Standard First Aid + CPR (Level C/AED)
Known as Intermediate First Aid in Ontario.
Overview
Standard First Aid (SFA)—called Intermediate First Aid in Ontario—is our most comprehensive two-day first aid course. It teaches participants how to recognize, respond to and manage common medical emergencies and injuries at work, school and home. Training is hands-on, scenario-based and led by experienced instructors, with registration prices kept as low as possible.
Participants in Hamilton can register for Intermediate First Aid + CPR-C/AED, the Ontario equivalent of Standard First Aid.
Ontario language availability: We currently offer this course in English only at our Ontario location. If you require Intermediate First Aid training in French, please consult the WSIB-approved provider directory referenced in the FAQ below.
Certification validity: Typically 3 years (varies by program, provider and province).
CPR level included: CPR-C with AED for adults, children and infants. CPR-A may be available upon request.
Course formats: In-class (2 days) or Blended (self-paced online theory followed by in-person skills training).
Course availability, pricing and provincial approval requirements vary by city. Please check your local city page for details.
Who Should Take This Course
- Employees who require a full workplace first aid certificate
- Supervisors, safety representatives and joint health and safety committee members
- Post-secondary students and program applicants in nursing, education, trades, fitness and other fields
- Caregivers, coaches, community leaders and anyone seeking more comprehensive training than Emergency First Aid, known as Basic First Aid in Ontario
What You’ll Learn
Primary Assessment and Emergency Response
- Scene safety, activating emergency medical services (EMS), consent and personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Primary and secondary assessments, SAMPLE history and the recovery position
Airway, Breathing and Circulation
- Adult, child and infant CPR-C with AED
- Choking response for responsive and unresponsive adults, children and infants
- Breathing emergencies, including asthma, anaphylaxis, hyperventilation and drowning
Major Medical Conditions
- Heart attack, angina, stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- Diabetic emergencies
- Seizures and fainting
- Allergic reactions and epinephrine auto-injector use
- Heat- and cold-related illnesses
Bleeding and Shock
- Life-threatening bleeding control, including direct pressure, dressings and an overview of tourniquet use
- Recognition of internal bleeding
- Shock management
Injuries
- Recognition of head, neck and spinal injuries, including basic stabilization principles
- Muscle, bone and joint injuries, including splinting principles
- Eye injuries, chest and abdominal wounds, and amputations
Poisoning and Environmental Emergencies
- Poisoning, bites and stings
- Thermal, electrical and chemical burns
- Heat- and cold-exposure emergencies
Patient Care and EMS Hand-Off
- Ongoing casualty care, monitoring and documentation
- Safe and effective hand-off to EMS
Course Format and Duration
In-Class Training
- Two full days, typically 13–16 hours in total, including practice and scenarios
- Instructor-led training with practical skill stations and a final scenario
Blended Training (Online + In Person)
- Self-paced online theory, typically 4–6 hours, completed before the in-person session
- In-person skills training and scenarios, typically 6–8 hours, with an instructor
- The same certificate as the fully in-class course upon successful completion
Actual course durations may vary slightly by location and class size.
Evaluation and Certification
- Skills evaluation during practical stations and scenarios
- Knowledge assessment through a quiz or integrated evaluation
- Successful participants receive a Standard First Aid + CPR-C/AED certificate. In Ontario, the certificate is issued as Intermediate First Aid + CPR-C/AED. Digital or wallet-card formats vary by location.
Validity: Certificates are typically valid for 3 years. Recertification may be available where program rules permit, provided your current certificate remains valid on the course date.
Prerequisites and Accessibility
- No formal prerequisite is required. Participants should be comfortable with basic reading and listening and with light physical activity during skills practice.
- Please let us know in advance if you require accommodations or have mobility or learning needs. We will do our best to support you.
What to Bring
- Government-issued photo identification
- Comfortable clothing suitable for kneeling and floor-based CPR practice
- A light sweater or extra layer, as classrooms can be cool
- A water bottle and snacks; lunch options are usually available nearby
Find Standard or Intermediate First Aid Near You
Choose your city to view upcoming dates, prices and registration options:
- Vancouver, BC
- Calgary, AB
- Edmonton, AB
- Kelowna, BC
- Grande Prairie, AB
- Lethbridge, AB
- Regina, SK
- Winnipeg, MB
- Hamilton, ON — Intermediate First Aid + CPR
Group and On-Site Training
Organizations can schedule private courses at their workplace or at one of our training centres. Custom dates and volume pricing are available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Standard First Aid called in Ontario?
In Ontario, Standard First Aid is called Intermediate First Aid. It is the Ontario equivalent of the two-day Standard First Aid course offered in other provinces. Visit our Hamilton Intermediate First Aid course page for local dates, prices and registration.
Is Intermediate First Aid offered in French at your Ontario location?
We currently offer Intermediate First Aid in English only at our Ontario location. If you require the course in French, visit the WSIB-approved first aid training provider directory and filter by language to find a French-language provider.
How is Standard First Aid different from Emergency First Aid?
Standard First Aid, known as Intermediate First Aid in Ontario, is a more comprehensive two-day course. Emergency First Aid, known as Basic First Aid in Ontario, is generally completed in one day. Standard/Intermediate First Aid covers additional topics such as head and spinal injuries, more detailed wound and fracture care, and environmental emergencies.
Does the course include CPR-C?
Yes. Standard First Aid and Ontario Intermediate First Aid typically include CPR-C with AED for adults, children and infants. Some locations may offer CPR-A as an alternative upon request.
Is this certification accepted for my job or academic program?
Acceptance depends on your province and the requirements of your employer, regulator or academic program. Review your local city page and confirm the required certification before registering.
How long is the certificate valid?
In most programs, the certificate is valid for 3 years. Recertification availability depends on provider rules and the status of your current certificate.
Do you offer blended learning?
Yes. You can complete the theory online at your own pace and then attend an in-person skills session. Upon successful completion, you receive the same certificate as participants in the fully in-class course.
What if I need accommodations?
Please let us know in advance. We will work with you to provide reasonable accommodations for skills practice and evaluation.
Ready to register? Choose the Standard First Aid course in your city—or Intermediate First Aid in Hamilton, Ontario—to view upcoming dates, prices and availability.
