How Often Should You Renew First Aid?

25 Feb 2021 Safety Supplies

Having proper first aid training is important for both employees and employers, as providing basic first aid can help save a life in an emergency situation; however, not keeping up with renewing and recertifying first aid training may prevent you from helping others to the best of your ability. If you are unsure about how often you should renew first aid, the team from EFAS can help ensure that you are meeting all provincial requirements.

Find out more about the importance of first aid training in the workplace.

What Level of First Aid Training Do You Need?

All workplace first aid attendants in BC are required to have a certificate that is recognized by WorkSafeBC. The level of first aid training that you will need depends on the number of people working at your location, how hazardous the industry you are working in is, and how far you are from the nearest hospital. The three levels of occupational first aid (OFA) training are:

• OFA level 1—Basic first aid training and certification
• OFA level 2—Intermediate first aid training and certification
• OFA level 3—Advanced first aid training and certification

When Does First Aid Training Need to be Renewed?

While most first aid certificates are valid for up to three years, certain first aid certificates like CPR certification should be renewed every year from a course that is provincially recognized. Renewing first aid certification within a specific period of time will ensure that all workplace first aid attendants remain up to date on any changes or new knowledge related to proper first aid care.

In the event that someone does not renew their first aid certificate before it expires, they will have to retake the entire first aid course again. It is also important to note that, if you have already renewed your standard certificate once before, you will be required to obtain a new certificate from an approved provider once your current renewed certificate has expired.

How to Renew First Aid

To renew your first aid certificate, you will need to enroll yourself in an in-person class at a recognized safety training facility or in an online course that requires you to complete a first aid training session in person.

If you would like to learn more about how often you should renew first aid, or if you are interested in one of their safety training courses, please contact EFAS at 604-294-EFAS or toll free at 1-833-294-EFAS or by filling out a contact form on their website.