Complete Guide to OFA Level 1 & Level 2 First Aid Course Topics in Surrey, BC
Are you looking to get certified in Occupational First Aid (OFA) in Surrey, BC? Whether you're required to have workplace first aid certification or want to be prepared for emergencies, understanding what you'll learn in OFA Level 1 and Level 2 courses is essential. This comprehensive guide breaks down all the topics covered in both certification levels, helping you choose the right course for your needs.
🏥 What is Occupational First Aid (OFA)?
Occupational First Aid (OFA) is a certification program required by WorkSafeBC for employees working in various industries across British Columbia. The program ensures that workplaces have trained first aid attendants who can respond effectively to medical emergencies, injuries, and illnesses that occur on the job.
In Surrey, Delta, Vancouver, and throughout the Lower Mainland, OFA certification is mandatory for many industries including construction, manufacturing, forestry, transportation, and healthcare facilities.
OFA Level 1
1-day course for basic workplace first aid
OFA Level 2
5-day comprehensive workplace first aid
OFA Level 3
5-week advanced paramedic-level training
📋 OFA Level 1 Course Topics
OFA Level 1 is designed for workplaces where the hazards are low and travel time to a hospital is relatively short. This one-day course provides essential emergency response skills and is valid for 3 years.
Workplace-Specific Hazards
- Industrial Injuries - Machinery accidents, crush injuries
- Chemical Exposures - Safety Data Sheet (SDS) interpretation
- Electrical Injuries - Arc flash, electrical shock management
- Fall Protection - Suspension trauma syndrome
- Confined Space Emergencies - Oxygen deficiency, toxic atmospheres
- Marine Emergencies - Cold water immersion, seasickness
Poisoning and Toxicology
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - Recognition and treatment
- Alcohol and Drug Poisoning - Assessment and care
- Opioid Overdose Response - Naloxone nasal spray and intramuscular injection
- Chemical Burns - Acid and alkali exposure management
- Plant Poisoning - Poison ivy, giant hogweed, wild parsnip
- Insect Stings and Bites - Bee stings, tick removal, spider bites
Multiple Casualty Management
- Triage Principles - Prioritizing patients in mass casualty incidents
- Scene Command - Organizing multiple first aiders
- Resource Management - Efficient use of supplies and personnel
- Communication Systems - Coordinating with EMS and management
- Emergency Action Plans - Workplace emergency response procedures
Mental Health and Crisis Response
- Mental Health Emergencies - Recognition and initial support
- Suicide Risk Assessment - Warning signs and intervention
- Crisis Communication - De-escalation techniques
- Post-Traumatic Support - Critical incident stress management
- Self-Care for First Aiders - Managing stress and preventing burnout
Patient Transportation
- Moving and Lifting Techniques - Body mechanics and safety
- Emergency Moves - Drags, carries, and extractions
- Non-Emergency Moves - Assisting ambulatory patients
- Improvised Stretchers - Creating transport devices from available materials
- Vehicle Extrication Considerations - Working with trapped patients
📊 OFA Level 1 vs Level 2: Quick Comparison
| Feature | OFA Level 1 | OFA Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Course Duration | 1 day (8 hours) | 5 days (40 hours) |
| Certification Validity | 3 years | 3 years |
| WorkSafeBC Requirements | Low-risk workplaces, 2-20 workers | Moderate to high-risk workplaces, 21+ workers |
| CPR Certification | ✓ Included | ✓ Included (Advanced) |
| AED Training | ✓ Included | ✓ Included |
| Advanced Assessment | Basic (ABCs only) | ✓ Comprehensive secondary assessment |
| Documentation | Basic incident reporting | ✓ Complete treatment records & Form 7 |
| Multiple Casualty Management | ✗ Not covered | ✓ Triage and scene management |
| Patient Transportation | Basic positioning | ✓ Lifting, moving, and transport techniques |
| First Aid Room Management | ✗ Not covered | ✓ Supplies, equipment, and facility management |
| Exam Required | ✓ Practical and written | ✓ Comprehensive practical and written |
| Typical Industries | Offices, retail, light industry | Construction, manufacturing, forestry, mining |
🎯 Which Course Do You Need?
Choose OFA Level 1 if:
- Your workplace has 2-20 workers and is classified as low-risk
- Medical facilities are within 20 minutes travel time
- You work in an office, retail, or light industrial environment
- You need basic emergency response skills for workplace compliance
- You want personal first aid knowledge for home and community
Choose OFA Level 2 if:
- Your workplace has 21+ workers or is in a high-hazard industry
- You work in construction, manufacturing, forestry, or resource extraction
- Medical facilities are more than 20 minutes away
- You're designated as a workplace first aid attendant
- You need comprehensive skills for managing serious workplace injuries
- You're responsible for maintaining first aid supplies and documentation
🎓 Hands-On Training Components
Both OFA Level 1 and Level 2 courses emphasize practical, hands-on training. You'll spend significant time practicing skills with mannequins, training equipment, and fellow students.
Practical Skills You'll Master:
CPR Techniques
Adult, child, and infant CPR with proper compression depth and rate
AED Operation
Proper pad placement and operation of automated defibrillators
Bandaging
Various bandaging techniques for wounds, burns, and injuries
Medication Administration
EpiPen, inhaler assistance, and naloxone injection
Splinting & Slings
Immobilization of bone and joint injuries
Infection Control
Proper use of PPE and bloodborne pathogen precautions
📜 Certification Requirements and Validity
To Pass OFA Level 1 or Level 2:
- 100% Attendance - You must attend all course hours
- Practical Skills Demonstration - Successfully perform all required skills
- Written Exam - Achieve minimum 70% on the written test
- CPR Certification - Demonstrate competency in CPR techniques
- Participation - Active engagement in scenarios and practice sessions
📅 Recertification: OFA Level 1 and Level 2 certifications are valid for 3 years. You must recertify before expiry to maintain your attendant status. Recertification courses are typically 1 day for OFA Level 1 and 2 days for OFA Level 2.
⚖️ WorkSafeBC Requirements for Surrey Workplaces
Under WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation Part 3, employers in Surrey and throughout British Columbia must provide adequate first aid services based on workplace hazards and number of employees.
Minimum Requirements by Workplace Size:
| Number of Workers | Low Hazard | Moderate/High Hazard |
|---|---|---|
| 2-10 | 1 Level 1 attendant | 1 Level 2 attendant |
| 11-20 | 1 Level 1 attendant | 1 Level 2 attendant |
| 21-50 | 1 Level 2 attendant | 1 Level 2 attendant on-site at all times |
| 51-100 | 1 Level 2 attendant | 2 Level 2 attendants |
| 100+ | Additional attendants required | Level 3 attendant + additional Level 2s |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🏗️ Industries Requiring OFA Certification in Surrey
Many industries in Surrey, Delta, Vancouver, and the Lower Mainland require OFA-certified first aid attendants:
Construction
All construction sites require OFA Level 2 or 3 attendants
Manufacturing
Factories and production facilities need OFA Level 2
Forestry
Logging operations require OFA Level 3 attendants
Transportation
Trucking and logistics companies need OFA Level 1 or 2
Mining
Resource extraction requires OFA Level 3
Retail/Office
Most offices and retail need OFA Level 1
🎓 Ready to Get OFA Certified in Surrey?
Join hundreds of professionals in Surrey, Delta, and Vancouver who trust RupIELTS Institute for their workplace first aid training!
📞 Call 604-825-8882 📞 Call 604-825-0177Book your OFA Level 1 or Level 2 course today!
✅ Final Thoughts
Understanding the topics covered in OFA Level 1 and Level 2 courses helps you choose the right certification for your workplace needs. Whether you're an employer ensuring WorkSafeBC compliance or an individual seeking career advancement, OFA certification provides essential life-saving skills.
Both courses cover comprehensive emergency response training, from basic CPR and wound care to advanced patient assessment and multiple casualty management. The hands-on nature of OFA training ensures you'll be confident and competent when emergencies arise.
💡 Pro Tip: Many employers in Surrey offer to pay for their employees' OFA training. Check with your HR department about reimbursement or company-sponsored courses before registering!
📍 RupIELTS Institute - Surrey Location
Your Trusted First Aid Training Provider in the Lower Mainland
112 - 8232 120 Street, Surrey, BC V3W 3N4
Serving Surrey, Delta, Vancouver, Abbotsford, Langley & Richmond
RupIELTS Institute offers comprehensive OFA Level 1 and OFA Level 2 first aid training courses in Surrey, BC. Our experienced instructors provide hands-on training in CPR, AED operation, emergency response, wound care, and all topics required for WorkSafeBC certification. Whether you need OFA Level 1 for a low-risk office environment or OFA Level 2 for construction and industrial workplaces, we serve professionals throughout Surrey, Delta, Vancouver, Abbotsford, Langley, and Richmond. Get certified with confidence at Surrey's premier first aid training center.
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