How do I know which course to take?If you are taking a course to meet occupational health and safety requirements, your employer can tell you which course to take.
Emergency First Aid and
Standard First Aid are our two most popular courses. A customer services representative at the closest St. John Ambulance branch will be happy to discuss your needs and help you determine the course that is right for you.
How long is my first aid certification valid?
First Aid certification is valid for three years. Although it is not mandatory, St. John Ambulance recommends that CPR courses be re-taken annually.
For advanced and specialized programs, please refer to the course descriptions within this site for information on maintaining certification.
Can I upgrade to a higher level of certification?
Yes. Our programs are designed in a modular fashion, enabling you to advance from one level to another in the following areas:
- Basic programs (Emergency, Standard First Aid)
- CPR (Levels A through C) and Automated External Defibrillation
- Instructor Certification
- Advanced Programs (Medical First Responder through Advanced Medical First Responder II)
Can St. John Ambulance accommodate individuals with special needs?
Yes. Our instructors will adapt course delivery to suit individuals with physical limitations or other special needs.
What happens with my registration fee when I take a course or buy a first aid kit from St. John Ambulance?
Although we are best known for our training, we are first and foremost a charitable organization. Revenue derived from training courses, first aid kits, or other equipment from St. John Ambulance helps to support the delivery of valuable community services programs and is used to help fund research and development required to develop course programs that meet the needs of Canadians.
What is Emergency First Aid?
EFA is a one day class designed to deal with major life threatening incidents. Topics include: Emergency Scene Management CPR, choking procedures, first aid and severe bleeding.
What is Standard First Aid?
SFA is training for those individuals who require more information on emergency. This two day class follows the EFA curriculum with non-life threatening situations. Topics may include: burns, fractures, medical conditions.
When does CPR certification expire?
CPR does not expire but is recommended to be renewed every year. Workplace requirements may vary in each province.
What type of training do I need if I’m a:
• Camp counselor?
- Standard First Aid – Level C CPR
• Nursing student?
- Standard First Aid – Level C CPR
• Personal Support Worker student?
- Standard First Aid – Level A CPR
• Lifeguard?
- Standard First Aid – Level C CPR
• Just interested?
- Lifesaver
Can I be sued if I give first aid?
The chance of being sued for giving first aid is possible, however, in Canada the principles of the Good Samaritan Act protects you if you choose to help someone in need voluntarily ( that is you are not being paid to provide help). Once you begin to give assistance, you are obligated to use reasonable skill and care based on your level of training. The Good Samaritan principles include:
• You identify yourself as a first aider and get consent to help
• You use reasonable skill and do not exceed your training
• You are not negligent in what you do
• You do not abandon the person
Can I catch HIV or Hepatitis B by doing first aid?
When doing first aid you could come in contact with someone who has either HIV or Hepatitis B, however the likelihood of getting either infection is very low. We teach our students to follow universal precautions to minimize the risk of transmission (this includes the use of gloves and barrier devices such as face shields when giving ventilations).
Do I have to help if I have a first aid certificate?
No. In Canada (except Quebec) and most of the United States, you do not have a legal duty to help a person in need – if you do not help an injured person, you are not at fault.
Giving First Aid in Quebec:
The Quebec Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms declares that any person whose life is in danger has the right to be helped. This means that you are required to help a person whose life is at risk, provided you do not put your own life, or anyone else’s, in danger.
Can I do first aid if I visit the United States?
Yes. You can give first aid in the United States to someone in need of help, provided you adhere to the Good Samaritan principles.
How do I become a St. John Ambulance instructor?
The student instructor must:
1. Be 18 years of age, or older
2. Possess a valid St. John Ambulance Standard or Medical First Responder First Aid Certificate
3. Possess a valid Level “C” CPR Certificate
4. Demonstrate an ability to teach the theory and skills of first aid and CPR
5. Possess the attributes required to become a competent instructor including: motivation, maturity, leadership, planning, organizational and communication skills
6. Be neat and tidy in appearance
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