Basic First Aid Course with CPR & AED in Markham

(Formerly Called Emergency First Aid — Same Course, Updated Name)

 

Ready to Book Your Basic First Aid Course?
Call us at (416) 635-7800 or email info@stscanada.com to reserve your spot and learn about upcoming classes.

 

STS Group is approved under the updated WSIB First Aid Program, aligned with CSA Z1210:24 standards, effective June 22, 2026.

What’s in a Name? A Quick Note on the Course Name Change

As of June 22, 2026, the WSIB launched an updated First Aid Program aligned with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z1210:24 national standard. As part of this update, course names have changed:

Old NameNew Name
Emergency First AidBasic First Aid
Standard First AidIntermediate First Aid

Your legal obligations under Regulation 1101 have not changed. The regulation still references the old names, but Basic First Aid is fully equivalent to Emergency First Aid and satisfies the same requirements. Certificates issued on or after June 22, 2026 will say “Basic First Aid.” Certificates issued before that date remain valid until their expiry date. No changes apply to existing certifications.

Overview

Be prepared to save lives with our Basic First Aid Course in Ontario. Whether at home, work, or in your community, our program equips you with the practical skills, confidence, and certification you need to respond effectively in medical emergencies. This course includes CPR Level C and AED training, ensuring you are ready to act when every second counts.

This course is delivered under the updated WSIB First Aid Program and follows the CSA Z1210:24 national standard for workplace first aid training. STS Group is a WSIB-approved provider under both the previous and updated programs.

This course is part of our First Aid Training in Ontario program designed to meet WSIB workplace requirements and recognized as meeting WSIB workplace first aid requirements for small workplaces across Ontario.

We offer the First Aid Program in English only. To find a First Aid Program training provider that offers the full program in French, please visit the WSIB First Aid Program website.

Nous offrons le programme de premiers soins en anglais seulement. Pour trouver un fournisseur de formation du programme de premiers soins qui offre le programme complet en français, veuillez visiter le site Web du programme de premiers soins de la WSIB.

Who needs this course? Under Ontario Regulation 1101, workplaces with 1 to 5 workers on any shift must have at least one person with a Basic First Aid certificate on site at all times.

Why Choose Our Basic First Aid Course?

In an emergency, quick and confident action can save lives. Our course is designed for individuals, workplace teams, and health and safety committee members who want to:

  • Preserve Life: Learn CPR for adults, children, and infants, and how to use an AED correctly.
  • Prevent Further Harm: Assess emergency scenes, control bleeding, and manage injuries safely.
  • Promote Recovery: Monitor vital signs, provide reassurance, and care until professional help arrives.

With real-world scenarios, hands-on practice, and clear guidance, you’ll leave ready to make a difference.

What You Will Learn?

Module 1: Foundations of First Aid

  • Roles & Responsibilities: Understand the three key objectives – Preserve Life, Prevent Further Harm, Promote Recovery.
  • Legal Considerations: Learn about the Good Samaritan Act, consent principles, and how to assist safely with prescribed medications.
  • Safety & PPE: Identify hazards and use personal protective equipment like gloves and CPR barriers.

Module 2: Emergency Scene Management

  • Scene Survey: Quickly assess hazards and take control of the situation.
  • Primary Assessment (ABCDs):
    • Airway: Open the airway safely.
    • Breathing: Check for normal breathing.
    • Circulation: Look for life signs and severe bleeding.
    • Defibrillation: Use an AED as soon as it’s available.
  • Secondary Survey: Use the SAMPLE method and perform a head-to-toe assessment.

Module 3: CPR & AED 

  • Adult, Child, and Infant CPR: Proper compressions, rescue breaths, and ratios for all ages.
  • AED Operation: Pad placement, voice prompts, and special considerations (e.g., pacemakers, pregnancy).
  • Choking Emergencies: Techniques for conscious and unconscious victims, including back blows, abdominal, and chest thrusts.
  • Opioid Overdose: Recognize symptoms and administer Naloxone when needed.

Module 4: Medical & Traumatic Emergencies

  • Cardiovascular Emergencies: Heart attacks (PASS IT ON) and strokes (FAST).
  • Respiratory Emergencies: Asthma, anaphylaxis, COPD.
  • Traumatic Injuries: Bleeding control, shock management, wounds, burns, fractures, head/spinal injuries.
  • Environmental & Medical Conditions: Heat stroke, hypothermia, frostbite, seizures, diabetic emergencies, bites, and stings.

Certification and Benefits

Upon successful completion, you will receive a recognized Basic First Aid Certificate, including CPR & AED certification, valid for three years across Canada.

Certificates issued on or after June 22, 2026 will use the updated name “Basic First Aid” in line with the CSA Z1210:24 standard. This certificate fully satisfies Ontario Regulation 1101 requirements for workplaces with 1 to 5 workers per shift.

Benefits of Our Course:

  • Hands-on practical experience
  • Confidence in real-life emergency situations
  • Workplace and community readiness
  • Recognized certification for employment and professional development

Delivery Options

  • In-person at our Markham training centre
  • On-site at your workplace for groups of 4 or more

Important: Online-only first aid courses are not accepted by WSIB. To satisfy Regulation 1101, your training must include a hands-on, in-person skills component assessed by a qualified instructor. Our blended option meets this requirement.

Be the Help Until Help Arrives

Our Basic First Aid Course is more than just a certificate it’s a commitment to safety. Gain the knowledge, confidence, and certification to make a difference in any emergency.

Frequently Asked Questions about Basic First Aid Course

How long is the Basic First Aid course?

Most Basic First Aid courses are approximately one day (6.5 hours). Blended programs may vary slightly depending on the provider.

What is the difference between Basic First Aid and Intermediate First Aid?

Basic First Aid is shorter, approximately one day, and focuses on life-saving techniques such as CPR and AED. Intermediate First Aid more comprehensive, typically two days, and is required for workplaces with 6 or more workers per shift.

Why does my certificate now say “Basic First Aid” instead of “Emergency First Aid”?

As of June 22, 2026, the WSIB updated its First Aid Program to align with the CSA Z1210:24 national standard. The course content and requirements are the same  only the name on the certificate has changed. Basic First Aid is fully equivalent to Emergency First Aid under Regulation 1101.

Will my old Emergency First Aid certificate still be accepted?

Yes. Certificates issued before June 22, 2026 by a WSIB-approved provider remain valid until their expiry date. No action is needed until it’s time to renew.

Can I do this course online?

A blended option is available online theory followed by mandatory in-person skills practice. Fully online-only first aid courses are not accepted by WSIB for Regulation 1101 compliance.

What happens if my certificate expires?

Once a certificate expires, you must retake the full course. There is no grace period, and a recertification course is not available for expired certificates.

Is Basic First Aid the same as CPR?

No. CPR is a component of Basic First Aid. The full course covers a broader range of emergency skills including CPR, AED use, bleeding control, and first response to injuries and medical conditions. CPR certification alone does not satisfy Regulation 1101 requirements.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or formal training. In an emergency, always call 9-1-1. STS Group provides high-quality first aid and CPR training.

STS Group is a Full Service Workplace Health and Safety Training & Consulting Company, providing occupational health and safety training and consulting services for various industries at affordable prices since 1992.

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