First Responder Course
44(+) hours
Jump to First Responder Re-certification Course

This is the Canadian Red Cross First Responder Course and is the same course we use to certify and license our firefighters. It is taught by firefighter instructors that teach and certify other firefighters, and average over ten years of professional firefighting experience with Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services.

The course is conducted at Chess St. Training Grounds which is the main training facility for VF&RS. As well as classrooms there are many props available which allows us to stage realistic scenarios.

First-responder is the minimum level of training required for firefighters in B.C. If you are considering a career as a firefighter, First-Responder certification and licensing is a pre-requisite for application to most fire departments. Many of our First Responder Course graduates are now Vancouver Firefighters!

Canadian Red Cross First Responder has been approved by the B.C. Emergency Medical Attendant Licensing Board (EMALB) for First-Responder level 3 licensing. This course includes Basic Life Support (BLS) level CPR, AED, and spinal management. All successful candidates will be examined for 'EMA FR' licensing including AED and spinal endorsements as part of the course.
From one of our graduates:
'Course was above and beyond. I came in with my basic knowledge first aid, between the instructors and the classmates I worked along side, I gained a ton of knowledge and confidence as I moved forward. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to take the first responder. You will not be disappointed, and the instructors are first class !'
'Course was above and beyond. I came in with my basic knowledge first aid, between the instructors and the classmates I worked along side, I gained a ton of knowledge and confidence as I moved forward. I would highly recommend this course to anyone looking to take the first responder. You will not be disappointed, and the instructors are first class !'
Course Details:
View the Course Brochure
Topics covered:
*Pre-requisite: Current CPR level C or higher.- The responder
- The emergency scene
- Preventing disease transmission
- Human body systems
- Assessments
- Respiratory emergencies
- Airway and ventilation
- Circulatory emergencies
- Bleeding
- Shock
- Soft tissue injuries
- Musculoskeletal injuries
- Head and spine injuries
- Chest, abdominal, and pelvic injuries
- Sudden illnesses
- Poisoning
- Heat and cold related injuries
- Special populations
- Childbirth
- Crisis intervention
- Reaching and moving people
- Multiple casualty incidents
- Communications and transportation
Note: 100% attendance is required to pass.
You must be at least 16 years of age to take this course.
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to be notified when new course dates are posted
You must be at least 16 years of age to take this course.
Follow us on Facebook or Twitter to be notified when new course dates are posted
Cost: $800.00 (+GST)
*No courses are currently available for sign-up
First Responder Re-certification Course
20(+) hours
This course is for people who have a valid Red Cross First Responder certificate to renew their certification and BC EMA licensing. Because this is a re-certification course you must have a valid un-expired Red Cross First Responder certificate.
Cost: $400 (+GST)
*No courses are currently available for sign-up

Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services Recruiting
The VFRS Recruiting website has information on starting a career with Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services including preparation, required qualifications, the application process, and important dates.
Please note:
Although we are affiliated with the department, we cannot answer questions about recruiting. Please direct all recruiting inquiries to:
VFRS Recruiting
fire.recruitment@vancouver.ca
CPR/First-aid Report
If you or somebody you know has used CPR or first-aid skills in a medical emergency, we'd like to know about it. Stepping in to help someone in an emergency is a brave act, and we think that should be recognized.Send us feedback
Please tell us about your experience with our program
Vancouver Firefighters Union Local 18
We teach life saving CPR + First-aid to over 3,000 people every year.
Do you know how to save somebody's life?
Learn how!
Last Updated: 2023-02-05 22:27:54 PST
© Copyright Vancouver Firefighters CPR + First-aid
Contact Webmaster