Are you confused by the different First Aid names in British Columbia? You aren’t alone. Many employers ask for “Basic First Aid” or “Intermediate First Aid,” but when you look for courses, you often see terms like “OFA Level 1” or “Standard First Aid.”
At RupIELTS Institute in Surrey, we want to make getting certified simple. Whether you need a certificate for a construction site, a security job, or a daycare, here is everything you need to know about choosing the right course.
1. What is Basic First Aid? (OFA Level 1)
When a job posting asks for “Basic First Aid,” they are almost always referring to Occupational First Aid (OFA) Level 1 or Emergency First Aid.
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Who is it for? This is the most common requirement for low-risk workplaces, including office workers, delivery drivers, and some security guards.
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What you learn: Essential life-saving skills like CPR-C (Adult, Child, Infant), using an AED, choking rescue, and minor wound care.
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Duration: 8 Hours (1 Day).
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Cost: $75.
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Valid For: 3 Years.
View Basic First Aid (OFA 1) Dates & Registration
2. What is Intermediate First Aid? (OFA Level 2)
“Intermediate First Aid” corresponds to Standard First Aid or OFA Level 2. This is a more advanced certification required for higher-risk environments where help might be further away or the risk of injury is higher.
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Who is it for? Construction workers, designated workplace safety attendants, advanced security personnel, and industrial workers.
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What you learn: Everything in the Basic course, plus spinal injury management, major wound care, fracture immobilization, and medical emergencies (stroke, heart attack, diabetes).
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Duration: 16 Hours (2 Days).
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Cost: $130.
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Valid For: 3 Years.
View Intermediate First Aid (OFA 2) Dates & Registration
3. Specialized Training: Childcare First Aid
If you are working in a daycare, preschool, or school in Surrey, you likely need Emergency Childcare First Aid. This is distinct from Basic/Intermediate courses because it focuses heavily on pediatric emergencies.
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Key Focus: CPR Level B (specifically for infants and children), asthma, allergies (EpiPen), and childhood illnesses.
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Cost: $90.
Boost Your Employability with Multiple Certifications
In today’s competitive job market in the Lower Mainland, having a single certificate often isn’t enough. Many of our students combine their First Aid training with other certifications to land higher-paying jobs:
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Security Professionals: Combine OFA Level 1 with Security Guard Training (BST). Most security companies in Surrey require both for hiring.
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Hospitality & Service: Pair your First Aid with Food Safe Level 1 if you are working in restaurants or care homes.
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Construction & Warehousing: Add WHMIS 2015 Certification to your resume to show you are trained in handling hazardous materials.
Why Choose RupIELTS Institute?
We are Surrey’s premier training center for a reason:
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Red Cross & WorkSafeBC Approved: Our certificates are recognized everywhere in Canada.
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Same-Day Certification: Pass the course and get your temporary certificate immediately.
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Convenient Location: Located at 112 – 8232 120 Street, Surrey, easily accessible from Newton, Delta, and Langley.
Ready to get certified? Classes fill up quickly!
📞 Call us: 604-825-8882 📅 Book Online Now
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