First Aid
First aid is a valuable life skill that saves lives by providing people with the skills and judgement to respond to a variety of first aid emergencies. Research has shown that individuals with first aid training are less likely to become injured. First aid training is a continuation of the Society's efforts to provide Canadians with the education and training to prevent injury and/or incidents.
Employers and workers are responsible for doing due diligence in researching first aid programs and certifications to make sure they are approved for the workplace in Alberta.
Approval letters from the Government of Alberta and Government of Northwest Territories for Lifesaving Society First Aid programs can be found below:
The Lifesaving Society has Government of Alberta workplace approval for the following certification and re-certification courses:
- Lifesaving Basic First Aid – approved as basic first aid
- Lifesaving Intermediate First Aid – approved as intermediate first aid
- Lifesaving Intermediate First Aid Recertification- approved as a intermediate first aid
- Aquatic Emergency Care – approved as intermediate first aid until October 25, 2022 (recognized as a workplace first aid until no longer current)
- Aquatic Emergency Care Recertification- approved as intermediate first aid until October 25, 2022 (recognized as a workplace first aid until no longer current)
The Government of Alberta Website maintains a list of workplace approved courses that can be accessed from their website.
Certification cards for Lifesaving Society First Aid programs are issued by the Lifesaving Society. Instructors may issue Interim Cards valid for two (2) months to candidates who successfully complete all requirements of a first aid course.
Lifesaving CPR Training
These three levels of CPR training are designed to meet the needs of both the public and professional rescuers like lifeguards and health care professionals.
Lifesaving CPR-A (Adult)
Covers all aspects of CPR skills and theory for adult casualties. CPR-A includes an introduction to the purpose of an AED and how they are used.
| Prerequisite(s) |
None |
| Certification Currency |
Two (2) years from the date of certification. |
| Recertification |
None. Must complete an original Lifesaving CPR-A course to remain current. |
Lifesaving CPR-C (Adult/Child/Infant)
Covers all aspects of CPR skills and theory for adult, child, and infant casualties, including two-rescuer CPR skills. CPR-C includes an introduction to the purpose of an AED and how they are used. CPR-C is included in Basic First Aid and Intermediate First Aid.
| Prerequisite(s) |
None |
| Certification Currency |
Two (2) years from the date of certification. |
| Recertification |
None. Must complete an original Lifesaving CPR-C course to remain current. |
Lifesaving Basic Life Support
Covers all aspects of CPR skills and theory for adult, child and infant casualties, including rescue breathing, AED operation and bag-valve-masks. This Basic Life Support (BLS) level is designed specifically for those who, as part of their job description as Health Care Providers, have a duty to respond to medical emergencies (e.g. doctors, nurses, paramedics, and allied health care professionals).
| Prerequisite(s) |
None |
| Certification Currency |
Two (2) years from the date of certification |
| Recertification |
None. Must complete an original Lifesaving Basic Life Support course to remain current. |
Lifesaving First Aid
Basic First Aid
Basic First Aid is for people to gain a general knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of injuries. Skills include: casualty assessment, CPR, AED, choking, external bleeding, heart attack, and stroke. Includes CPR-C and AED certification.
| Prerequisite(s) |
None |
| Certification Currency |
Three (3) years from the date of certification |
| Recertification |
None. Must complete an original Basic First Aid course to remain current. |
Intermediate First Aid
Intermediate First Aid provides comprehensive training covering all aspects of first aid and CPR. This course is for those who want an in-depth understanding of first aid such as: medical/legal aspects, spinal injuries, environmental injuries, bone and joint injuries, abdominal and chest injuries, burns, and medical emergencies. Includes CPR-C and AED certification.
| Prerequisite(s) |
None |
| Certification Currency |
Three (3) years from the date of certification. |
| Recertification |
Attend a Lifesaving Intermediate First Aid Recertification course within the three (3) currency period. |
Intermediate First Aid Recertification
Intermediate First Aid Recertification is a challenge of both theory and practical examination of all skills. Individuals using another Alberta workplace approved Intermediate First Aid as a prerequisite to recertify must provide proof of current certification in order to be eligible to recertify (e.g. copy of certification card). Individuals who are no longer current cannot recertify and must attend an original course.
| Prerequisite(s) |
Current Lifesaving Intermediate First Aid or current Government of Alberta workplace approved Intermediate First Aid. |
| Certification Currency |
Three (3) years from the date of certification |
| Recertification |
Attend a Lifesaving Intermediate First Aid Recertification course within the three (3) year currency period. |
Individuals who are unsuccessful in completing a Lifesaving Intermediate First Aid Recertification course are required to complete an original course. No repeat recertification courses are permitted.
Aquatic Emergency Care
Aquatic Emergency Care provides comprehensive training covering emergencies specific to an aquatic setting. This course is recommended for lifeguards, aquatic instructors, lifesavers, and other individuals who may need to respond to a first aid emergency in an aquatic setting.
| Prerequisite(s) |
Intermediate First Aid certification. |
| Certification Currency |
Two (2) years from the date of certification. |
| Recertification |
Complete a Lifesaving Aquatic Emergency Care recertification course within the two (2) year currency period. |
Aquatic Emergency Care Recertification
Aquatic Emergency Care recertification is a challenge of both the theory and practical examination of all skills. Individuals with a current Lifesaving Intermediate First Aid or current Government of Alberta workplace approved Intermediate First Aid may challenge Aquatic Emergency Care. Individuals using another Alberta workplace approved Intermediate First Aid as a prerequisite to recertify must provide proof of current certification in order to be eligible to recertify (e.g. copy of certification card). Individuals who are no longer current cannot recertify and must attend an original course.
| Prerequisite(s) |
Aquatic Emergency Care certification |
| Certification Currency |
Two (2) years from the date of certification |
| Recertification |
Complete a Lifesaving Aquatic Emergency Care recertification course within the two (2) year currency period |
Individuals who are unsuccessful in completing a Lifesaving Aquatic Emergency Care Recertification course are required to complete an original course. No repeat recertification courses are permitted.
Oxygen Administration
Oxygen Administration provides the knowledge and techniques for the use of oxygen as a supplement in an emergency care situation. In a learn-by-doing approach, the Oxygen Administration course teaches the correct use of oxygen equipment and the benefits of oxygen.
Prerequisite(s): None
Certification Currency: 2 years from the date of certification
Recertification: None. Must attend an original course
For more information on First Aid programs, refer to the Policies & Procedures.
For information on First Aid in the Workplace Regulations, visit Safety Services Resources.
