WorkSafeBC

There are three levels of workplace first aid in BC. The level that is required at a specific workplace depends on the number of workers, the distance to medical aid, and the hazard rating for the industry.

Levels of First Aid

The most advanced course is Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 3. An attendant possessing a Level 3 certificate can work on any provincial workplace as a designated attendant. An attendant possessing a Level 2 certificate is limited to working within 20 minutes (driving time) to a hospital. A Level 1 attendant is limited to workplaces with small numbers of workers. Please refer to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation link below to determine the minimum workplace first aid requirements.

Training and examinations

All three levels of first aid certification are offered by First Aid Training Agencies. The agencies are responsible for training, examinations and certification. An up-to-date list of all first aid training agencies (PDF 176 kb) is available online.

WorkSafeBC has a process to recognize first aid certificates from other jurisdictions. Out-of-jurisdiction attendants must register, complete an application form, and familiarize themselves with BC health and safety regulations. BC first aid certificates will be issued by the First Aid Training Agencies to out-of-jurisdiction workers in accordance with the level of certification they have obtained from their originating jurisdiction.

Paramedics working as designated First Aid Attendants

Paramedics wishing to work as designated First Aid Attendants in industry are required to obtain first aid certification in order to qualify to practice the occupation of First Aid Attendant, which is separately certified in BC. Paramedics who possess current licensure from any Canadian jurisdiction may obtain BC occupational first aid certification by successfully:

• completing the Justice Institute of BC's Occupational First Aid bridging course or
• challenging the occupational first aid level 3 examination (examinations are conducted by First Aid Training Agencies [PDF 176 kb]) or
• completing the Paramedic in Industry course (see the list of First Aid Training Providers [PDF 176 kb])

Regulations and related materials

• Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, Section 3.14
• OHS Guideline G3.14 First aid attendant certification, qualifications and general responsibilities
• WCB Standard OFA1: Certification of Occupational First Aid Attendants

Resources

• Preparing for an OFA Job (PDF 28 kb)
• First Aid Program Review (PDF 53 kb)
• Jurisprudence Package for Out-of-Jurisdiction First Aid Certificates (PDF 182 kb)
• Provincial First Aid Requirements (PDF 19 kb) 
• Exposure Control Plan for Infectious Disease for Occupational First Aid Attendants (PDF 35 kb)
• Controlling Exposure: Protecting Workers from Infectious Disease (PDF 1.9 MB)
• Dealing with Latex Allergies at Work (PDF 440 kb)
• Preventing Heat Stress at Work (PDF 2.3 MB)

You may also be interested in WorkSafeBC's First Aid website.

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