Canadian Red Cross Training Partner

First Responder

Professional Emergency Medical Care
Designed for Firefighters, Police, & Rescue Teams
Canadian Red Cross Certified (meets OHS standards)

A learner kneeling beyond a casualty's head, fitting a clear oxygen mask and drawing its green strap behind the head, the reservoir bag resting on the casualty's chest

The course

About this course

Professional first-level responder training designed for municipal services, emergency personnel, and industrial safety leads. Covers advanced clinical assessment, trauma therapy, oxygen administration, and pharmacology. We run both the 40-hour full course and the 20-hour recertification for departments and teams at our Kentville training centre or on-site at your facility.

Who is this course for?

First Responder certification is essential for personnel working within structured emergency rescue roles, offering advanced First Aid capability well beyond standard workplace requirements.

Fire department recruits & volunteers

Police & law enforcement officers

Search & Rescue team members

Industrial medical response leads

Safety officers in high-hazard environments

Individuals seeking advanced clinical skillsets

What you will learn

Learn comprehensive protocols to stabilize patients during the critical period before paramedics arrive.

Primary & Secondary Assessments

Formulate systematic diagnostic checks, read patient history, and measure vitals with precision.

Airway Management & Oxygen

Setting up oral/nasal airways, administering oxygen therapy, and managing suction systems.

Advanced Trauma & Pharmacology

Assessing shock, splinting major fractures, spinal immobilization, and assisting with emergency medications.

Specialized Incident Management

Handling multi-casualty triage, working with landing zones, and vehicle extraction safety.

Course Specifications

Full course

40 hours over two weekends

Friday 5:00 to 9:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

Recertification

20 hours over one weekend

Same daily hours. Your current certificate must not have expired.

Certificate validity: 3 years (Canadian Red Cross)

Textbook: Emergency Care for Professional Responders. Printed copy $175.

At your facility in Nova Scotia, or at 28 Aberdeen Street, Suite 3, Kentville, NS

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Gloved hands sealing a clear mask over a manikin's face from above while a partner's hands squeeze the ventilation bag beside it

Group training

Book a First Responder course for your team

Choose the full course or recertification, tell us your group size, preferred dates, and where you would like to run it, and we reply with a quote within 24 hours.

Your questions

First Responder FAQ

Common questions about emergency responder requirements.

Does this course include CPR-C and BLS standards?

Yes. The First Responder curriculum automatically satisfies and covers the full Canadian Red Cross BLS for Healthcare (HCP) competencies at the clinical level.

What is the difference between First Responder and EMR?

First Responder (40-hour) focuses on primary stabilization in fire/rescue systems. Emergency Medical Responder (EMR, 80-hour) is the full professional entry level for ambulance services. First Responder is perfect for fire recruits who do not need full transport paramedic licensure.

Do I need to buy the textbook?

Emergency Care for Professional Responders is the text for this course. We confirm your materials with you when you book, and we send out the electronic pre-reading ahead of day one so you can start before class. If you want the full textbook in print it is $175. Tell us when you book, because the Red Cross takes about three weeks to ship it. Recertifying? You already have this book from your full course.

Can I take the recertification, or do I need the full course?

Take the 20 hour recertification if your First Responder certificate has not expired. Check the date on your card before you book, and bring a photo of it to class. Once a certificate lapses the Red Cross requires the full 40 hour course again.