR HCP standard and prepares you for real-world resuscitation scenarios. Register Now
Last Updated: March 2026 Medical Review: Aryan Sekhavati, Director at Coast2Coast

Executive Summary: The CPR HCP (Healthcare Provider) designation was officially phased out and replaced by Basic Life Support (BLS) to meet higher clinical standards. In 2026, BLS is the mandatory requirement for Canadian healthcare professionals, focusing on high-performance team dynamics and advanced airway management. All Coast2Coast BLS certifications are Red Cross-approved and valid for one year.

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About the Author

Ashkon Pourheidary, B.Sc. (Hons) — Co-Founder, Coast2Coast First Aid & Aquatics

Ashkon has been a certified First Aid and CPR instructor since 2011 and an Instructor Trainer since 2013. He is also a certified Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) instructor, Psychological First Aid instructor, and BLS (Basic Life Support) instructor. Ashkon graduated with honours with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from the University of Toronto in 2016. As co-founder of Coast2Coast First Aid & Aquatics, he has helped grow the organization to over 30 locations across Canada and into the United States. Connect on LinkedIn

Child Choking First Aid: How to Help a Choking Child (2026)

If a child is choking and cannot breathe, speak, or cough, call 911 and begin the five-and-five approach: alternate 5 back blows between the shoulder blades with 5 abdominal thrusts just above the belly button. For infants under one year old, use chest thrusts instead of abdominal thrusts. If the child becomes unresponsive, begin CPR immediately. Do not perform a blind finger sweep.

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Canadian Red Cross Intermediate / Standard First Aid and Child Care First Aid courses covering child and infant choking response across Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and California.

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5+5
Back blows and abdominal thrusts: the five-and-five approach
Under 1
Use chest thrusts, never abdominal thrusts, for infants
Under 4
Age group at highest risk of choking on small objects

How to Recognize When a Child Is Choking

Choking occurs when the airway becomes partially or completely blocked by a foreign object, which can lead to unresponsiveness and death if not addressed quickly. In young children, choking is particularly common, and certain behaviours such as talking or laughing with a full mouth or eating too quickly can increase the risk. A child who is choking typically has a panicked, confused, or surprised facial expression and may place one or both hands on their throat. Signs of choking include the inability to speak, cry, or cough forcefully if the airway is completely blocked, and the child’s skin may turn pale or bluish as oxygen is deprived.

Mild Choking vs Severe Choking

Not all choking emergencies require intervention. A mild blockage means the airway is only partially blocked and the child can still cough, speak, or cry. For children over 1 year old who are choking but are still making sounds, encourage them to cough. Encouraging a child to cough is an effective way to naturally clear an airway blockage without intervention. Do not interfere with a child who is coughing forcefully.

A severe choking emergency means the airway is completely blocked. Signs of severe choking include silent coughing, inability to speak or cry, blue or pale skin, clutching the throat with one or both hands, and high-pitched sounds or no sounds at all. If a child is showing signs of severe choking, such as silent coughing or bluish skin, immediate action is required to clear the blockage.

Child Choking First Aid: Step by Step

Step 1: Assess the Situation and Call for Emergency Help

If a child is choking and cannot breathe, speak, or cough, call 911 immediately or instruct someone nearby to call while you begin first aid. Do not leave the child alone. If you are alone, perform 5 cycles of back blows and abdominal thrusts before calling 911 if the obstruction has not cleared.

Step 2: Five Back Blows

Lean the child forward into a forward leaning position, supporting their upper body with one arm across their chest. Using the heel of your free hand, deliver 5 firm back blows between the child’s shoulder blades. Each blow should be a separate, distinct strike aimed at creating an artificial cough effect to dislodge the foreign object. Check the child’s mouth after each set of back blows to see if the object has been expelled. If you can see the object in the child’s mouth, carefully remove it with your fingers. Do not perform a blind finger sweep, as doing so may push the obstruction deeper into the airway.

Step 3: Perform Abdominal Thrusts (Heimlich Maneuver)

The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is a first aid technique used to relieve choking by applying pressure to the abdomen to expel an object blocking the airway. It is recommended for adults and children over the age of one who are choking and cannot speak, cry, or breathe. To perform child abdominal thrusts:

  • Kneel or stand behind the child and wrap your arms around their waist
  • Make a clenched fist with one hand and place the thumb side of your fist against the child’s upper abdomen, slightly above the belly button and well below the breastbone
  • Grasp your fist with your other hand
  • Pull sharply inwards and upwards with quick, firm thrusts
  • Give 5 abdominal thrusts, each a separate and distinct movement

After 5 abdominal thrusts, check the child’s mouth again. If the object is visible, remove it carefully. Do not perform a blind finger sweep.

Step 4: Alternate Five Back Blows and Five Abdominal Thrusts

Alternate between 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts, checking the child’s mouth after each cycle. Continue this pattern until the object is expelled, the child can breathe normally, emergency help arrives, or the child becomes unresponsive. Use this sequence for a choking person who cannot speak, cry, or cough forcefully.

Step 5: Begin CPR If the Child Becomes Unresponsive

If the child loses consciousness, carefully lower them to a flat surface. Call 911 if not already done. Begin CPR immediately, starting with chest compressions. Before giving rescue breaths, look in the child’s mouth each time you open the airway. If you can see the foreign object, remove it. Never perform a blind finger sweep on an unresponsive child. Continue cardiopulmonary resuscitation until emergency help arrives or the child begins breathing normally. Intermediate / Standard First Aid with CPR C covers the full transition from choking response to CPR as part of the core curriculum.

Safety Tip: Do not perform a blind finger sweep. Only remove an object from the child’s mouth if you can clearly see it. Blind finger sweeps risk pushing the obstruction deeper into the airway and can cause serious injury.

Infant Choking First Aid: Under One Year Old

For infants under one year old, the technique is different. Abdominal thrusts are never used on infants because they risk serious injury to internal organs. Instead, use chest thrusts.

Infant Back Blows

Hold the infant face down along your forearm, supporting the baby’s face in your hand with the baby’s head lower than the chest. Using the heel of your other hand, deliver 5 firm back blows between the infant’s shoulder blades. Support the infant’s head carefully throughout.

Chest Thrusts for Infants

After 5 back blows, turn the infant face up on your forearm, keeping the head lower than the body. Place two fingers on the centre of the child’s chest, just below the nipple line. Give chest thrusts 5 times, pressing down approximately one-third to one-half the depth of the chest. Check the infant’s mouth after each cycle. If an object is visible, remove it carefully. Do not perform a blind finger sweep. Alternate 5 back blows and 5 chest thrusts until the object is cleared or the infant becomes unresponsive. If the infant loses consciousness, begin infant CPR immediately and call 911.

What NOT to Do with an Infant

  • Do not perform abdominal thrusts on an infant under one year old
  • Do not shake or hang the infant upside down during a choking emergency as this risks further injury
  • Do not perform a blind finger sweep
  • Do not give liquids or force the infant to vomit, as this may worsen the airway blockage

For Parents and Caregivers

Learn This Skill in a Real Classroom

Reading about choking first aid is a start. Hands-on practice is what builds the confidence to act in a real emergency. Child Care First Aid courses are specifically designed for parents, grandparents, and childcare workers.

View Child Care First Aid

Performing Abdominal Thrusts

Perform Abdominal Thrusts on a Child

To correctly perform abdominal thrusts on a child, stand or kneel behind the child. Wrap your arms around their waist. Make a clenched fist with one hand. Place the thumb side of your fist against the child’s upper abdomen, between the belly button and the lower end of the breastbone. Grasp your fist firmly with your other hand. Pull sharply inwards and upwards in five quick, distinct thrusts. Each thrust should apply enough pressure to create an artificial cough that dislodges the object.

Performing Abdominal Thrusts on Yourself

To perform the Heimlich maneuver on yourself if you are choking and alone, place a clenched fist slightly above your belly button and grasp it with the other hand. Bend over a hard surface such as a chair back or countertop and thrust inward and upward firmly. This self-applied pressure can dislodge a foreign object when no one is available to help.

Aid Choking: What NOT to Do

Knowing what not to do is as important as knowing the correct steps. Common mistakes can worsen the obstruction or injure the child.

Do not perform a blind finger sweep. Only remove an object from the child’s mouth if you can clearly see it. Blind finger sweeps risk pushing the obstruction deeper into the airway.

Do not give liquids or force vomiting. Do not give the child anything to eat or drink or force them to vomit, as this may worsen the airway blockage.

Do not shake or hang the child upside down. This risks further injury and does not help clear the blockage.

Do not slap a choking child on the back while they are upright. Back blows must be delivered with the child leaning forward so gravity assists the dislodging of the object.

Do not delay calling 911. If back blows and abdominal thrusts do not clear the blockage within the first two cycles, call 911 while continuing the five-and-five approach.

Emergency Help: When to Call 911 for a Choking Child

Call 911 immediately in any of the following situations:

  • The child cannot breathe, speak, or cough
  • Back blows and abdominal thrusts have not cleared the blockage after several cycles
  • The child becomes unresponsive or loses consciousness
  • The child’s skin turns blue or grey
  • The child is an infant under one year old with a suspected airway blockage
  • The object has been removed but the child is still having difficulty breathing

After a choking incident, even if the object has been successfully removed, seek medical help. Internal injuries from abdominal thrusts or residual airway inflammation may require assessment. The Canadian Red Cross recommends that any child who received abdominal thrusts during a choking emergency be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

How to Prevent Choking in Children

Prevention is the most effective approach to child choking emergencies. The following strategies reduce choking risk significantly.

Foods That Pose a Choking Risk

Parents should supervise mealtimes with young children and avoid giving them foods that can easily get lodged in the throat, such as hot dogs, nuts, hard candies, grapes, large pieces of meat, popcorn, and raw carrots. Cut all food into small pieces appropriate for the child’s age. Teach children to sit while eating, eat slowly, and not talk or laugh with food in their mouth.

Small Objects and Toys

To prevent choking in children, keep small objects like marbles, coins, latex balloons, and button batteries out of reach, especially for children under 4 years old. Small toys or toys with small parts should be kept out of the child’s reach. Regularly inspect play areas for small objects that could be swallowed.

Supervision and Safe Habits

Supervise young children during mealtimes and playtime. Teach older children about choking risks. Ensure toys are age-appropriate and inspect them regularly for broken pieces. Keep the child’s reach clear of small objects at floor level.

How First Aid Training Prepares You for Choking Emergencies

First aid training courses often include instruction on how to respond to choking emergencies, teaching techniques such as back blows and abdominal thrusts. Certified first aid training courses are designed to prepare individuals to act quickly and effectively in choking emergencies, which can be life-threatening. Hands-on practice in a training environment builds the muscle memory needed to perform these techniques confidently under the pressure of a real emergency.

Intermediate / Standard First Aid with CPR C courses cover adult, child, and infant choking response, including the Heimlich maneuver, back blows, chest thrusts, and the transition to CPR when a choking victim becomes unresponsive. Child Care First Aid courses provide additional training specifically focused on pediatric emergencies, making them ideal for parents, grandparents, childcare workers, and teachers.

The Canadian Red Cross recommends that anyone who regularly cares for children complete first aid and CPR certification that covers pediatric choking response. Private group training can be arranged for daycares, schools, and organizations that want to ensure their entire team is prepared.

Key Takeaway

If a child is choking, use the five-and-five approach: alternate 5 back blows between the shoulder blades with 5 abdominal thrusts above the belly button. For infants under one year old, replace abdominal thrusts with chest thrusts. Never perform a blind finger sweep. If the child becomes unresponsive, begin CPR immediately and call 911. Hands-on first aid training is the most effective way to build the confidence and competence to act correctly under pressure.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Child Choking First Aid 2026

Q1: What is the first thing to do if a child is choking?

A: If a child is choking and cannot breathe, speak, or cough, call 911 immediately and begin the five-and-five approach. Lean the child forward and deliver 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades. Then give 5 abdominal thrusts by placing a clenched fist above the belly button and pulling sharply inwards and upwards. Alternate between back blows and abdominal thrusts until the object is dislodged or emergency help arrives.

Q2: How do you perform abdominal thrusts on a child?

A: Stand or kneel behind the child and wrap your arms around their waist. Make a clenched fist and place the thumb side against the child’s upper abdomen, above the belly button and below the breastbone. Grasp your fist with your other hand and pull sharply inwards and upwards. Give 5 abdominal thrusts in quick, distinct movements. Check the child’s mouth after each cycle for the object, removing it only if clearly visible.

Q3: What is the difference between child and infant choking first aid?

A: For children over one year old, the five-and-five approach uses 5 back blows and 5 abdominal thrusts. For infants under one year old, abdominal thrusts are never used because they risk injuring internal organs. Instead, alternate 5 back blows with 5 chest thrusts, using two fingers placed just below the nipple line on the infant’s chest. Hold the infant face down for back blows and face up for chest thrusts.

Q4: What should I do if the choking child becomes unresponsive?

A: If the child loses consciousness, carefully lower them to a flat surface. Call 911 if not already done. Begin CPR immediately, starting with chest compressions. Each time you open the airway to give rescue breaths, look in the child’s mouth. If you can see the foreign object, remove it carefully. Do not perform a blind finger sweep. Continue cardiopulmonary resuscitation until emergency help arrives.

Q5: What is the Heimlich maneuver?

A: The Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, is a first aid technique used to relieve choking by applying pressure to the abdomen to expel a foreign object blocking the airway. It is recommended for children over one year old and adults who are choking and cannot speak, cry, or breathe. The technique involves placing a clenched fist above the belly button and pulling sharply inwards and upwards in five quick thrusts.

Q6: Should I do a finger sweep to remove the object?

A: Only remove an object from the child’s mouth if you can clearly see it. Do not perform a blind finger sweep, as this may push the obstruction deeper into the airway. After each cycle of back blows and abdominal thrusts, look in the child’s mouth. If the object is visible, carefully remove it with your fingers.

Q7: When should I call 911 for a choking child?

A: Call 911 immediately if the child cannot breathe, speak, or cough, if back blows and abdominal thrusts have not cleared the blockage within several cycles, if the child becomes unresponsive, if their skin turns blue, or if the child is an infant. After the object is removed, seek medical help regardless, as internal injury from abdominal thrusts or residual airway swelling may require assessment.

More FAQs: Prevention, Infants, and Training

Q8: What foods are most likely to cause choking in children?

A: Foods most likely to cause choking in young children include hot dogs, grapes, nuts, hard candies, popcorn, raw carrots, large pieces of meat, and chunks of cheese. Cut all food into small pieces appropriate to the child’s age. Supervise mealtimes and teach children to sit while eating and not talk or laugh with food in their mouth.

Q9: How do I perform infant choking first aid?

A: For infants under one year old, hold the infant face down along your forearm with the head lower than the body. Deliver 5 firm back blows between the shoulder blades. Then turn the infant face up and give 5 chest thrusts using two fingers placed just below the nipple line on the chest. Alternate between back blows and chest thrusts, checking the mouth after each cycle. Never use abdominal thrusts on an infant.

Q10: What objects are most likely to cause choking in young children?

A: Young children most commonly choke on food and small objects including coins, marbles, button batteries, small toys, latex balloons, and small pieces of broken toys. Keep all small objects out of the child’s reach, especially for children under 4 years old. Inspect play areas regularly and ensure toys are age-appropriate.

Q11: Can a child choke on something and still be able to breathe?

A: Yes. A mild or partial airway blockage allows some air to pass, so the child may still be able to cough, speak, or breathe with difficulty. In mild choking, encourage the child to cough, as this is the most effective way to naturally clear a partial blockage. Only intervene with back blows and abdominal thrusts if the child cannot breathe, speak, or cough at all.

Q12: What is the five-and-five approach?

A: The five-and-five approach is the primary first aid procedure for a conscious, severely choking child or adult. It involves alternating between 5 back blows to the area between the shoulder blades and 5 abdominal thrusts to the upper abdomen. After each set of five, check the mouth for the object. Continue alternating until the object is dislodged, the person can breathe normally, or emergency services take over.

Q13: Is choking first aid different for large children vs small children?

A: The technique is the same for all children over one year old, but the amount of force applied should be proportional to the child’s size. For a small child, gentler back blows and abdominal thrusts are appropriate. For a larger child approaching adult size, more force may be needed. The positioning and mechanics of the five-and-five approach remain consistent regardless of the child’s size.

Q14: What should I do after a child has been successfully treated for choking?

A: After the object has been removed and the child can breathe normally, seek medical help. The Canadian Red Cross recommends that any child who received abdominal thrusts during a choking emergency be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Internal injuries, rib bruising, or residual airway swelling may not be immediately apparent. Keep the child calm, monitor their breathing, and transport to a healthcare provider.

Q15: Where can I learn child choking first aid in Canada?

A: Coast2Coast First Aid and Aquatics offers Canadian Red Cross certified Intermediate / Standard First Aid and Child Care First Aid courses across more than 30 locations in Ontario, Nova Scotia, Alberta, and California. All course levels cover child and infant choking response, including back blows, abdominal thrusts, chest thrusts, and the transition to CPR. Online blended learning is available for those who prefer to complete theory at home before attending an in-person skills session.

Legal Disclaimer
The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. In any choking emergency, always call 911 immediately. Choking response techniques should be learned and practised under the supervision of a qualified first aid instructor. Coast2Coast First Aid Inc. assumes no liability for any outcomes resulting from the application or misapplication of information in this article.

About This Article, Expertise and Sources
Content reviewed by the Coast2Coast First Aid and Aquatics certified instructor team. Child choking first aid information sourced from the Canadian Red Cross First Aid Guidelines, the CSA Z1210:24 First Aid Training Standard, and Health Canada child safety guidelines. Coast2Coast First Aid Inc. is Canada’s largest Canadian Red Cross Training Partner. Last reviewed: May 2026. For corrections or additional information, contact info@c2cfirstaidaquatics.com or 1-866-291-9121.

Does CPR Save Lives? Why Every Canadian Should Know Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Instructor demonstrating the importance of first aid training by performing an airway check on a manikin during a first aid course

CPR can save lives — bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) doubles or triples cardiac arrest survival rates by maintaining blood flow and brain oxygenation until emergency medical services arrive. Performing chest compressions within the first 2–4 minutes prevents permanent neurological damage. This 2026 guide covers WSIB-approved techniques, AED use, hands-only CPR, conventional CPR with rescue breaths, and the legal protections bystanders receive under Ontario’s Good Samaritan Act.

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How CPR can save lives — Coast2Coast instructor in Toronto demonstrating the 2026 Red Cross CPR and AED rescue sequence on a training mannequin
2–3×
Survival rate increase with immediate CPR
7–10%
Survival drop per minute without CPR
4 min
Before permanent brain damage begins

How CPR Can Save Lives: The Evidence Is Clear

Yes — CPR can save lives, and the data is unambiguous. About 90 percent of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die, but when cardiac arrest occurs — the moment the heart stops beating effectively — CPR can save lives by maintaining blood flow until paramedics arrive, especially when performed immediately. Immediate CPR doubles or triples a cardiac arrest victim’s chance of survival. Every minute without CPR reduces survival odds by 7 to 10 percent. With bystander CPR, that drop slows to just 3 to 4 percent per minute — a dramatic difference that comes down entirely to whether a trained person is standing nearby until emergency responders arrive on scene.

In Canada, someone suffers a sudden cardiac arrest outside a hospital setting every 12 minutes. In the Greater Toronto Area alone, paramedics respond to thousands of cardiac emergencies annually, yet the average emergency responder arrival time is 7 to 8 minutes — well beyond the 4-minute window before permanent brain damage begins. The survival gap between “bystander acts” and “bystander waits” is not a small statistical margin. It is the difference between life and death.

Knowing CPR and AED use transforms you from a helpless observer into a lifesaver. The skills are straightforward, CPR training takes less than a day, and the potential impact is immeasurable — every certified Canadian increases the odds that CPR can save lives in their community.

What Is Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)?

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating effectively. The term “cardiopulmonary” refers to the heart (cardiac) and lungs (pulmonary) — the two systems CPR is designed to keep functioning artificially until professional help arrives.

CPR has two primary forms:

  • Hands-Only CPR (Compression-Only CPR): Involves continuous chest compressions without rescue breaths. Increasingly popular for public CPR training because it is easier to teach, avoids mouth-to-mouth breathing, and is highly effective for witnessed adult cardiac arrest.
  • Conventional CPR: Combines chest compressions with rescue breaths. Required for drowning victims, pediatric cardiac arrest, drug overdose emergencies, and all scenarios involving breathing failure rather than purely cardiac failure. This is the complete CPR skill set taught in Red Cross certified courses.

The American Heart Association uses the letters C-A-B to help people remember the sequence: Compressions first, then Airway, then Breathing.

Understanding Cardiac Arrest: An Electrical Malfunction

Cardiac arrest is frequently confused with a heart attack, but they are clinically distinct. A heart attack is a “plumbing” problem — a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the heart. Cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem — the heart suddenly stops beating effectively, and the body stops functioning normally as circulation ceases. The heart begins to quiver chaotically (ventricular fibrillation) instead of pumping blood.

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) can strike anyone, at any age. While heart disease and high blood pressure rank as risk factors, SCA also affects seemingly healthy athletes and young adults due to undiagnosed heart defects or commotio cordis — cardiac arrest triggered by a blunt blow to the chest.

Without blood flow, the brain begins to suffer permanent damage within four minutes. Performing CPR keeps blood flow active in those first critical minutes, limiting brain injury. Death can occur four to six minutes after that without intervention. This is why widespread Basic Life Support (BLS) training for health care providers and CPR Level C training for the public is so critical across Canada.

Safety Tip: If you are alone and witness a cardiac arrest, call 911 first and put your phone on speaker. Then begin chest compressions immediately. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Do not stop until help arrives or you are too exhausted to continue.

The Physiology of CPR: How Chest Compressions Work

Many people ask: how can pushing on someone’s chest actually save them? The answer is the Manual Pump Theory. When you perform high-quality CPR, you physically squeeze the heart between the breastbone (sternum) and the spine. This action creates enough internal pressure to force oxygenated blood out of the heart and up to the brain, improving the chances of successful resuscitation.

Compression Depth and Rate

Compression depth and rate matter enormously. Pushing too slowly or too shallowly reduces the return of blood flow to vital organs by up to 30%. Even though CPR only provides about 25 to 30 percent of normal blood flow, that flow often keeps brain cells alive until an automated external defibrillator (AED) can restore the heart’s natural rhythm.

How to Perform Chest Compressions

To perform chest compressions, place the lower palm of your hand over the middle of the person’s chest along the nipple line. Place your other hand on top, keeping your elbows straight and your shoulders directly above your hands. Push down at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) deep at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Allow the chest to fully recoil between compressions without lifting your hands.

For adults, compressions require significant force — this is why practicing on mannequins during CPR training helps you gauge proper pressure before a real emergency.

Watch: How To Perform CPR — Coast2Coast Official

The Critical Minutes: Why Bystander Intervention Is Non-Negotiable

When someone collapses, a countdown begins. For every minute that passes without CPR, the chance of survival decreases by 7 to 10 percent. With bystander CPR, that decrease slows to 3 to 4 percent per minute. By the time ten minutes pass without any intervention, survival from cardiac arrest is statistically unlikely. In a city like Toronto, traffic conditions and high call volumes can push emergency services response times to 8 minutes or longer — well beyond the window where CPR can save lives.

Bystander CPR is the “Bridge to Life.” When compressions begin within the first two minutes, survival rates can exceed 40 percent. These statistics confirm that the most important link in the Chain of Survival is not the doctor in the ER — it is the person standing next to the victim when they fall, who starts CPR while first responders, emergency medical services, and other emergency responders race to the scene.

Unfortunately, fewer than half of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest victims receive bystander CPR before EMS arrival. Closing that gap through community CPR training ranks among the highest-impact public health interventions available.

Safety Tip: If you witness a collapse, call 911 and put your phone on speaker. Begin chest compressions immediately. Push hard (at least 2 inches deep) and fast (100–120 compressions per minute) in the center of the chest. Do not stop until help arrives or an AED is ready to analyze the victim.

CPR Combined With AED Training: The Ultimate Life-Saving Duo

While CPR maintains blood flow, it rarely restarts the heart on its own. That is the job of the automated external defibrillator (AED). In cardiac arrest emergencies, the AED analyzes the heart’s rhythm and delivers a targeted electrical shock to reset the heart’s electrical system. When CPR and AED use are combined within the first few minutes, survival rates can climb as high as 75 percent. Every minute without CPR and an AED reduces the chance of survival by about 10 percent.

CPR training courses include instruction on the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs), which significantly improves survival rates when the two skills are used together. AEDs now appear in public locations across Ontario — from Union Station to community centres. They are designed for use by anyone and provide step-by-step voice instructions. However, AED deployment should not be limited to trained people only — though AED training still minimizes the time to defibrillation for cardiac arrest victims.

This combination is exactly how CPR can save lives in real-world public emergencies. Taking a CPR and AED course removes the “fear factor.” In a high-stress cardiac emergency, you act on instinct — not a manual you have never read.

CPR can save lives — AED and CPR training for emergency preparedness in Ontario

Overcoming the Fear of Action: The Good Samaritan Act

The biggest barrier to bystander intervention is fear — fear of doing it wrong, fear of breaking ribs, or fear of being sued. In Ontario, the Good Samaritan Act (2001) protects you from these concerns.

You cannot be held liable for damages while providing emergency assistance in good faith, provided you act within the scope of your training and without gross negligence. A person in cardiac arrest is clinically dead — you cannot make their situation worse by attempting to save them. Yes, ribs may crack during effective compressions, but as the saying goes: “Broken ribs heal; death does not.”

It is also worth noting that in Canada, the Good Samaritan Drug Overdose Act provides similar legal protection when seeking emergency help during a suspected drug overdose — an increasingly relevant scenario as opioid emergencies continue to be a public health concern across Ontario and the country.

Ontario Compliance Note: WSIB Ontario requires all provincially regulated workplaces to maintain first aid and CPR-trained personnel on site. Confirm your workplace’s specific requirements at wsib.ca/en/firstaid.

When CPR Applies Beyond Cardiac Arrest: Drug Overdose Emergencies

CPR skills extend beyond cardiac arrest. In Canada’s ongoing opioid crisis, drug overdose emergencies represent a growing category of life-threatening situations where CPR and rescue breathing make the decisive difference between life and death.

Opioid drugs affect the part of the brain controlling breathing. When someone overdoses, breathing slows or stops entirely before the heart fails. This means rescue breaths — conventional CPR, not hands-only CPR — are especially critical in overdose situations. If you suspect a drug overdose: call 911 immediately, check for responsiveness and breathing, begin full CPR if the person is not breathing and has no pulse, starting with two rescue breaths, and mouth-to-mouth breathing may be used when no barrier device is available.

This is one reason CPR training courses that include rescue breathing remain the gold standard for healthcare providers, first responders, and anyone who works in settings where overdose risk is present, since these steps are best learned and practised through training and are especially important for trained professionals working in overdose-risk settings.

Professional vs. Public: Which CPR Course Do You Need?

Not all CPR training is the same. Choosing the right level matters both for effectiveness and for WSIB and workplace compliance.

  1. CPR Level C: The standard for the general public, parents, teachers, coaches, and most Ontario workplaces. It covers adult, child, and infant CPR — both hands-only CPR and conventional CPR with rescue breaths. Hands-only compression-only CPR has grown increasingly popular for the general public because it is easier to teach and does not require mouth-to-mouth contact.
  2. Basic Life Support (BLS): Healthcare providers previously knew this as Healthcare Provider (HCP) CPR. Nurses, doctors, paramedics, firefighters, and other health care providers need BLS, which targets trained professionals who work in team-based response. It focuses on high-performance resuscitation efforts, and a sports medicine physician may also need this level for athletic settings. BLS covers adult basic life support and pediatric basic life support protocols.
  3. Emergency First Aid with CPR: A shorter course for those who need a fundamental overview of life-saving skills alongside basic CPR skills.

The Canadian Red Cross certifies all Coast2Coast courses, which meet 2026 WSIB compliance standards.

Building CPR Skills Through Training Programs

Many training programs are available, including blended learning options that combine online cognitive learning with in-person skills practice and testing. For people learning CPR for the first time, the practical hands-on session is irreplaceable — practicing compression depth and rate on mannequins builds the muscle memory needed to perform effective compressions under pressure.

When you get certified, you aren’t just gaining a certificate. You are gaining the power to change the outcome of a tragedy — at home, at work, on public transit, or anywhere a cardiac emergency strikes without warning.

Learn How CPR Can Save Lives — Get Certified Today

Cardiac arrest doesn’t wait for a convenient time. Be ready to save a life by getting certified in First Aid and CPR with Coast2Coast.

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Frequently Asked Questions: 2026 CPR Guidelines

Q1: Does CPR actually save lives?

A: Yes. CPR can save lives — performed immediately after cardiac arrest, it doubles or triples survival rates. About 90 percent of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests are fatal without intervention, but immediate bystander CPR combined with early defibrillation pushes survival rates significantly higher.

Q2: What does CPR stand for?

A: CPR stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation — an emergency procedure combining chest compressions and, in full CPR, rescue breaths, designed to manually maintain blood flow when the heart has stopped beating.

Q3: Do I need to give mouth-to-mouth during CPR?

A: For untrained bystanders, hands-only CPR (compression-only CPR) is highly effective and recommended for adult victims. Mouth-to-mouth breathing is part of conventional CPR when rescue breaths are required. Conventional CPR — including rescue breathing with a pocket mask — is essential for drowning victims, pediatric cardiac arrest, and drug overdose emergencies. For children and infants, breathing emergencies are the most common cause of cardiac arrest, making rescue breaths critical.

Q4: How hard should I push during chest compressions?

A: For an adult, you must compress the chest at least 2 inches (5 cm) deep at a rate of 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Pushing too slowly or too shallowly can reduce blood flow to vital organs by up to 30 percent. Significant force is required — practicing on mannequins helps calibrate correct pressure.

Q5: What is the “4-Minute Rule” in CPR?

A: The brain begins to suffer permanent damage within approximately four minutes without oxygen-rich blood flow. This is why immediate bystander CPR is non-negotiable — you must keep blood flow active until professional help and an AED arrive.

Q6: Can anyone use an AED?

A: Yes. AEDs are designed for use by any bystander and provide step-by-step voice instructions. Deployment of AEDs should not be limited to trained people only, although CPR and AED training is strongly recommended to minimize time to defibrillation.

Q7: Can I use an AED on a child or infant?

A: Yes. Most modern AEDs have pediatric pads or a child mode. If pediatric pads are unavailable, use adult pads ensuring they do not overlap — typically one on the chest and one on the back for infants.

Q8: Can I use an AED if the person has a pacemaker?

A: Yes. Simply avoid placing the AED pad directly over the visible pacemaker lump — keep it at least one inch away. The AED will still function correctly.

Q9: What is the difference between cardiac arrest and a heart attack?

A: A heart attack is a “plumbing” problem — a blockage cutting off blood supply to the heart muscle. Cardiac arrest is an “electrical” problem — the heart stops beating effectively entirely. A heart attack can trigger cardiac arrest, but they are distinct emergencies requiring different responses.

Q10: How often do I need to recertify in CPR in Canada?

A: In Canada, CPR certifications are valid for three years. However, many healthcare and workplace settings require annual recertification to ensure skills remain sharp and up-to-date with the latest medical guidelines.

Q11: Does the Good Samaritan Act protect me if I make a mistake during CPR?

A: Yes. Under Ontario’s Good Samaritan Act (2001), you cannot be held liable for damages when providing emergency assistance in good faith, as long as you act within the scope of your training and without gross negligence.

Q12: Is CPR effective for drug overdose emergencies?

A: CPR — particularly conventional CPR with rescue breaths — is critical in overdose situations because opioids suppress breathing before the heart stops. If someone is unresponsive and not breathing after a suspected overdose, begin CPR immediately and call 911.

Q13: What is the Chain of Survival in emergency cardiovascular care?

A: The Chain of Survival is the sequence of actions that maximize cardiac arrest outcomes: early recognition and calling 911, immediate bystander CPR, rapid defibrillation with an AED, effective emergency medical services response, and post-arrest care. Every link matters, but bystander CPR and early defibrillation are the most critical steps available to the public.

Q14: Can CPR cause injuries like broken ribs?

A: Yes, rib fractures can occur during effective chest compressions, particularly in older adults. This is expected and acceptable. A person in cardiac arrest is clinically dead — the risk of a rib fracture is negligible compared to the alternative. Broken ribs heal; cardiac arrest without intervention does not.

Q15: What is the difference between hands-only CPR and conventional CPR?

A: Hands-only CPR uses continuous chest compressions with no rescue breaths and is appropriate for witnessed adult cardiac arrest caused by a cardiac event. Conventional CPR adds rescue breaths to compressions and is required for children, infants, drowning victims, drug overdose victims, and any cardiac arrest where respiratory failure was the primary cause. When conventional CPR is indicated, trained responders may give two rescue breaths before returning to compressions. CPR training teaches both techniques.

About This Article — Expertise & Sources
Content reviewed by Coast2Coast First Aid & Aquatics’ certified instructor team, including Canadian Red Cross First Aid, CPR, and Basic Life Support Instructors, an Instructor Trainer with a nursing background, and a practising paramedic. Regulatory information sourced from the WSIB Ontario First Aid Requirements, the American Heart Association 2025 Guidelines for CPR and Emergency Cardiovascular Care, the Canadian Red Cross, and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Course content meets CSA Standard Z1210-17. Coast2Coast First Aid Inc. is an active Canadian Red Cross Training Partner. Last reviewed: March 2026. For corrections or additional information, contact info@c2cfirstaidaquatics.com or 1-866-291-9121.