OFA Level 1, 2, or 3? Which First Aid Course Do You Actually Need?
Don't waste money on the wrong ticket. Here is the definitive guide to WorkSafeBC First Aid levels from Surrey’s top training institute.
So, your employer told you to "get your First Aid ticket." Or perhaps you are applying for a security job in Delta, or a construction role in Langley, and the job posting lists "OFA" as a requirement.
You go to Google, and suddenly you are drowning in acronyms. OFA 1, OFA 2, OFA 3, Emergency First Aid, Standard First Aid, CPR C... it is confusing. We get it.
At RupIELTS and First Aid Training Institute, we field calls every day from students unsure of which course to book. Taking the wrong level can cost you hundreds of dollars and wasted weekends. This guide will break down the three main tiers of Occupational First Aid (OFA) in British Columbia so you can book with confidence.
The Hierarchy of First Aid in BC
In British Columbia, workplace first aid is regulated by WorkSafeBC. They designate the levels based on the risk level of the job and how far the workplace is from a hospital.
OFA Level 1 (Basic)
Duration: 1 Day (8 Hours) Valid: 3 YearsWhat is it?
This is the most common certificate. It covers the basics of keeping someone alive until the ambulance arrives.
Curriculum Highlights:
- Basic CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) & AED use.
- Choking management.
- Minor wound care (cuts, scrapes, burns).
- Recognizing heart attacks and strokes.
Who needs this?
Most "low risk" employees. If you work in an office, a retail store in Guildford Mall, are a standard security guard (BST), or work as a delivery driver, this is usually sufficient.
OFA Level 2 (Intermediate)
Duration: 2 Days (16 Hours) Valid: 3 YearsWhat is it?
A significant step up. This course prepares you to be the "First Aid Attendant" on a job site where the ambulance might take 20 minutes to arrive.
Curriculum Highlights:
- Detailed patient assessment (Head-to-toe surveys).
- Spinal immobilization (using collars and boards).
- Fracture management (splinting broken bones).
- Documentation (completing the First Aid Record).
Who needs this?
Safety Officers, Shift Supervisors in warehouses (like in Campbell Heights), and some construction site officers in urban areas.
OFA Level 3 (Advanced)
Duration: 10 Days (70+ Hours) Valid: 3 YearsWhat is it?
The gold standard. This is essentially "industrial paramedic" training. You are trained to manage critical emergencies in remote locations where help is hours away.
Curriculum Highlights:
- Oxygen therapy administration.
- Complex trauma management (major bleeds, crush injuries).
- Transport decisions (helicopter vs. ambulance).
- Critical airway management.
Who needs this?
Oil & Gas workers, Remote Forestry/Logging, Mining, and specialized Industrial First Aid Attendants. These jobs often pay $30-$40+ per hour.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time to Complete | 1 Day | 1 Week | 2 Weeks |
| Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Hard |
| Typical Cost | $ | $$$ | $$$$$ |
| Best for Security? | Yes (Entry) | Yes (Lead) | Yes (Specialist) |
Why Train at RupIELTS in Surrey?
Choosing the right level is hard, but choosing the right school is easy. We are located centrally on 120th Street, serving Surrey, Delta, and New West. Our instructors make the material easy to understand, even if English is your second language.
We provide all the equipment—mannequins, bandages, AED trainers—so you get hands-on practice, not just textbook theory.
Still Unsure? Call Us.
Tell us your job title, and we will tell you exactly which course you need.
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