What is CPR Level- C? Your Guide to Essential Life-Saving Skills
If you need "First Aid with CPR Level C" for work or school, you're not the only one confused. We see that phrase everywhere—on job listings and training requirements—and it usually leads to more questions than answers.
So, what exactly does CPR Level C involve? How is it different from a standard First Aid course? And when do you actually need Basic Life Support (BLS)? We're here to explain it simply and clearly, so you know exactly what to book.
What Does "First Aid with CPR-C" Mean?
CPR is Part of First Aid—But Not the Whole Picture
First Aid is the big picture. It covers the essential skills for managing injuries and medical issues—things like severe bleeding, burns, allergic reactions, and broken bones etc.
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) is a specific tool within First Aid. It addresses heart or breathing issues, such as when someone experiences cardiac arrest or stops breathing.
When your requirement says "First Aid with CPR-C," it means you need a full First Aid course (Basic or Intermediate) that includes CPR Level C training for the general public.
Would you benefit from a CPR- Level C course? Talk to our instructors today!
The Scope of First Aid Courses with CPR Level C: Addressing All Age Groups
Every basic and intermediate first aid course with CPR teaches you to keep blood circulating until professional help arrives. CPR Level C is special because it gives you the deep, practical skills to support anyone—adults, children, or infants. Here is what to expect from our first aid courses, including CRP- Level C!
Addressing All Age Groups
The fundamental distinction of the Level C course is its inclusion of pediatric emergencies. While Level A focuses solely on adult CPR, CPR Level C delves into the specific techniques required for children and infants. This means learning crucial differences in chest compression depth, rate, and hand placement for all three groups, ensuring the rescuer can confidently handle any age-specific cardiac emergencies.
Mastering Airway and Choking Incidents
A major focus is on how to deal with someone who is choking. You will practice choking intervention techniques for conscious and unconscious people of all ages. This is a necessary skill, as choking can quickly lead to breathing and heart failure. The course also teaches you effective rescue breathing as part of the complete CPR process.
Two-Rescuer Scenarios
When two people are trained, the person needing help has a better outcome. That’s why CPR Level C includes drills on two-rescuer CPR for children and infants. We focus on teaching you how to communicate, switch roles smoothly, and work together to deliver continuous, high-quality chest compressions and breaths.
The Essential AED Component
Every modern CPR certification includes full training on the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). When you certify as CPR/AED Level C, we teach you how to operate this machine safely and effectively. Many cardiac arrests happen because of an electrical issue in the heart, and using an AED quickly can restore a normal rhythm. You will learn how to use the AED on adults, children, and infants.
Myth Check: There’s no such thing as “AED Level C.” AED training is built into every CPR Level C course.
Learn all of these essential skills with a BraveHeart first aid course!
Levels of CPR Training in Canada: From Basic to Advanced
Understanding the various CPR certification levels ensures you meet your workplace or community requirements.
CPR-A (Adults Only): This covers CPR and choking response for adults only, plus AED use. It’s limited and not often required by employers.
CPR-C (All Ages): This is the standard for most workplaces. It includes CPR and choking care for adults, children, and infants. You also cover AED use and two-rescuer drills. This is the certification we recommend for the general public and most professionals.
BLS (Basic Life Support): This level is only for healthcare settings. It adds advanced skills needed by medical staff, like pulse checks, using a bag-valve-mask (BVM), and coordinated team resuscitation.
Who Needs CPR-C—And Who Needs BLS?
Choosing the right certification depends entirely on where you work and who you care for. We break down who is best suited to the workplace standard, CPR-C, and the clinical standard, BLS, to guide your decision.
The Target Audience for CPR Level C Includes:
CPR Level C is the certification for the general public and most workplaces. It covers all ages and situations, making it the perfect fit for these professionals and community members who want to help.
Employees designated to act in the workplace (Workplace Safety Roles)
Childcare staff and educators
Coaches and recreation leaders
Parents, grandparents, and caregivers
Police officers, firefighters, and certain medical responders
BLS is Required for:
If you are a student or professional in the medical field, your job likely requires Basic Life Support (BLS). This training adds advanced skills necessary for hospital or clinical patient care.
Healthcare workers (or students in training)
Any role where clinical patient care (like patient transfers or monitoring) is part of your duties.
Course Options at a Glance: First Aid and CPR Courses in Nova Scotia
We offer clear options so you can book with confidence. This table breaks down our core Red Cross courses, showing the duration, certification level (CPR-C or BLS), and who each course is best suited for.
| Course | Duration | Includes | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR-C | 1 day | Essential First Aid + CPR/AED Level C | Most entry-level workplace requirements |
| Intermediate (Standard) First Aid with CPR-C | 2 days | Full First Aid curriculum + CPR/AED Level C | Workplaces with higher safety standards or regulated industries |
| CPR/AED Level C (stand-alone) | Half day | CPR & choking care for all ages + AED + two-rescuer CPR | Jobs requiring only CPR certification, or refresher training |
| BLS (Basic Life Support) | 4–6 hours | Healthcare-focused CPR, pulse checks, bag-valve-mask, team-based resuscitation | Healthcare staff and students |
How to Choose the Right Course for You
We know that deciphering workplace requirements can be tricky. Don't worry about booking the wrong thing! Use this simple, clear guide to quickly match the certification you need to your job or personal requirements before you enroll.
Follow the Wording: Always book the course that matches the name on your job requirement word-for-word. This prevents any confusion or delay with your employer.
The Basic Option: If the posting says Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR-C, you are looking for the efficient, single-day course. This covers essential skills quickly.
The Standard Option: If your job requires Intermediate (Standard) First Aid with CPR-C, you must book the two-day, comprehensive course. This is for higher safety standards.
Do Not Substitute BLS: If your requirement is BLS, please book that course. Taking CPR-C instead will not be accepted in clinical healthcare settings.
Ages Determine Level: If you work with or care for children or infants, CPR-C is the correct choice. The adult-only CPR-A option will not meet your needs.
Would you benefit from a CPR- Level C course? Talk to our instructors today! !
Get Certified with a BraveHeart First Aid Course
We are BraveHeart First Aid, your authorized provider for essential First Aid and CPR certification training in Nova Scotia. We believe everyone should have the skills and confidence to act during a crisis. Our programs emphasize hands-on practice using the latest guidelines to prepare you for everything from minor injuries to critical cardiac emergencies.
Our range of first aid courses includes:
Whether you need workplace compliance or personal readiness, we ensure you leave our training equipped with the Basic Life Support skills to save a life in any setting.
Quick Answers Before You Book
-
Not exactly. CPR is one part of First Aid—focused on breathing and heart issues. First Aid also covers medical and injury-related situations (like fractures, burns, and bleeding).
-
Only if you’re in healthcare or your posting specifically requires BLS.
-
Yes. AED use is a mandatory part of all CPR Level C training.
-
Up to three years, unless your employer requires sooner renewal. BLS certifications last a year.