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For individuals who are not redoing a course to maintain their certification, these courses are designed to offer complete preparation on various important aspects of first aid training, including CPR. What do you do in First Aid training, though?
What You Should Know Before Attending a First Aid Course
First aid training courses welcome everybody and teach you important life-saving skills, giving you the knowledge and confidence to deal with any type of emergency. Whether you need to learn the skills for your workplace or personal reasons, they prove invaluable training.
There are several techniques you can expect to learn from the course, and you need no prior knowledge to learn everything required to get your first aid certification.
Preparing For the Course
You may feel that the course will prove too challenging for you to take everything in, and may be tempted to learn a few things beforehand. However, you don’t need to do anything to prepare for the course, because if you choose a good Red Cross training partner, you will learn everything required and how to practice it correctly.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
At the course, you will participate in practical demonstrations, requiring you to kneel on the floor. We recommend you wear comfortable clothing and flat shoes. Read the requirements for the course you are interested in, because some disabilities may make it impossible for you to participate. You must be able to perform the hands-on skills to earn your certification.
Course Training
Depending on the course and the level you choose, there will be a mixture of practical and theory modules covered during the hours required to complete the first aid course.
You will learn to examine a victim, use a defibrillator, perform CPR, and how to control bleeding and trauma. These basic skills are important for you to deal with any potentially life-threatening situation until medically trained first responders arrive.
Students will learn how to treat scalds and burns, and assist someone who is choking. You will also be taught the importance of recording everything about the patient, and how to pass on this information to other responders. 100% attendance is required for the courses, and you need to get 75% or higher on your knowledge test. Your certification will be valid for three years.
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Do you have questions regarding CPR training? Contact us today! Our customer service representatives are ready to assist you.
All course instructors are Red Cross trained and qualified, with extensive experience in passing on their knowledge and skills to you. They keep their qualifications up-to-date in order to teach.
What About Free Courses?
You can take advantage of free first aid courses in your area, and they are great to help you learn a few basic techniques. However, these are only an introduction to first aid, and the things you will learn are limited. Therefore, if you want in-depth knowledge and the peace of mind that you passed an assessment, choose a first aid course that meets the latest teaching standards and first aid protocols. This way, you will be geared to offer the right assistance in any emergency. If you require an official certificate that’s WSIB approved, free courses will not meet this expectation.
Who Can Enroll in a First-Aid Course?
Anyone can enroll in first-aid training and CPR courses as long as they are able to perform the hands-on training and complete a multiple choice exam on their own. The American Heart Foundation even advocates children from as young as nine learn to perform CPR, even though they still don’t have the strength to perform adequate compressions on an adult. The skills learned at this age are easily retained for life, and can be used to save a life.
As adults, the type of course chosen will depend on if it’s needed to enhance your general knowledge to treat emergencies, needed for your workplace, or you want a career in first response or as a paramedic. You have to meet the particular course requirements and the course must be compliant with your local regulations.
What Can I Expect to Learn in a CPR or First Aid Course?
Whether you choose to take an all online, blended (with some online instruction), or a traditional instructor-led course, you will acquire the knowledge to save a life. For those participants who feel hands-on training is best, highly qualified instructors teach all the basics and use of the equipment. Course completion requires passing all levels of the course taken, and certificates are valid for up to three years.
Course Topics
The topics covered in the various first aid course include:
Role of the first aider
Check, call, care
Identifying the signs of sudden cardiac arrest, stroke, and angina
Understanding chain of survival behaviors
Lowering infection risks
Performing CPR/AED (Level C has additional training for children and infants)
Compression-only CPR
The importance of personal safety and standard precautions
Steps to assess an unresponsive person
Recovery position (including an unresponsive person)
Treatment for a choking adult, child, or infant
Assisting with medications
Internal and external bleeding
Caring for wounds
First aid certification courses are designed to teach you how to recognize most symptoms in medical emergencies and to treat people after various accidents or natural disasters. You also learn about the importance of offering help. You learn how to conduct an initial assessment in any situation, whether the individual is responsive or not. The training includes how to safely move injured people, and the importance of maintaining all the standard precautions, determining the best treatment, and offering the necessary protections.
What Do You Need to Do as a CPR or First Aid Provider?
The basic CPR and First Aid knowledge provide you with the skills needed to perform both CPR and First Aid. Depending on the course, you will learn to perform one-person CPR, rescue breaths and CPR, CPR with hands only, administering CPR as part of a team of two, and administering a shock from an AED.
On completing any First Aid course, certified individuals know how to:
Control bleeding
Handle someone with head, neck, or back injury
Assess and treat limb injuries
Respond to burns
Treat minor injuries
Identify and assess a patient when their mental status is altered
Helping someone experiencing breathing difficulty or shortness of breath (also how to use an EpiPen)
Respond to chest pain and discomfort
How to control increased or lowered blood pressure
Treating poisoning
Respond to environmental emergencies like hypothermia or heat stroke.
Practicing Everything Learned in CPR and First Aid Lessons
All training is excellent, but the best way for someone to reinforce the course work is with hands-on training. Instructors have the opportunity to watch trainees, correct them, and review their First Aid and CPR knowledge.
Gaining the Confidence to Help
First aid and CPR training give you the knowledge, skills, and experience to help people in all types of situations with confidence. The training also teaches you about what boundaries you must maintain and to understand any limits in your abilities.
Ready to complete your First Aid training? Join us at one of our 18 locations in Ontario! We provide training multiple days a week for your convenience. Get registered now and gain the confidence you need to save a life.
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We have 24 locations across Canada, find out which facility is closest to you and enroll today!
First aid knowledge and certification are important for you, your family and your community. Injuries and sudden illnesses are not uncommon, and first aid enables you to assist anyone in need. Basic first aid certification is easy to get, allowing you to offer initial assistance to people, whether the emergency is in your home, workplace, or a public space.
The simple techniques and procedures you are taught are invaluable when it comes to helping others. You are taught to offer assistance with limited equipment until professional medical assistance arrives.
First aid training is often put off by people who say they don’t have the time, are unsure where to get the basic training, don’t believe they will ever need it or feel they already have enough first aid knowledge.
Learning about the three P’s is what everyone learning to administer first aid is taught. These essentials are to preserve life, prevent further injury and promote recovery. Don’t put off learning these important life-saving skills.
Why Is It Important to Know and Use the Fundamentals of First Aid?
These situations include the ingestion of a harmful substance, someone suffering a heart attack, seizure or stroke, and several types of accidents, whether in the workplace or a motor vehicle accident. Additionally, first aid training prepares you on how to react if anyone needs assistance during a natural disaster.
As a trained and knowledgeable person, even if it’s just in the basics of First Aid, you can assist an injured person until the arrival of emergency responders. Communities and workplaces benefit when a large majority of people within them have first aid training.
First Aid knowledge also benefits the injured or ill party and all those around them. Whether people are directly or indirectly involved in an emergency, first aid diminishes its severity.
First Aid knowledge and training are beneficial to everyone, but it is even more valuable for anyone who lives or works with individuals requiring ongoing special attention or treatment, including children, chronic illness sufferers, those with physical or mental disabilities, the elderly, persons with disorders such as epilepsy, anyone working in a dangerous environment (like factories and construction sites) or at recreational facilities.
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Do you have questions regarding CPR training? Contact us today! Our customer service representatives are ready to assist you.
Children are at the most active phase of their lives and are often the victims ofmedical emergencies. That’s why first aid training is essential for everyone in a school setting, even the children.
Schools are the ideal setting for minor and major accidents like falls, tripping, children colliding, and swimming pool accidents. Whether the injuries from these are slight or severe, first aid is vital to helping the victims by helping the first aider assess the situation, handle any injuries, and to call for emergency assistance if needed. First aid can not only prevent the injured child’s condition from getting worse but can save their life.
Staff and students at schools should be equipped with basic first aid skills and CPR training to prevent injury-related mortality rates, promote safety and prevent student disabilities caused by injuries.
School first aid training also helps students become better-equipped adults, both in their homes and their communities.
These are the essential first aid basics for school children:
Learning the skills of staying safe and healthy
Checking the safety of the area of an emergency
Learning to keep calm in an emergency
Keeping the injured person alert while calling for professional emergency help
Properly learning how to get details from the injured person about their condition, and describing it to others
Learning how to perform CPR
Treating burns, cuts, and scrapes
Applying pressure to a wound to stop bleeding
Basics of wound bandaging
Relieving an allergic reaction
Stopping a nosebleed
What Should You Put in Your First-Aid Kit at Home?
Offering first aid to someone who is ill or injured brings them immediate relief. The training itself is the first tool required, but a well-stocked first-aid kit is also important. Whether this is for the home, a business, school, vehicle, or community environment, it should always be kept somewhere easy to find.
For your home first aid kit, you can either buy one or prepare a container with all the essentials yourself. Remember, it must be sturdy, have dividers for better organization, and should be easy to carry and open.
Include the following in your first-aid kit:
Up-to-date first-aid manual
List of emergency phone numbers
Different sizes of sterile gauze pads
Medical adhesive tape
Several sizes of adhesive bandages
Elastic bandage
Splint
Antiseptic wipes
Antibiotic wipes
Antiseptic solution
Anti-itch wipes
Ibuprofen and acetaminophen to treat minor and severe fever and pain
Tweezers
Sharp scissors
Safety pins
Instant cold packs
Calamine lotion
A bottle of ethyl alcohol or alcohol wipes
Thermometer
Some latex gloves
CPR mouthpiece
You can also include a tooth preservation kit and a flashlight with extra batteries. Make sure everyone at home knows where to find the kit, including babysitters and caregivers, and replace the ointments and medications when they expire. Also, replace other items that are used up or missing.
Conclusion
First aid training gives you the confidence to deal with any emergency. Since first aid techniques do change, make sure you keep up to date with them, ensuring you can properly deal with any situation. Lastly, first aid saves both lives and money, and its proper administration reduces recovery times, prevents serious infections, and makes places safer.
If you’re ready to register for a First Aid & CPR/AED training course in Ontario, you may register at one of our 18 locations. Gain the confidence and skills required to save a life.
Register for First Aid Training!
We have 24 locations across Canada, find out which facility is closest to you and enroll today!
Situations where people are hurt or experience a sudden incapacity to breathe can happen at the most unexpected times and places. CPR and First Aid classes prepare you to deal with any unforeseen situations by providing you with the correct knowledge of different lifesaving skills.
You may be wondering, “What Exactly will I learn from CPR and First Aid class?” is one of the many questions that come to mind when thinking about first aid training, so let’s dive into it!
CPR and First Aid training are different because they entail different lifesaving skills. If a person is suffering from cardiac arrest, CPR is applied to assist them until help arrives. On the other hand, a person who is injured requires first aid assistance.
Skills and knowledge acquired with CPR Training
CPR/AED training prepares you for your role as an emergency service provider
1.CPR Laws and Safety
During the training, you are taught to watch for the signs of various health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, etc. Courses also teach you how to assess the situation if the person is unresponsive. You can expect to learn the universal precautions that are essential in any emergency and how to take personal safety measures when attending to someone.
Part of the training includes learning laws to protect a victim as well as yourself. You will learn when to provide care, how to check if a scene is safe and how to direct bystanders for additional assistance. During CPR training, you learn the skills required to ensure you practice the chain of survival and the Good Samaritan regulations. You are also taught how to work alone or in a coordinated team.
2.CPR Knowledge
There are several different types of CPR/AED courses available to choose from. In-depth training is aimed to help you understand the importance of CPR and how it is administered. The information offered covers how proper CPR restores breathing and blood circulation to save lives. Students will learn how to administer CPR using hands and rescue breaths and working together with a team to provide CPR with the use of an AED (automated external defibrillator).
Most importantly, you learn how to apply CPR according to the age of the victim. CPR/AED Level C training includes learning how to perform CPR on all age groups, including infants. CPR/AED Level A, on the other hand, only teaches you how to perform CPR on adults.
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During your CPR training, you will learn how to treat choking victims who are either in a conscious or unconscious state. You are also taught how to offer help to choking victims of different ages as methods are different for infants and adults.
4.Using an AED
Using an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) is included in every CPR course. You are taught how to operate the device and when to use it. During your CPR/AED Level C class, you learn how to use the AED on infants, children, and adults.
First Aid training
There are two types of first aid courses that you can choose to take: Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C or Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C. Each training course covers important life-saving skills, although Standard First Aid is a higher level of training and includes additional material.
In a first aid class you are taught how to recognize and manage different first aid situations, including stroke, broken bones, bleeding, hypothermia, frostbites, heat-related illness, seizure, muscle injuries, poisoning, burns and more. Learn how to control the condition suffered by the victim and how to offer relief.
During the first aid class, you will also learn how to assess the mental state of accident victims and how to move a patient to a safer place during an emergency. Finally, you learn how to identify a patient who is having difficulty inhaling and how to restore their breathing.
Once your training is complete, you will know how to handle various types of emergencies. Use your skills to help relieve suffering or further injuries of patients until help arrives.
Final take
Whether you decide to take an Emergency First Aid CPR/AED or a Standard First Aid CPR/AED course, you will be taught enough important life-saving skills to confidently assist a victim during an emergency.
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We have 24 locations across Canada, find out which facility is closest to you and enroll today!
The Red Cross Virtual Babysitting Program is available to pre-teens and teens, ages 11 to 15 years old. There is also a course for children ages 9 to 13 called Stay Safe. Both the Babysitting and Stay Safe training courses are available online in a virtual format. These youth courses are designed to allow participants to complete their training at home. There are multiple benefits of the Virtual Babysitting program which will teach you (or your child) important life skills.
Babysitting training prepares participants to become responsible caretakers of children. Once the virtual Babysitting program is completed, applicants will have a full understanding of how to care for a young child and treat common emergencies. They also know all about complete child safety and how important routine is in children.
Those who complete the full virtual babysitting program earn a Canadian Red Cross certificate proving their skills. Let’s talk about 5 Benefits of the Virtual Babysitting program!
5 Benefits of the Virtual Babysitting Program For Your Business
The Virtual Babysitting Program is between 7 and 8 hours long and is held over four days. Each day will consist of a 90 minute online session, followed by 30 minutes of at-home work.
These are the five huge benefits of completing the Red Cross Virtual Babysitting Program if you are looking into building a babysitting business:
1. Succeeding in the Interview Process
Getting a good babysitting job doesn’t only depend on your skills but also on how you conduct yourself in an interview. One of the benefits of completing a virtual babysitting course is that you learn about how important it is to conduct yourself in the interview while also asking all the right questions. Participants are taught how to create a resumé and create business cards so that they can successfully manage their babysitting business. Don’t forget that you will receive a babysitting certificate from the Canadian Red Cross which already is a huge plus for you.
2.Meeting Customer Expectations
Learning to meet customer expectations is another vital benefit of the course. Besides being dressed correctly when arriving for the job, other customer expectations include being on time and having clear communication with the parents about their children’s needs. You are taught to ask the right questions about what to expect, find out if there are any special circumstances (allergies, medications, etc.). Participants of the course also learn how to survey the home at first, helping them to understand where dangers may lie.
Become a Certified Babysitter!
Join our Babysitting Course and learn essential skills for caring for children safely and responsibly. From basic first aid to engaging activities, our training prepares you to be the best babysitter you can be!
You always need to have a genuine interest in the children you are going to look after, and the course teaches you how. Each age group you are likely to care for has different needs and challenges, and the virtual program is geared to teach you how to communicate with them and to organize the appropriate and fun activities. Once the course is completed, young babysitters know how to deal with crying and tantrums and how to care for children from babies to school-age children.
4.Confidently Meeting the Challenges of the Job
For younger babysitters, the lessons of the program teach them how to give others direction and to deal with situations confidently. Babysitters face several challenging issues, and these include mealtime, structured playtime, and bedtime. The program teaches them to support younger children emotionally to ensure these challenging issues are dealt with successfully. Every participant learns how to react confidently to any emergency, including bleeding, burns, choking, and poisoning.
5.Understanding the Value of Money Earned
Teens and younger children becoming babysitters can earn a substantial allowance. Learning the value of money, how to spend it, and how to budget is essential as they become part of the economy.
Conclusion
Providing a safe environment for younger children is essential to every parent, and ensuring they have the correct care is often a challenge. By encouraging younger children to follow a babysitting program, children can provide a safer environment for younger children in their care. Babysitting is a profitable and rewarding job, and the correct training makes it enjoyable.
Register for First Aid Training
Register today for a First Aid Training course and learn how to deal with emergencies and keep your loved ones safe! Check out our facilities and book your spot now.
First Aid certification offers the training required to save lives. These life saving skills are vital in situations where people are suddenly taken ill or are seriously injured, helping to ensure they are stabilized before professional help arrives.
Difference Between Emergency and Standard First Aid
Emergency First Aid is a comprehensive course designed to cover basic first aid. This course allows trainees to deal with various emergencies and can be completed in one day.
In a Standard First Aid course, the same emergencies are covered in greater depth, but some other skills are also added. Trainees complete the course in 2 days (or 8 hours online and 8 hours in-class for the Online Blended format), and each skill is practiced to ensure it can be carried out with confidence.
Both Emergency and Standard First Aid training certificates are valid for 3 years. When it comes to renewal, Emergency First Aid cannot be recertified; it requires full training again. Standard First Aid can be recertified once, thereafter, candidates alternate between a full and recertification course.
10 Topics Covered in Emergency and Standard First Aid
Here, participants are taught to practice correct hygiene, how to use personal protective equipment (wearing and removing it) to prevent cross infections and the basic rules of wound care.
2.Three Cs of Emergencies
During an emergency, it is often difficult to think clearly. First Aid training is based on the three P’s – preserve life, prevent patient deterioration, and promote recovery. To achieve this, participants are taught the three Cs of an emergency. These are Check (check surroundings for dangers and remove them and complete the ABCs), Call (call EMS or 911 for help), and Care (perform CPR or other necessary care).
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Ready to complete a First Aid training course? Call our toll-free number to learn more about Emergency and Standard First Aid.
Recovery care can include everything from moving the patient from harm to bandaging wounds. First aid training teaches participants how to apply the techniques to keep the person warm, dry, stop bleeding, etc. These are the steps that promote quicker recovery. If an ill or injured person is unresponsive, you can put them in the recovery position as long as it is safe to do so. This position protects the person’s airway.
4.Shock
Assessing a situation where the victim has suffered shock is important. In Emergency and Standard First Aid, participants are taught the importance of calling 911, monitoring ABCs and providing care for the cause of shock. They also learn the importance of keeping the person warm and how to keep them comfortable.
5.CPR/AED & Choking (adults, children, and infants)
CPR/AED and Choking training are the most basic and important life saving procedures. First aiders are taught how to manually circulate blood around the body if the heart has stopped beating, how to apply CPR in patients with no pulse or respiration as well as choking interventions for adults, children and infants.
6.Assisting with medications
First aiders cannot dispense medications unless they are assisting someone who has asked for help. Training includes how to assist in preparing medications. Participants also learn how to ensure the right person is taking the right medication (and the correct dose) at the right time correctly.
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Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in Canada. Learning how to recognize and assist someone having a heart attack is vital to ensuring they receive immediate help to increase chances of survival. They need to be made comfortable, before calling for help. The right steps can save their lives.
8.Stroke
Just like with heart attacks, stroke victims need immediate assistance. First aid training helps participants learn the signs of a stroke and the immediate steps required. A great acronym to remember for stroke is FAST (face, arm, speech, time).
9.Life-threatening internal and external bleeding
External bleeding is more obvious, but first aiders are taught to recognize the signs of internal bleeding too. Managing both these types of bleeding is vital to patient care until help arrives.
10.Wound care
This topic teaches about the different types of wounds and their care. Learn how to bandage, stop a bleed, handle various types of burns and more.
Added Topics for Standard First Aid
Standard First Aid includes an additional five topics, allowing participants to learn how to deal with more emergency issues. These include:
Head and spinal injuries
Bone, muscle, and joint injuries
Medical emergencies
Environmental emergencies
Poisons
Should You Get First Aid Certified?
In short, YES! Here you can find 5 reasons why we highly recommend that everyone gets First Aid and CPR certified. You never know when someone will become injured or suffer from a life-threatening disease. By understanding how to provide proper First Aid and CPR, you could save the life of a family member or friend. Get certified today and gain confidence in your life-saving skills.
A valid first aid certificate is very important if you require it for your workplace, school program, or just want to help people in any emergency. Recertification helps to keep your training updated and ensures that you don’t forget the skills already learned. If you want to continue practicing your first aid skills confidently if someone is hurt or feeling ill, then recertification is vital.
A common question we receive is, “how do I recertify my first aid training?”
Validity of First Aid Certificates in Ontario
Canadian Red Cross First Aid Certificates are valid for 3 years, but others may expire in less. It is vital to ensure that the recertification training is completed before your certificate expires to maintain your certification. It is important to keep your first aid and CPR/AED certificate up-to-date in order to keep your job, continue a schooling program or for your own personal knowledge.
In Ontario, recertification courses are available for some training levels. These include CPR/AED Level C, Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C, First Responder and Emergency Medical Responder.
Other certificates, such as CPR/AED Level A or Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C, require that you register for a full training course because recertification courses are not allowed.
First Aid Recertification
Any approved first aid provider in Ontario can offer recertification courses. There are several types of courses available, depending on the type of recertification required.
Coast2Coast partners with Canadian Red Cross to offer several first aid and CPR/AED courses and recertification in over 15 locations in Ontario, including Toronto. Recertification is a very easy process. Once you have completed the course, you will receive your recertification which is valid for 3 years.
Stay Certified, Stay Prepared!
Renew your skills with our recertification courses at Coast2Coast! Keep your knowledge up to date and ensure you’re ready to respond in emergencies. Our expert instructors will guide you through the latest techniques and best practices.
CPR/AED Level C Recertification and Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Recertification can both be done in an online blended format of the course which allows you to do the theory online and the practical training in class.
This is a great way to get your recertification because you can have access to the theory within a few hours of registering. It reduces the amount of time you spend in class and allows you to study at your own pace.
CPR/AED Level C Recertification
Duration: This course requires 2 hours of online and 2.5 hours of in-class training.
Recertification Requirements: For recertification, you need proof of your valid Red Cross Certification. Your current certificate must be CPR/AED Level C or higher to be eligible. You will also need 100% attendance and a score of 75% in the test consisting of multiple choice questions.
Validity of Recertification: Once issued, the certificate is valid for 3 years.
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Recertification
Duration: This course requires 4 hours of online and 4 hours of in-class training.
Recertification Requirement:Proof of valid Canadian Red Cross Certification from a full training course is required (your current certificate cannot be from a recertification course). You also must have 100% attendance of the course and pass the multi-choice knowledge test with a score of at least 75%.
Validity of Recertification: The recertification is valid for 3 years.
All-In-Class
This recertification course is ideal for those who wish to complete their training fully in-class. A Canadian Red Cross instructor helps you refresh your first aid skills.
CPR/AED Level C Recertification
Duration: This is a 4-hour course.
Recertification Requirements: You require proof of valid Canadian Red Cross Certification to participate in the course. Your current certificate must be CPR/AED Level C or higher to be eligible. Recertification requires 100% attendance of the courseand that you score 75%, or more, on the multiple-choice knowledge test
Validity of Certification: Your recertification is valid for 3 years.
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C Recertification
Duration: The course takes 8 hours.
Recertification Requirements: You must already have a valid Canadian Red Cross Certification from a full training course to prove you are eligible for the recertification (current certificate cannot be from a recertification course). As with all courses, 100% attendance of the course is essential. You require a score of 75% for the multiple choice exam.
Validity of Certification: Your recertification certificate is valid for 3 years.
Conclusion
It takes just a few minutes to register for the Canadian Red Cross recertification that is valid for 3 years. Simply provide your current Canadian Red Cross certificate when you attend your training! Registration is easy: select a training location and choose the option for Recertification. We have training facilities in Toronto, Mississauga, Scarborough, London, Ottawa and more! You may also call our main office at our toll-free number: 866-291-9121.
We hope this blog answers “how do I recertify my first aid training?” If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We can’t wait to see you!
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Register today for a First Aid training course and learn how to deal with emergencies and keep your loved ones safe! Check out our facilities and book your spot now.
Understanding the steps to perform first aid and CPR is vital to helping preserve life and prevent further harm to someone. There are certain universal precautions used by professional rescuers when providing medical care, including personal protective equipment and a well-stocked first aid kit.
For the immediate assessment and the treatment of patients who are injured or ill, the airway, breathing, and circulation check is important.
Understanding the ABCs
One of the most common terms one hears in first aid and CPR classes is ABC – which stands for airway, breathing, and circulation. Depending on the experience of the first aider, after the ABCs have been secured, they can then focus on the additional treatments required.
Order of ABC
When assessing a person, Airway, Breathing, and Circulation are the right order to follow in emergency procedures to ensure CPR is administered correctly. Training and practice are vital to knowing and maintaining the three steps, and this is offered through various levels of First Aid and CPR courses.
In an emergency where someone has collapsed, the first step is to check the scene for safety. If the scene is safe, then you can check the victim for responsiveness. If the victim doesn’t respond, then the next step is to perform the ABCs.
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Making sure the airway is clear is the most relevant step when practicing first aid on a victim. Any obstruction can result in choking, something which is fatal. If you notice that the victim is crying or speaking, then their airway is open.
Immediately place the victim flat on their back. Open the victim’s airway by tilting back the head with one hand while lifting the chin up with the other. This is known as the head-tilt/chin-lift. This technique keeps the tongue from blocking the airway and opens up the epiglottis.
Breathing
Once the airway is clear, the next step is to determine if the victim is breathing. Here, the principle is to look and listen for breath by placing a cheek close to their nose or mouth while looking at the victim’s chest. It shouldn’t take longer than 10 seconds to determine if the person is breathing.
Sometimes a victim may show signs of breathing by gasping. This is called agonal respiration. Agonal respiration is not normal breathing and verifies that the victim is suffering from cardiac arrest.
Circulation
The last step of the ABCs is to check the victim’s circulation. This is where you check for life-threatening external bleeding. Start at the head and work your way down to the toes. If you discover life-threatening bleeding, try to control it as soon as possible.
Once you complete the ABCs, it is important to call 911/EMS. If possible, try to find a first aid kit or ask a bystander to assist you.
What Next?
Depending on what is going on with the victim, you may need to begin providing first aid or CPR before EMS arrives. It is important to assist for the following reasons: the victim is choking or experiencing anaphylaxis, they have life-threatening bleeding or they are unresponsive and not breathing.
For someone who is choking, you may be required to alternate between two of the following: abdominal thrusts, back blows or chest thrusts. This is only necessary if the person is suffering from complete choking (unable to speak, cough, breathe, etc.). If the person is experiencing anaphylaxis and has an epi-pen, help them locate and use it if they need assistance.
For life-threatening external bleeding, apply pressure and apply a dressing. Continue holding pressure to stop the bleed. You may need to continue adding additional dressings. If the bleeding will not stop, then it might be necessary to use a tourniquet.
If the person is not breathing, the next step is to promote circulation so that the person’s blood can be enriched with oxygen. CPR must immediately be given. With one hand on the lower part of the person’s sternum, place the other hand directly on top. For an adult, you will need to push about 2 inches down at a steady pace. Compressions are performed at a rate of 30 for every two breaths. If both of your breaths go in, continue providing 30 compressions and 2 breaths until the person becomes responsive or EMS arrives.
Last word
In any type of incident that involves a medical or trauma emergency, a special order must be followed when offering first aid. This is referred to as the ABCs (airway, breathing, and circulation) which may be applied to diabetic emergencies, airway obstruction, respiratory failure, trauma, and overdoses. If a patient is suffering cardiac arrest, compressions are of utmost importance and performed first.
It is mandatory for people in various occupations to have First Aid and CPR training. A Canadian Red Cross course allowseveryone to learn the important skills required to help people in various life-threatening situations. Learning the ABCs and ensuring that the certificate remains valid is important for anyone wanting to be prepared to help someone in any situation.
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Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) courses are far more intense than First Aid CPR training. First responders are trained to provide care in a pre-hospital setting, offering professional life support. During the 8-day (80 hours) course participants cover theory and practical lessons of the different scenarios they will face. They learn how to do a patient assessment and offer life-saving care.
EMRs are crucial in assisting emergency medical providers in many situations, including accidents, life threatening emergencies, emergency childbirth, and etc. Assistance includes helping with a patient’s resuscitation, airway management, providing first aid for wounds and broken bones, and preparing patients for transport. EMR training includes stabilizing spinal and neck injuries, offering protection from infection, controlling bleeding, and stabilizing patients suffering from hyperthermia or exposure to hazardous substances.
Taking the Exam
On completion of the EMR course, in Mississauga, for instance, candidates are required to take the examination to assess their skills. The exam is divided into two sections, the written and the practical test.
What does the practical exam consist of?
During the practical test, candidates are given two complete scenarios to treat. One consists of a medical emergency (e.i Child with asthma) and the other a trauma emergency (e.i burns to chest) which has more complications because of the nature of the injury.
There will be standardized scenarios that contain the context of what has happened to the injured individual along with all the details for the vitals in order to make the scene more realistic. Example below:
“It’s midday on a Saturday in the fall, when you respond to an emergency about a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on a busy street. As you approach the scene, you see that the police have blocked off the street and rerouted traffic; the scene is safe. Upon reaching the female patient, you notice she is not moving. She appears to be in her mid-50s. The police are speaking to witnesses; however, information is limited. The patient is supine on the street, and police state she is approximately 30 feet from where the impact occurred.” (Reference: Canadian Red Cross Society)
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Scenarios differ in their complexity and the intervention that is expected from the professional responder to perform. However, regardless of the scenario, candidates are expected to successfully demonstrate:
Depending on the scenario, there will be at least one injured individual and one bystander present.
Candidates will be completing the scenario in pairs, that is there will be responder 1 and responder 2. The former is expected to take the lead while the latter will provide assistance as some of the interventions may require more than one responder.
What does the written test consist of?
In a test that encompasses the whole textbook, candidates are called to answer 100 questions. The sections candidates are questioned on include:
Before taking the exam, participants are required to have 100% attendance of the course. They must pay close attention during the course because this is the first step in helping prepare for both the practical and cognitive sections of the exam. All the topics presented by the instructors are critical, and participants are encouraged to ask questions.
Studying is important for passing the exam, and the notes are particularly useful. The questions are multiple-choice, and keep in mind that there is only one correct answer.
Certification
Once emergency medical responders (EMRs)receive their certification, they can save lives by providing immediate aid and interventions for patients during the time before paramedics and more advanced care arrive at the scene. They are also present during the transportation of patients to a hospital.
Their training teaches them to quickly assess a patient and determine the best way to treat them. EMRs also play a vital role in relaying important information concerning the patient’s condition and the initial care they provided to nurses and doctors upon arriving at the hospital. They also clean and disinfect any equipment or supplies that they use while treating a patient.
Once a candidate successfully demonstrates all the above skills in both the multiple-choice and practical scenarios, they are issued their EMR certificate. The certificate is valid for 3 years. Recertification of this program consists of a 4 day (40-hour) session to review all skills and knowledge but the pace will be much faster than the original course.
Locations to Take the Training
Coast2Coast First Aid offers the Emergency Medical Responder course at our locations across Ontario:
North York – #216, 180 Steeles Ave. W, Thornhill, Ontario
If you have any questions regarding enrollment, please do not hesitate to contact us toll-free at 866-291-9121 or via email at contact@c2cfirstaidaquatics.com.
Register for FR or EMR Training
Ready to register for your professional responder training course? Follow the links below to get started. We offer First Responder, First Responder Recertification, Emergency Medical Responder, Emergency Medical Responder Upgrade and Emergency Medical Responder Recertification.
Choosing the right First Aid and CPR class is vital to ensure that your level of training matches you or your employer’s requirements. During your training, all the topics required are covered and you will receive hands-on training.
To pass the First Aid and CPR course, you are asked to take and pass a test. There are two sections to the test; the first is a written one with multiple-choice questions and the second is the practical examination.
Are you worried about what is asked during a First Aid and CPR test? Read on to feel confident!
Levels of First Aid and CPR Training
There are multiple levels of First Aid and CPR training. Each level has a specific test that goes along with it as they each provide different life-saving skills. Some of the course material does overlap between courses. For example, all of the material taught in CPR/AED Level C is also taught in Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid. As you increase your level of training, you learn more skills. Here are the levels of training we provide at Coast2Coast:
CPR/AED Level A – learn how to assist adults only. This includes CPR, AED, shock, choking, stroke, life-threatening bleeding and more.
CPR/AED Level C – learn how to assist adults, children and infants. This includes CPR, AED, shock, choking, stroke, life-threatening bleeding and more.
Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C – the lowest level of First Aid available at Coast2Coast, typically for people in low-hazard environments. Includes all of the information of CPR/AED Level C as well as wound care.
Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C – the most popular level of First Aid available. This 16-hour course covers all information from Emergency FIrst Aid & CPR/AED Level C, but also includes environmental illness, poisons and more.
Marine Basic First Aid – this is the highest level of First Aid training that is offered at Coast2Coast. It covers all of the material in Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C, but includes additional information regarding marine safety. This course is typically taken by students who work in the marine industry.
Coast2Coast has 24+ locations across Canada; for instance, if you are in the GTA area, you can attend a class in Mississauga, Brampton, Etobicoke, etc. We make sure to have a facility next to your area to stay closer to our community.
Practical Examination
The practical portion may seem intimidating, but if you pay attention to your instructor, you should have no issues! During a First Aid & CPR training course, there are many topics which are discussed. The practical examination is scenario-based. Here, candidates are told by the examiner what the problem with the person is, and they must perform various life-saving skills such as CPR, AED, bandaging and more. Candidates are graded throughout the day according to, for example, the way CPR is performed, the timing, and how the various techniques are executed. Examiners also note if the candidates perform the emergency action steps of Check, Call, and Care.
Students are also tested on how well they perform other skills such as choking. Can you demonstrate the various methods used to assist someone who is choking? Understand the use of back blows, abdominal thrusts and chest thrusts according to the Canadian Red Cross recommendations. This includes infant choking. The care you provide for a choking infant is different from an adult or child.
In addition to CPR and choking, many students must demonstrate wound care and splinting. Showing how to use triangular bandages for broken arms to life-threatening external bleeding is an important part of First Aid training.
To ensure you pass the practical examination, be sure to pay close attention. The practical portion may seem intimidating, but your instructor will walk you through everything. If you are ever confused, please ask questions! Instructors are there to help you. Their goal is to provide you with the skills and knowledge to leave feeling confident to save a life if needed.
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At the end of your course, you will need to complete a multiple-choice test. The questions in the multiple-choice test depend on the course as followed:
CPR/AED test candidates are asked approximately 10 questions
Emergency First Aid test candidates are asked approximately 20 questions
Standard First Aid test candidates are asked approximately 30 questions
Participants require a score of 75 percent to pass the First Aid course.
Multiple-Choice Questions
Being prepared for certification testing requires some preparation. This is done by carefully studying the course material and paying attention during the course. There are a couple of ways to prepare for your First Aid and CPR training exam, such as:
Reading and reviewing the textbook
Completing practice questions in our study guide
Need Extra Help Studying?
Preparing for your First Aid and CPR course doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. While your instructor will guide you through everything you need to know, some students find it helpful to have extra support as they study. That’s where our optional Study Guide comes in.
This guide is designed to reinforce key course concepts, highlight important takeaways, and give you practice questions that mirror the style of what you’ll see during your exam. It’s a great way to boost your confidence and stay focused—especially if it’s been a while since you last studied.
Students who use the Study Guide often tell us they feel more prepared walking into class and appreciate having something to review afterward as well. It also includes one free course retake if needed, giving you extra peace of mind.
If you’re the type of learner who likes to review on your own time or just wants that extra edge, the Study Guide might be a great fit for you.
Here are some helpful materials to review before your test. If you want a more structured way to prepare, check out our Standard First Aid CPR/AED Study Guide, designed to help you feel confident and ready for certification.
Study Smarter, Not Harder
This guide is packed with essential information, tips, and practice content to help you succeed in your certification test.
One of the most effective tools for learning and remembering life-saving skills is the use of acronyms. In high-pressure situations, it’s easy to forget the finer details. Acronyms give you a simple, structured way to recall what to do, and in what order. Whether it’s to get a better understanding with SAMPLE or walking through the steps of CPR using ABC (Airway, Breathing, Circulation), these memory aids are designed to make critical actions feel more automatic.
Acronyms aren’t just for passing your exam—they’re tools that stick with you long after your course ends. They help reduce hesitation and increase confidence when every second matters. In our training, we cover the most commonly used acronyms and explain how to apply them in real-life emergencies. Understanding what each letter stands for can make a huge difference when you’re called on to help.
What is RICE?
Rice is the popular acronym for treating sprains, strains, dislocations or fractures. If you notice swelling, bruising, bones sticking out of the skin, etc., then you may need to apply the RICE method.
Rest – ensure the person rests in a comfortable position
Immobilize – try not to move the injured area as much as possible
Cool – it is important to keep the injured area cool for about 20 minutes every hour
Elevate – keep the injured area elevated unless it increases the pain
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This is the acronym given to the steps commonly used to question a patient offering the first aid worker a better understanding of what is going on. It is important to gather this information so you can treat the patient accordingly. This is part of your secondary assessment and should be done after life-threatening conditions have been taken care of.
Signs/symptoms
Allergies
Medication
Past Medical History
Last oral intake (this is food or water)
Events leading up to the incident
Once you finish asking SAMPLE questions, you can check the patient’s vital signs. This includes level of responsiveness, how they are breathing and how their skin is reacting (wet, dry, colour, temperature). After completing vitals, you may perform an injury check. This is where you can identify injuries that were not found during your primary assessment.
ABC
In the world of first aid and CPR, ABC is the most popular acronym.
Airway – ensure the patient’s airway is open. If they are unresponsive, you can perform a head-tilt/chin-lift. If they are speaking, crying, or moaning, then their airway is open.
Breathing – watch their breathing for about 10 seconds. You can do this by placing your head near their mouth (to hear or feel breaths) and looking down towards their chest (to see if their chest rises and falls).
Circulation- check head to toe for any life-threatening bleeding.
If the person is occasionally gasping for air, they may be experiencing a reflex called “agonal respiration.” This is irregular and you should provide care as if the person is not breathing.
Learn additional life-saving acronyms in a First Aid & CPR training course!
The acronym “FAST” is used to determine if someone is suffering/has suffered from a stroke.
Face – is there numbness or weakness (specifically on one side) in the face?
Arm – is there numbness or weakness (specifically on one side) in the arms?
Speech – trouble speaking or understanding others, loss of speech, etc.
Time – call 911/ems as soon as possible (and get an AED)
Level of Consciousness
LOC or Level of Consciousness assessment is important in emergencies because it helps responders take the right course of action required during an emergency.
Get Prepared to Save a Life!Your knowledge is valuable when it comes to assisting others with emergencies. Be prepared for anything.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation or CPR is vital for people not breathing normally. Test participants are quizzed on how it is administered and whether it must be applied before or after calling emergency services. They are also questioned on the ratio of chest compressions, and how they differ if there is two-person or one-person CPR for adults, children and infants.
When providing CPR, the ratio of compressions to breaths is 30:2. Continue providing CPR until help arrives or until you are too tired to continue. If you are alone, call 911 and get an AED before starting CPR. If someone else is with you, ask them to call 911 and get an AED while you begin your assessment and CPR.
CSM
Assessing pain and pressure areas in a patient, even if they cannot communicate this, can be assessed by noticing several behavioural patterns.
Summary of Important Concepts in First Aid and CPR Course
Chapter 1 The Red Cross
Regarding the fundamental principles of the International Red Cross, several key values align with the core of their noble mission: “Imagine a powerful force of compassion, unity, and aid, working tirelessly to provide help where it’s needed most.”
Principles
While studying the first chapter of the Red Cross Comprehensive Guide, make sure to go through the seven principles;
Humanity: At the heart of the Red Cross movement is an unwavering belief in the inherent worth of all human beings. It is the realization that, regardless of our differences, we all have a common bond as part of the global family. The movement seeks to alleviate suffering and promote dignity through acts of kindness and compassion.
Impartiality: Imagine a world where help is provided without prejudice or discrimination. That’s what the Red Cross movement stands for. It is based on the principle of equity and ensures that assistance is provided solely based on need without favour or bias. This is a potent reminder that compassion knows no boundaries and treats everyone equally regardless of background.
Neutrality: In a world filled with conflict and division, the Red Cross movement embodies the value of neutrality. As guardians of peace and goodwill, it remains impartial on political, religious and ideological matters. Moreover, neutrality allows the movement to act in difficult situations, promoting trust and respect while reaching out to those in need.
Independence: Imagine an organization free from outside influence and guided only by its humanitarian mission. This independence allows the Red Cross to act on its principles without being swayed by external pressures. This is a critical aspect of ensuring that the organization can autonomously serve humanity and make decisions in the best interests of those it serves.
Voluntary Service: The Red Cross thrives on the spirit of voluntary service in which individuals selflessly give their time, skills and energy to help others. Volunteers are the movement’s lifeblood, playing a vital role in providing first aid and resuscitation, supporting communities in crisis, and spreading the message of humanity.
Unity: Imagine a global network of individuals, organizations, and societies united under a common mission. The Red Cross expresses this remarkable unity by bringing together different cultures, backgrounds and perspectives. Through collaboration and cooperation, its impact is amplified and acts as a powerful force for good in a world that craves solidarity.
Universality: The International Red Cross sustain that all societies have equal status and share similar responsibilities and duties in helping others.
These core principles guide the International Red Cross and shape its actions, inspiring millions to join its humanitarian causes. They represent the essence of compassion and remind us that together we have the power to change the lives of others positively.
Symbols
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement has three official symbols: Red Cross, Red Crescent, and Red Crystal. All three symbols have the same meaning and are considered equivalent under international law. Each country chooses one of these symbols to represent their activities and help identify military medical services in armed conflicts. The emblems protect Red Cross personnel who provide assistance and protection in wars.
Chapter 2 of the Comprehensive Guide for First Aid and CPR by the Red Cross focuses on responding to emergencies and cover some important topics for you to know before sitting for the First Aid/CPR test.
This chapter presents the foundation for understanding the ethical and practical aspects of providing effective and timely first aid.
Obtaining Permission
As a First Aider, obtaining permission to provide assistance is crucial. You must remember that every person has autonomy and the right to make decisions about their well-being; therefore, as a future first aider, you must respect it. Before initiating any medical intervention, and if it is possible, the first aider must always seek consent from the patient. You can obtain permission from the patient by explaining the situation and focusing on the potential risks and benefits involved. If the injured patient cannot communicate or is unconscious, consent is implied, and as a first aider, you can proceed with the necessary assistance.
Chain of Survival
The chain of survival concept represents a series of critical actions that, if performed on time and following the sequence, can significantly improve the chances of survival for someone experiencing a life-threatening emergency.
Four Links
The chain of survival consists of four links: Early recognition and activation of emergency medical services (EMS), early cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), early defibrillation, and early advanced medical care.
Early recognition and activation of EMS points out the importance of recognizing the need for medical assistance and alerting emergency medical responders on time. As a first aider, you will need to know the signs of a medical emergency and the need to ask for professional medical assistance.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is a life-saving technique that helps maintain the blood flow and oxygenation to vital organs until advanced medical care arrives. Providing early CPR could be crucial in saving a patient. As a first aider, you will learn different CPR techniques, including chest compressions and rescue breathing.
The third link is early defibrillation. As a first aider, you will learn how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED) to restore a normal heart rhythm in a patient with cardiac arrest. AEDs can be found in several locations in your community and are user-friendly devices that can make a difference in an emergency.
The fourth link is early advanced medical care. This link refers to transferring the patient to a healthcare facility for specialized medical treatment. As a first aider, you can aim to stabilize the patient in an emergency, but still, the individual must be revised by professionals to provide comprehensive treatment.
Roles and Responsibilities of a First Aider
As a first aider, you will undergo specific training to provide immediate emergency assistance. Your role will be vital in stabilizing an injured person’s condition until professional medical help arrives. In general, first aiders prioritize their safety and the safety of others while assessing an emergency, providing immediate assistance and assisting with the activation of EMS.
Chapter 3 of the Comprehensive Guide for First Aid and CPR by the Red Cross covers the essential skills and knowledge required to provide effective first aid. Throughout this chapter, you must know concepts like “Check, Call, and Care,” assisting a person with medication, conducting a focused examination, and managing shock.
Check, Call, and Care Approach
This approach is a systematic framework for responding to an emergency. The first thing would be checking the scene for potential hazards and ensuring personal safety before proceeding to help the injured or ill person. After you check the scene comes the patient’s assessment. As a first aid, it is crucial to check vital signs as well as if the individual is responding and breathing. If the patient is responding and has no life-threatening conditions, you can proceed to provide appropriate care based on the patient’s need. On the other hand, if the person is unresponsive or not breathing normally, the first aider must call for emergency medical assistance and initiate CPR.
Assisting a person with medication
There are some situations where individuals require medication to manage a specific condition or emergency, such as an asthma attack or severe allergic reaction. In these cases, first aiders must assess the situation and obtain information about the patient’s medication, following the prescribed plan and assisting them in taking the appropriate dosage.
Focused examination
Another aspect you need to know for the test is the importance of conducting a focused examination. As a first aider, you must learn how to assess injuries and abnormalities while maintaining the person’s comfort and to communicate the situation to emergency medical professionals effectively.
Shock Management
Shock is a life-threatening condition resulting from various medical emergencies such as severe bleeding, trauma, and allergic reactions. First responders should recognize the signs and symptoms of shock and apply their knowledge to manage it while monitoring vital signs before the emergency specialists arrive.
Get Ready to Check, Call and Care in a CPR Training Course
Chapter 4 of the first aid guide equips first aiders with the necessary knowledge and skills to intervene effectively in situations involving choking in adults, children, and infants.
Regarding choking in adults, the guide recommends first responders encourage the patient to cough forcefully to dislodge the obstruction. If the person cannot cough or speak, the first aider should perform abdominal thrusts or Heimlich maneuvers until medical help arrives.
For choking in children, the approach differs slightly due to their smaller size and developing anatomy. In these cases, you should encourage the child to cough and deliver back blows and chest thrusts to help clear the airway obstruction.
Choking in infants requires a different approach altogether. The guide points out the delicate physiology of infants; therefore, it is vital to support the infant’s head and neck while delivering back blows and chest thrusts.
Chapter 5 Circulation Emergencies:
Chapter 5 of the First Aid guide provides essential information on responding to heart attacks, strokes and life-threatening bleeding. As a first responder, you must learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of these emergencies, take immediate action, activate EMS, and provide appropriate assistance.
Heart Attacks
In general, heart attacks occur when the blood flow to the heart is blocked due to a clot in a coronary artery. The guide mentions several signs and symptoms to help you recognize a heart attack, like chest discomfort, shortness of breath, pain radiating to the arm or jaw and nausea. In a heart attack situation, the first aider should activate the emergency medical services immediately and help the person sit or lie down in a comfortable position. CPR should be started if the person is unresponsive and stops breathing normally.
Strokes
Strokes happen when blood flow to the brain is interrupted. In this section, the guide introduces the acronym FAST, which means Face, Arms, Speech and Time. This acronym is very helpful in remembering the signs and symptoms of strokes: face drooping, arm weakness, slurred speech, and the necessity of acting and seeking medical attention immediately. As in the case of a heart attack, first aiders should activate EMS, help the person get in a comfortable position, and, if the person becomes unresponsive, start CPR.
Life-Threatening Bleeding
Some accidents may cause internal or external injuries with life-threatening bleeding. Therefore, the guide emphasizes the importance of quickly controlling bleeding to prevent severe blood loss and shock. The steps you need to follow to control life-threatening bleeding are;
Apply direct pressure to the bleeding site using a sterile dressing or cloth.
If possible, elevate the injured area
If it’s severe bleeding, use tourniquets or improvised pressure points
Monitor the patient’s condition until medical help arrives.
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Chapter 6 of the first aid guide reviews the aspects of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of AEDs in emergencies.
CPR speed
As a first responder, you must know that CPR should be performed at the correct speed and depth of compressions. To sit for the first aid exam, remember that the recommended compression rate is at least 100 to 120 compressions per minute. Steady and consistent compressions aim to ensure adequate blood flow and oxygenation to the vital organs.
Compression depth
As per compression depth, the professionals suggest that to generate enough pressure to circulate blood effectively, chest compressions should be at least 2 inches (5 centimetres) for adults and children and approximately 1.5 inches (4 centimetres) for infants.
Compression-to-ventilation ratio
Moreover, the guide highlights that to ensure a balance between providing oxygen to the patient’s lungs and maintaining circulation through chest compressions, you must provide 30 compressions to 2 breaths for adults and children.
AED
Recapturing the chain of survival, early defibrillation plays a crucial role in cardiac arrest cases. Thus, going through the clear instructions on how to use AEDs effectively, including the proper placement of electrode pads, following voice or visual prompts and ensuring the rescuer’s safety and the surroundings, are topics you need to remember in the first aid test.
Finally, the guide sustains the importance of continuous assessment and reassessment during CPR and using AEDs. As first aiders, check signs, responsiveness, and breathing while performing CPR.
Understanding emergencies is vital for first aiders to intervene promptly and potentially prevent severe complications. Chapter 7 refers to breathing emergencies, focusing on asthma and anaphylaxis.
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by the narrowing of airways. The guide highlights this condition’s common signs and symptoms, such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and chest tightness. To assist a person suffering from an asthma attack, you should look for their prescribed asthma medication, help them get to a comfortable position and try to remain calm. In the case that the patient’s condition is worsened, activate emergency medical services.
Further, the guide addresses anaphylaxis, which is a severe allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. The signs and symptoms of this reaction could be difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, hives and a rapid heartbeat. For this case, the first aider is recommended to call emergency services immediately and, in the meantime, help the person use their prescribed epinephrine auto-injector, if available.
Regarding wound care, chapter 8 of the Red Cross guide covers many common injuries and conditions that first aiders may encounter, including bandaging guidelines, burns, splinters, nosebleeds, knocked-out teeth, and crush injuries.
This is an essential section for you to review while studying for the First Aid test, and remember the step-by-step instructions on assessing and managing injuries effectively.
Bandaging Guidelines
In this section, the guide highlights the importance of using sterile dressing and applying pressure to control bleeding. As a suggestion, follow the instructions on cleaning and dressing wounds appropriately and securing bandages to provide support and protection.
Burns
Burns can be categorized into first-degree, second-degree, and third-degree burns. The variety of the degrees roots on the severity of the burn, and the guide mentions recommendations for immediate first aid, such as cooling the burn with cold water and covering it with a sterile dressing. As a side note, seek medical attention for severe burns or burns involving sensitive body areas.
Splinters
The guide covers step-by-step instructions for safely removing splinters using tweezers and proper hygiene practices to prevent infections. It also suggests seeking professional medical help.
Nosebleeds
Another point you should write down for your first aid exam is how to manage nosebleeds. According to the guide, you should sit the patient upright, leaning slightly forward and pinching the nostrils together to apply pressure. If the bleeding persists or if there are other concerning symptoms, make sure to seek medical help.
Knocked-out Teeth
For knocked-out teeth, the guide emphasizes addressing the injured patient on time. In these cases, you should carefully handle the tooth without touching the root and preserve it in propolis, egg white, coconut water, whole milk or saline until the patient gets to the dentist.
Crush Injuries
Finally, you should go through the crush injuries section. The guide highlights the importance of removing the person from the crushing force if the object is crushing the person’s head, neck, chest or abdomen. In every case, the first aiders must call EMS while monitoring vital signs.
Head and neck injuries are considered severe because of their relationship with the spine. Thus, chapter 9 presents some common causes of head, neck and spinal injuries and different ways to prevent them.
How to Care for Head, Neck and Spinal Injuries?
The guide lists some steps to manage these types of injuries, starting with restricting the movement of the affected zone until EMS personnel arrive. The individual must stay in the same position where they were found unless there’s an immediate danger. If fluids start coming out of the ear canal or draining from the ear, let the fluid drain and do not move the person; once it stops draining, cover the ear loosely with a sterile dressing.
In some cases, head, neck and spinal injuries are related to brain injuries. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur due to a blow or jolt to the head. Understanding the signs and symptoms of a concussion is crucial if you are planning to sit for the first aid test.
Some common signs and symptoms (may appear immediately after the injury or may be delayed) of a concussion include;
Headache
Dizzinies
Confusion
Memory problems
Nausea or vomiting
Sensitivity to light or noise
Changes in mood or behaviour
As first aiders, the guide suggests assessing the person’s condition by asking specific questions about their symptoms and observing their behaviour. It is recommended to keep the person in the same place the accident occurred unless there is further danger and inform immediately to medical professionals. Concussions are serious injuries and should not be taken lightly; the patient should have proper physical and mental rest and avoid activities that may worsen the symptoms.
Be the Difference Between a Tragedy and a Life Saved
Regarding Chapter 10, first aid students must remember what to look for in bone, muscle and joint injuries. These injuries’ common signs and symptoms may include pain, swelling, deformity, limited range of motion, and difficulty bearing weight or using the affected limb. When moving or manipulating the wounded limb, every first aider is encouraged to assess the injured area with extreme caution. The injury should be treated using the RICE method:
Rest: Limit the patient’s activities and suggest resting the injured body part.
Immobilize: Try to immobilize the injured area in the position in which it was found by creating a splint.
Cool: To reduce swelling and pain, cool the injured area for 20 minutes every hour for up to 48 hours.
Elevate: Keep the injured area above the level of the heart.
Furthermore, the Red Cross advocates that these types of injuries should be treated by applying splints until the person gets medical help. Commercial splints are always the best option, but other improvised splits, such as rolled-up newspapers, magazines or scarves, are helpful too. Also, the guide outlines how to apply and secure splints and the importance of checking for proper blood circulation and monitoring the patient’s condition.
Chapter 11 Sudden Medical Emergencies:
Chapter 11 of the Red Cross guide covers a variety of sudden medical emergencies that you should study for your test, including diabetic emergencies, seizures, mental health crises and childbirth. This section explains how to recognize the signs and symptoms of these conditions and offers guidance on appropriate first-aid responses.
Diabetic Emergencies
As stated in the guide, there are two types of diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). In most case scenarios, diabetic emergencies happen because of an imbalance between two or more exercises, food intake, medication and insulin production. For you to recognize a diabetic crisis, the signs and symptoms are:
Changes in the level of responsiveness
Changes in behaviour, such as confusion, irritability, or aggression
Rapid breathing
Cool, sweaty skin
Skin that is paler than normal
Appearance of intoxication
Feeling and looking ill
Seizures
If you encounter a diabetic emergency, the guide sustains that the first aider should provide the patient with a source of sugar or assist with their insulin administration. If the person’s condition does not improve within 10 minutes of having sugar, you should call the emergency services.
Seizures
Seizures are episodes of abnormal electrical signals in the brain that result in temporary and involuntary disturbances in brain functions, shaking or contraction of limbs, changes in sensations, shifts in behaviour, and altered levels of responsiveness.
In general, there are many causes of seizures; one is epilepsy, but others can be fevers or infections, head injuries, heat stroke, and poisons. As a first aider, you can tell a person is having a seizure because they will start hallucinating, their eyes may begin rolling upwards into the head, and they won’t be able to control muscle movement.
The appropriate care for an individual having a seizure is creating a safe environment by moving furniture and other objects that could cause injury and, if possible, rolling the person onto their side. If the patient is having their first seizure or if it lasts longer than five minutes, you must inform medical professionals.
Mental Health Crises
In general terms, mental health conditions are difficult to identify; they may go unrecognized unless the person shares the information with you. Some examples of mental health conditions may be panic attacks or acute anxiety.
If you ever encounter an individual going through a mental health crisis, try to reduce distractions and encourage the person to sit down to promote conversation. You should use your soft skills to keep the person calm, listening empathetically and acknowledging their feelings and emotions without judgment. If the person poses a risk to you or others, you should call 9-1-1 immediately.
Childbirth Emergencies
As a first aider, you should acknowledge that childbirth is a natural process and the woman’s body knows what to do; your role will be to support the mother’s comfort, recognize signs of complications, and contact emergency medical services for professional assistance.
Chapter 12 of the Red Cross guide covers environmental illnesses such as heat and cold-related emergencies. Understanding how to respond to these emergencies is crucial for first aiders to provide immediate assistance and prevent further harm.
A warm/hot environment may cause an individual to experience heat exhaustion and heatstroke. You should look for signs and symptoms of heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, confusion and potential loss of consciousness. If you ever encounter an individual with heat exhaustion or heat stroke, the guide recommends moving them to a cooler environment, providing them with fluids and loosening any restrictive clothing. If the person’s condition worsens or if they do not improve after primary care, seek medical assistance.
A cool/cold environment may cause a person to experience hypothermia and frostbite. The signs and symptoms you should look for may include shivering, confusion, slurred speech and loss of coordination. For frostbite, the guide points out the presence of pale or blue skin, numbness and a waxy appearance. If you ever encounter an individual with hypothermia or frostbite, move them to a warm environment, removing wet clothing and providing them with warm, non-alcoholic fluids. If you see that the situation doesn’t get better, call 9-1-1.
Some recommendations for preventing heat and cold-related emergencies are:
Stay hydrated
Wear appropriate clothing
Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures
Monitor people in high-risk situations, such as athletes, outdoor workers and the elderly.
Finally, chapter 13 of the guide for first aid and CPR covers important topics related to poisons, how to recognize the signs and symptoms and what to do as a first aider.
According to the Red Cross, a poison is a substance that harms the body if it is inhaled, swallowed, absorbed or injected and can be life-threatening if they affect breathing or circulation.
There are four types of poisons;
Swallowed Poison: Enters the body through the mouth, lips, esophagus or stomach. E.g. drinking bleach.
Absorbed Poison: Enters the body through the skin. E.g. plants or chemicals.
Injected Poison: Enters the body through bites, stings or needles.
Inhaled Poison: Is breathed into the body. E.g. carbon monoxide.
Moreover, the guide recommends preventive measures to avoid poisoning emergencies, such as keeping medications out of the reach of children, wearing appropriate protective clothing while manipulating poisonous substances, run gas and other combustion engines only in open areas, among others.
If the poisoned individual is not breathing, it is recommended to start CPR taking the proper measurements so you don’t contaminate yourself with the poison. If the poison was absorbed through the skin, wash the area with water for at least 15 minutes and remove any clothing covered with poison. In every case scenario, encourage the individual to seek medical attention and call the EMS personnel.
Tick Bites
The guide covers bites and stings from numerous animals and insects, but you should pay special attention to the tick bites while studying for your test. Ticks can be found in wooded, bushy areas, tall grass, and leaf litter on the ground; they can attach themselves to any warm-blooded animal that comes in contact with them. These insects can cause serious illnesses, such as Lyme disease.
The guide emphasizes the safest way to remove attached ticks is using tweezers, grasping the tick by the head as close to the skin as possible and pulling upward slowly and steadily without twisting until the tick releases its hold. Afterwards, wash the area with clean tap water to clean the wound. Save the tick in a resealable bag and record the bite date. Suggest the person monitor the bite for several days in case it gets infected and recommend the person seek medical attention.
Snakebites
Usually, snakes live in rock outcrops, swamps, undergrowth and abandoned human structures. Most Canadian snakes are non-venomous except for the Northern Pacific Rattlesnake, Massasauga Rattlesnake and Prairie Rattlesnake.
To prevent snakebites, the guide suggests wearing proper footwear, watching where you put your feet when hiking, and not aggravating a snake. If someone gets bitten, you will notice a pair of puncture wounds in the skin, localized redness of the skin and pain and swelling in the area of the bite.
The steps to follow in a snakebite emergency are:
Keep the injured site still and level with the heart.
If the bite is on a limb, remove any jewellery before it swells.
Wash the wound with water.
Cover the bite with a clean, dry dressing.
Call 9-1-1 and get an AED if possible.
There may also be additional questions specifically about the Red Cross if you complete your training with Coast2Coast or another Red Cross training partner. Keep in mind that tests do change and course material may be updated as the years go by. First Aid and CPR skills do evolve over time and professionals learn new and improved techniques to help save lives. This is why it is important to complete Recertification courses!
Conclusion
Candidates who plan to complete their training with us at Coast2Coast will learn a wide variety of life-saving skills. Upon successful completion, you will receive a Canadian Red Cross Certification. Once they earn their certificate, they will be ready to use their life-saving skills! Keeping up-to-date with first aid training helps to ensure that responders are aware of all the latest tips and techniques required to help people in all types of emergencies.
So what are you waiting for? Get registered for a First Aid and CPR training course today at one of our training facilities in Ontario.
Register for First Aid & CPR Training
Choose from any of our locations across Ontario or Alberta and gain the knowledge and skills to save a life!
As Canadians, most of us like to visit beaches, lakes, and swimming pools especially in summer time. Afterall, we don’t get too much of the warm weather so we would like to take full advantage of it.
Here at Coast2Coast swim, we are extremely passionate about swimming and all water activities; and we encourage everyone to also get involved with these activities. Swimming has always been one of the best ways to stay in shape for people of all ages, to stay active, and finally a fun activity to enjoy no matter if you are by yourself or with friends and family. That is why we take pride in teaching our community how to swim and stay safe in and around water.
Coast2coast Swim offers a variety of options from public swimming classes, to private at home (mobile) swimming lessons. This allows our customers to find the most convenient and cost efficient.
However, the question we get from time to time is “can you teach yourself how to swim?”
In short, yes. But you should know that we strongly suggest for you to sign for a training or class either at Coast2Coast swim or another reputable swimming school. This is to make sure you learn the fundamentals of swimming in the right way and that you can enjoy the water in a safe manner at all times.
Teaching Yourself to Swim
Here is our suggestion on how you can try to teach swimming to yourself. Please be aware these are only suggestions and we can not guarantee your safety or skills. Swimming can be challenging. Here we go:
Start practicing your swimming in a safe environment like the shallow end of a supervised swimming pool. Never go to the deep end of the pool or swim in moving water without supervision. If you are tired, don’t practice.
The easiest stroke to learn is the front crawl. Once mastered, you can learn the three other strokes – backstroke, butterfly, and breaststroke.
1.The First Step
Standing with your back against the pool, take a deep breath, lean your waist until your face is completely in the water and your ears are at the waterline. You must hold this position for 2 seconds before turning your head to one side, exhaling into the water. Now you can return to the starting position. Practice doing this a few times.
2.Learning to Inhale and Exhale
Start by holding your arms out to your side, fingers together and palms down. Now, take a deep breath, lean forward, and placing your face in the water, bring your right arm up and out of the water to your front.
As your hand contacts the water, pull your arm straight down, making a circular motion underwater and taking your hand behind you and to your right side. At this point, your palm should be facing up. Without lifting your head, turn it to the right and draw a new breath through your mouth. Now turn your head back and exhale through your mouth or nose with your face in the water.
3.Practicing the Strokes and Breathing
Aim to practice the stroke and breathing exercise until you can complete one stroke with each arm and one complete breath without needing to lift your head out of the water. The idea is stroke – stroke – breath. When swimming, your arm movements propel your body, while kicking your legs prevent you from sinking.
Keep your strokes regular, and avoid looping underwater because once you are swimming, you will have to work harder to cover the same distance. The closer your body is to the surface, and the flatter it is, the less work you must do. Additionally, when you bring your arms out of the water, a flat circular motion helps save more energy than bringing them overhead.
4.Learning to Kick
Facing the side of the pool, place both your hands on the edge and extend your arms. Lift both your legs together until your arms, body, and legs are facing away from the edge in a straight line. Turning your head to one side, draw a breath through your mouth without lifting your head straight up.
With your knees held straight, kick your legs quite fast from the hip, making the smallest possible splashes. At no point should your feet come out of the water. While you are doing this, exhale underwater, as you learned earlier. Continue practicing kicking and breathing until you are comfortable doing both simultaneously.
5.Going to the Opposite End
You are now ready to go across the shallow side of the pool. Facing across the shallow end, stand with your back to the side of the pool. With bent knees, extend your left arm to the front, and taking a deep breath, let your legs help push you from the side. At the same time, put your head in the water, taking a forward stroke with your right arm as your legs start kicking.
6.Achieving Width Lengths
Now you can continue kicking, while also concentrating on your strokes and breathing. Make sure you are bringing each hand back to your side as you reach out to make a stroke with your other hand. As mentioned earlier, your swimming pattern should be a stroke with each arm and then a breath. Practice this until you can swim the whole width of the pool without needing to stop.
We hope this was helpful to you. If you are looking to learn these skills faster and better, contact Coast2Coast Swim to find out more about all our options. Our dedicated instructors have been teaching for close to 20 years and have taught thousands of students throughout the years. Once again, be aware that the practices mentioned in this blog are only suggestions and we can not guarantee your safety or skills.
Enjoy your Swim.
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