WSIB-Approved First Aid Training in Ontario — Courses for Workplaces of Every Size

Quick answer: In Ontario, every business covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act must have at least one employee with a valid first aid certificate at work at all times. The required course — and the number of certified workers — depends on how many workers are on a shift. As of June 22, 2026, Ontario’s WSIB has launched a modernized first aid program. Make sure your provider is approved under the updated program before you book.

Ready to book or have a quick question? FAST Rescue offers WSIB-approved first aid training across Canada — through public courses or private training delivered at your workplace.

• Browse Public Courses — open enrolment sessions in North York, Newmarket, and Calgary
• Request Private / On-site Training — we come to your workplace, anywhere in Canada
• Contact Us — speak with our team directly
• Email: info@fast-rescue.com

What You Will Learn in This Guide

• What WSIB-approved first aid training is and why it is required by law
• Which course your business legally needs based on your team size
• What will change on June 22, 2026 — and what will remain the same
• The difference between Basic (Emergency) and Intermediate (Standard) first aid
• How blended learning works for workplace first aid
• How FAST Rescue delivers training across Canada, including Toronto, North York, Newmarket, and Calgary
• Answers to the most common questions asked by employers

Why First Aid Training Is the Law in Ontario

Running a business in Ontario means you are covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act. The Act requires every employer to have first aid equipment, a proper first aid station, and at least one trained first aider on site for every shift, including part-time and weekend shifts.

The specific rules come from Ontario Regulation 1101 (First Aid Requirements). This regulation applies to all employees, regardless of whether they are full-time, part-time, temporary, or seasonal. It also applies to off-site work locations.

If a Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) inspector visits your workplace and finds that you do not have required first aid coverage, enforcement may proceed under applicable workplace legislation. For corporations, convictions under the Occupational Health and Safety Act can carry fines of up to $2 million, depending on the circumstances.

The good news is that staying compliant is easy — you just need to choose the right course and the right provider.

Which First Aid Course Does Your Business Actually Need?

The answer depends on how many people work on your busiest shift.

5 or Fewer Workers on a Shift — Basic (Emergency) First Aid

If you have five or fewer employees working on any one shift, at least one of them must hold a Basic First Aid certificate (previously called Emergency First Aid).

• Course length: 6.5 hours
• Covers: CPR, AED, choking response, wound care, shock management, and emergency protocols
• Valid for up to three years
• Ideal for: small offices, retail shops, home care workers, small crews

6 or More Workers on a Shift — Intermediate (Standard) First Aid

If six or more employees are on a shift at any time, at least one must hold an Intermediate First Aid certificate (previously called Standard First Aid).

• Course length: 13 hours (typically delivered over two days, or as a blended course)
• Covers everything in Basic, plus: spinal injuries, fractures, burns, medical emergencies, patient assessment, and more
• Valid for up to three years
• Can be recertified after 3 years, then the full course must be taken again.
• Ideal for: construction sites, manufacturing, warehouses, healthcare settings, schools, large offices

Important note on the June 22, 2026 name change: WSIB has officially renamed the certification levels. “Emergency First Aid” is now called “Basic First Aid,” and “Standard First Aid” is now called “Intermediate First Aid.” The first aid procedures under Regulation 1101 are not changing — the legal names in Regulation 1101 remain Emergency and Standard. The new names align Ontario with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z1210:24 standard.

The 2026 WSIB First Aid Program Update — What Changed and What Did Not

On June 22, 2026, the WSIB launched its modernized First Aid Program. This is the most significant update to Ontario’s workplace first aid training in years. Here is a plain-language breakdown.

What Changed in the 2026 WSIB First Aid Program

1. New National Standard

All approved training now aligns with the Canadian Standards Association CSA Z1210:24 standard. This means Ontario workplace first aid training is now consistent with first aid training across Canada. The new standard uses a competency-based approach — meaning workers are assessed on whether they can actually perform the skills, not just pass a written test.

2. New Certificate Names

• Emergency First Aid → Basic First Aid
• Standard First Aid → Intermediate First Aid

3. Provider Re-Approval

All training providers had to reapply to deliver first aid under the updated program. Only those approved under the new program can issue valid workplace first aid certificates as of June 22, 2026 onward. Be sure to verify your provider’s current WSIB approval status before booking.

4. Broader Network and More Flexibility

First aiders can now recertify their Intermediate First Aid certificate with any WSIB-approved provider — not just the one who originally certified them.

5. Out-of-Province Certificates Accepted

WSIB now accepts valid workplace first aid certificates from anywhere in Canada, as long as they meet the CSA Z1210 standard (either the 2017 or 2024 edition).

What Did NOT Change

• Regulation 1101 is not changing. The legal first aid requirements — who needs training, how many first aiders you need, kit requirements — remain the same.
• Existing certificates remain valid. Any certificate issued by a WSIB-approved provider before June 22, 2026 stays valid until its expiry date.
• Your employer responsibilities stay the same. You must still provide trained first aiders, proper kits, and coverage on every shift.
• CPR remains a required component. CPR Level C (covering adults, children, and infants) is part of all approved first aid programs.

Blended First Aid Training — How It Works

Most people picture first aid training as a full day (or two days) spent in a classroom. Blended learning changes that.

A blended course splits the training into two parts:

1. Online theory module — completed at your own pace before the in-person day. Covers first aid knowledge, procedures, and emergency protocols.
2. In-person skills day — a hands-on session with a certified instructor where participants practice CPR on manikins, use AED trainers, manage scenarios, and are assessed on their practical skills.

This format is approved by WSIB for Ontario workplaces. It reduces the time employees spend away from work, allows scheduling flexibility, and lets participants review material at their own speed before the hands-on day.

FAST Rescue delivers blended first aid training under the following names (effective June 22, 2026):

• Blended Basic (Emergency) First Aid & CPR/AED Level C — for teams of 5 or fewer per shift
• Blended Intermediate (Standard) First Aid & CPR/AED Level C — for teams of 6 or more per shift

Note: There are no WSIB-approved fully online first aid programs that satisfy Regulation 1101. Online-only courses cannot assess hands-on skills. If a provider claims its fully online course satisfies your first aid requirement under Regulation 1101, ask for its WSIB approval documentation.

Who Needs to Be Certified — and How Many People?

There is no fixed ratio of first aiders to total employees under Regulation 1101. The minimum requirement is at least one certified first aider on site at all times during every working shift.

However, one person is rarely enough in practice. WSIB recommends assessing your workplace based on:

• Size and layout — a first aider should be able to reach any injured person within two minutes
• Hazard level — higher-risk environments (construction, manufacturing) should have more first aiders
• Shift schedules — if your sole certified first aider is in a meeting, out sick, or on a break, you may not have coverage
• Remote or off-site workers — Regulation 1101 applies to off-site crews too; every crew must have adequate coverage

A practical rule used by many Ontario employers: have at least two or three trained first aiders per shift, so you always have backup coverage.

Who Can Be a First Aider?

Any employee who holds a valid first aid certificate from a WSIB-approved provider can be your designated first aider — as long as they can respond promptly if someone is injured. You should not designate someone who frequently works off-site, travels a lot, or is often unavailable.

CPR and AED Training — Is It the Same as First Aid?

No. CPR training on its own does not satisfy your first aid requirement under Regulation 1101. However, CPR is a mandatory component of all WSIB-approved first aid courses.

The CPR levels recognized by WSIB are:

• CPR Level A — adult CPR techniques only
• CPR Level B — adult and child CPR
• CPR Level C — adult, child, and infant CPR (the most common level for workplace certification)
• CPR-HCP (Healthcare Provider) — full CPR with AED and bag-valve-mask use, for healthcare settings

All FAST Rescue first aid courses include CPR Level C as standard.

What About AEDs?

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) are not required in every Ontario workplace under Regulation 1101. However, having an AED on site and ensuring trained employees know how to use it dramatically improves outcomes in cardiac arrest situations. AED use is covered in all FAST Rescue first aid courses.

First Aid Kits — What You Are Required to Have

Every workplace must have a first aid kit (or kits) that meets the requirements under Regulation 1101. Here is what the law requires:

• Kits must be accessible at all times — not locked in a drawer or cabinet
• Kits must be portable — so they can be brought to an injured person
• Kits must be clearly marked — with visible signage
• Every first aid station must include: the kit, the WSIB “In Case of Injury” poster (Form 82), a first aid inspection card, and a list of the first aiders in that area
• Kits must be inspected at least every three months
• No over-the-counter medications — do not include Tylenol, Advil, or ointments in your kit
• AEDs are not required under Regulation 1101, but are encouraged

The specific items required in your kit depend on your workplace size. You can find the complete list in Regulation 1101, or choose a CSA Z1220-compliant ready-made kit.

Need first aid supplies? FAST Rescue’s affiliated store, Public courses, carries CSA-compliant kits, defibrillators from Cardiac Science, Defibtech, HeartSine, and Philips, as well as dressings, bandages, gloves, and PPE.

How to Choose a WSIB-Approved First Aid Training Provider in Ontario

Not all first aid training providers are WSIB-approved. This matters because only certificates from approved providers are legally valid for Regulation 1101 compliance.

Here is how to verify:

1. Check the WSIB’s official approved provider list at wsib.ca/en/providers-approved-deliver-emergency-and-standard-first-aid
2. Email the WSIB directly at first_aid@wsib.on.ca if you are unsure about a provider
3. Ask the provider for their WSIB approval documentation — a legitimate provider will give you this immediately
4. Look for the First Aid Program badge — approved providers under the updated 2026 program will display this

Red Flags to Watch For

• A provider claims full online certification satisfies Regulation 1101 (it does not)
• A provider cannot confirm its current approval status with the applicable authority
• The certificate does not state that it was issued by or on behalf of a WSIB-approved provider

First Aid Training Options at FAST Rescue

FAST Rescue Inc. is an independent workplace health and safety training provider. We are Health Canada authorized and an MLITSD-, WSIB-, and WCB-approved training provider. In Ontario, employers must ensure workplace first aid certificates are issued by a WSIB-approved provider.

We serve employers across Ontario and Alberta, with training locations in North York, Newmarket, and Calgary, as well as private on-site training anywhere your team is located.

Public Training — Open Enrollment

Join a scheduled course at one of our training facilities. Great for individuals, small businesses, or when you only need to certify a few employees at a time.

Available courses:

• Blended Intermediate (Standard) First Aid & CPR/AED Level C — North York and Newmarket
• Blended Basic (Emergency) First Aid & CPR/AED Level C — North York
• CPR/AED training — multiple levels
• Working at Heights — North York
• Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) — including recertification and upgrade
• Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Part 1 and Part 2 — distance and public options
• Advanced Marine First Aid — Toronto

Private On-site Training — We Come to You

This is the most efficient option for teams of 10 or more employees. We bring certified instructors and all training materials to your workplace, anywhere in Ontario or Alberta.

Benefits:

• No travel time or cost for your staff
• Schedule around your shift patterns
• Train your whole team at once
• Customizable to include site-specific scenarios
• Applicable for 30+ course types

Online Courses — Self-Paced Modules

These courses are designed for awareness training, regulatory knowledge, and complementary safety topics that do not require hands-on assessment. They are available anytime, with instant certification upon completion.

Popular online programs include: WHMIS, AODA, Workplace Violence and Harassment, JHSC Part 1, Working at Heights awareness, Lockout/Tagout, TDG, and 20+ others.

Note: Online courses satisfy awareness and knowledge requirements for many topics but do not replace hands-on first aid certification under Regulation 1101.

Training Compliance Tracking — Stop Managing Spreadsheets

One of the biggest challenges for HR and safety managers in Ontario is keeping track of when certifications expire — especially for working at heights, first aid, JHSC, and forklift training, which all have different renewal timelines.

FAST Rescue’s Training Management System lets you:

• Store all employee certificates in one place
• Get alerts before certifications expire
• Assign training and track completion
• Generate compliance reports for audits and Ministry inspections

Visit fast-rescue.com/systems/ to learn more.

How Often Do You Need to Renew First Aid Certification?

Most first aid certificates are valid for a maximum of three years. Some providers issue two-year certificates — always check the expiry date printed on the certificate itself.

Before your certificate expires, you need to complete training again. Here are the options:

• Intermediate (Standard) First Aid — can be renewed once by completing a one-day renewal course before the original certificate expires. The renewed certificate will say “renewal” on it. After that, a full recertification course is required.
• Basic (Emergency) First Aid — requires a full recertification when expired.
• Under the 2026 updated program — Intermediate First Aid holders can recertify with any WSIB-approved provider, not just their original one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is First Aid Training Mandatory for Employers in Ontario?

Yes. Under the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA) and Ontario Regulation 1101, all businesses covered by the WSIA must have certified first aiders, proper first aid kits, and first aid stations at every workplace, including off-site locations.

How Many First Aid Attendants Do I Legally Need in Ontario?

Regulation 1101 does not set a specific ratio. The minimum is at least one certified first aider present on site at all times during every working shift. WSIB recommends having enough first aiders so that at least one can always reach an injured person within two minutes.

What Is the Difference Between Basic and Intermediate First Aid in Ontario?

Basic First Aid (previously Emergency First Aid) is a 6.5-hour course for workplaces with 5 or fewer workers per shift. Intermediate First Aid (previously Standard First Aid) is a 13-hour course required when 6 or more workers are on any shift. Intermediate covers more injuries and conditions, including spinal injuries, fractures, and patient assessment.

Can Employees Complete First Aid Training Fully Online?

No. WSIB does not recognize fully online first aid programs for Regulation 1101 compliance. There are approved blended programs where theory is completed online, but an in-person, hands-on skills component is always required.

What Changed with the WSIB First Aid Program on June 22, 2026?

WSIB launched its modernized First Aid Program, aligning Ontario with the national CSA Z1210:24 standard. Key changes include new course names (Basic and Intermediate instead of Emergency and Standard), a re-approved provider network, and greater flexibility for first aiders to recertify with any approved provider. Regulation 1101 and employer requirements did not change.

Are Certificates Issued Before June 22, 2026 Still Valid?

Yes. All valid first aid certificates issued by WSIB-approved providers before June 22, 2026 remain valid until their expiry date.

Does WSIB Accept First Aid Certificates from Other Canadian Provinces?

Yes. WSIB accepts valid workplace first aid certificates from any Canadian province or territory, as long as they meet the CSA Z1210 standard (either the 2017 or 2024 edition).

Is an AED Required in Ontario Workplaces?

No. AEDs are not required under Regulation 1101. However, they are strongly recommended, and their use is covered in all FAST Rescue first aid courses. Having an AED and trained employees dramatically improves cardiac arrest survival rates.

Does My Business Have to Pay for Employee First Aid Training?

Yes. If you designate employees as first aiders for your business, you must cover the cost of their first aid training and pay them for the time spent in training. If you make first aid certification a hiring requirement, the applicant must cover their own training cost before joining.

How Do I Verify If a Training Provider Is WSIB-Approved?

Check the official approved provider list on wsib.ca, or email first_aid@wsib.on.ca to confirm a specific provider’s approval status before booking.

Book Your First Aid Training in Ontario or Alberta

Whether you need to certify one employee or 500, FAST Rescue has a solution that fits your schedule, budget, and location.

• Public courses — Book online at fast-rescue.com/public-training-courses/ for upcoming sessions in North York, Newmarket, and Calgary
• Private on-site training — Contact us to schedule group training at your workplace anywhere in Ontario or Alberta
• Online courses — Enroll anytime at fast-rescue.com/online-training-programs/

Email: info@fast-rescue.com | Address: 750 Oakdale Rd., Suite 56, Toronto, Ontario M3N 2Z4

About the Author:

This article was written and reviewed by Shaela Nathan-Turner, Instructor Trainer at F.A.S.T. Rescue Inc. Shaela brings hands-on expertise in workplace first aid instruction and training program delivery, helping ensure everything in this guide reflects current WSIB requirements and real-world practice.

About F.A.S.T. Rescue Inc.

F.A.S.T. Rescue Inc. is a Canadian- and veteran-owned workplace health and safety training company that has been serving employers since 1998. We are Health Canada authorized and an MLITSD-, WSIB-, and WCB-approved training provider. We hold Health Canada Medical Device Establishment Licence #2725. Where first aid approvals are required by law, training must be delivered and certificates must be issued in accordance with the applicable provincial requirements. For the most current WSIB first aid program information, visit wsib.ca/en/firstaid.