Occupational First Aid – Level 1 is a 7 hour program
designed by WorkSafeBC to provide life saving first aid skills to
workers in industry.
Applying a butterfly
Candidates must be at least 16 years of age and be able to understand and perform the first aid skills required to complete the learning tasks. No previous first aid training is required.
Course participants are encouraged to assist in improving pre-hospital care of injured workers by promoting:
Workplace compliance with the Occupational First Aid Regulation
Effective interaction between attendants, employers and workers
Efficient co-operation with higher levels of medical care, such as the Level 3 Occupational First Aid Attendant, BC Ambulance Service and hospital emergency personnel
To qualify for certification the candidate must participate in a minimum of seven hours of training and successfully complete the course objectives as taught and evaluated by a person authorized by the Workers' Compensation Board (WorkSafeBC). Certification is valid for two years from the date of completion of the Level 1 training course.
To renew a Level 1 certificate a candidate must successfully retake the Level 1 course.
Module 1
Each participant will be able to demonstrate the Priority Action Approach (to the end of the primary survey) for conscious patients and patients with a decreased level of consciousness.
Module 2
Each participant will identify and perform appropriate interventions for minor soft tissue injuries including the need for medical referral and be able to accurately complete the required documentation (First Aid Record). This will include specific management of eye injuries, burns and workplace poisoning.
Module 3
Each participant will identify and manage critical interventions of the airway with C-spine control for conscious patients and patients with a decreased level of consciousness.
Module 4
Each participant will identify respiratory emergencies and manage critical interventions. Each participant will describe how to identify and manage asthmatic conditions and anaphylactic shock.
Module 5
Each participant will identify circulatory emergencies and manage critical interventions. Each participant will have an awareness of the role and duties of an Occupational First Aid Attendant in the workplace.
Module 6
Each participant will describe how to identify and manage stroke, diabetic conditions, seizures, and fainting.
For module 1 - 6: The procedures will follow the guidelines described in the Occupational First Aid Level 1 Training Manual.
This course is physically demanding. It will require prolonged kneeling, working in stooped positions, and rolling patients. Each class participant is required to function as attendant, helper and patient.
Accommodation may be made for participants that indicate a problem with some of the aforementioned activities. Participants may be permitted to adopt "comfort" positions on the floor to avoid kneeling or stooping for prolonged periods, even though the positions may not facilitate optimum patient care. However, regardless of accommodation made during the class, participants will be required to demonstrate specific skills according to an accepted standard before certification is issued.
Medical exam gloves are used during all practice sessions. Participants need to be aware of possible allergic reactions to latex gloves and powder used in some brands.
Personal Protective Equipment ("PPE") – knee pads recommended.
