How to Choose the Right First Aid Course in Calgary

Lianne Sinclair
3 days ago
2 min read

How to Choose the Right First Aid Course in Calgary

When it comes to workplace safety, family preparedness, or career requirements, choosing the right first aid course isn’t just a box to check—it could be the most important training you take.

But with so many options in Calgary, how do you know which first aid course fits your needs?

Here’s a quick guide to help you find the perfect fit—whether you're a parent, employer, or healthcare professional.

✅ Step 1: Know Why You Need First Aid Certification

Start by identifying your goal. Are you:

Required by your employer to be certified under Alberta OHS regulations?
A healthcare provider needing BLS? Should be from Heart & Stroke or Red Cross? Does it matter?
A parent or caregiver who wants to be prepared for emergencies?
A youth preparing for babysitting jobs?

Understanding the why helps narrow the what.

📘 Step 2: Understand Course Levels

Not all first aid courses are created equal. Here’s a breakdown:

🔹 Basic (Emergency) First Aid (8 hours)

Basic life-saving skills (CPR, AED, wound care)
Ideal for low-risk workplaces or personal safety

🔹 Intermediate (Standard) First Aid (15 hours)

Includes Emergency First Aid + injury assessment, head/spine injuries, burns, poisoning
Meets Alberta OHS requirements for most workplaces

🔹 Childcare First Aid (16 hours)

Includes Intermediate First Aid + childhood illnesses and caring for children
Includes a CPR Level B (children and babies only) certification.
Meets Alberta's early childhood education and daycare or dayhome worker safety requirements.

🔹 CPR/AED (Levels A or C)

Standalone CPR training for A (adults only), C (combination of adults, children, and babies)
Often required by employers, schools or personal interest.

🔹 Basic Life Support (BLS)

For healthcare workers, EMR/EMS candidates or as a pre-requisite for higher courses such as ACLS or PALS
Includes airway management, pulse checks, and team-based resuscitation

🧑‍🏫 Step 3: Choose a Certified Training Partner

Always choose a provider recognized by:

Canadian Red Cross - Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)
Heart & Stroke Foundation
Energy Safety Canada (for H2S Alive and Common Safety Orientation for jobsite - oil & gas industry safety)
Alberta College of Paramedics (for AHASTI's EMR program)

✅ AHASTI is certified by all four and offers English, Punjabi, Hindi, and Cantonese First Aid training.

🕓 Step 4: Decide Between In-Class or Blended

Format	Best For	Time Commitment
In-Class	Hands-on learners	1–2 full days
Blended	Busy schedules	Online theory + 1-day in-person

AHASTI offers both options at AHASTI's three Calgary locations, one Red Deer location and on-site corporate training across Alberta and British Columbia.