Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How many times can I re-certify my First Aid certification?

You can recertify once only after taking a full course.  After 1 recertification training, you are required to take the full course again.

How long is First Aid certification valid for?

Similar to CPR, First Aid certification is valid for 3 years.  The Heart and Stroke Foundation strongly recommends retraining every year of one’s CPR skills and many employers require annual CPR re-training.  If your discipline requires you to re-certify more frequently, their requirements will take precedence over our validity period.

Will I get sued if I break a rib while doing CPR?

There is a possibility you will be sued but the Good Samaritan Act protects you if you did CPR with good intentions.   The Good Samaritan Act ensures that the rescuer is not liable when performing first aid unless they have been grossly negligent.

I am confused about CPR "HCP". Am I required to take this level?

CPR “HCP” is required for all Health Care Providers. Check with your governing body or school if you are unsure if you are designated as a Health Care Provider.

Can you certify me in First Aid only? I already have a valid CPR card

CPR is automatically a part of the Standard and Emergency First Aid courses. You cannot get a card that just says Standard First Aid or Emergency First Aid. Our instructors must sign off that they have certified you in CPR and as a result, they must also see your skills. There is therefore no way to do certify you in First Aid without also certifying you in CPR even though your existing CPR card is still valid.

Is CPR included in Standard or Emergency First Aid?

CPR and AED training are now included in all the levels of first aid training. However, you can still take CPR and AED separately if you wish.  It is not possible to get a valid First Aid certification without also completing your CPR certification.

How long is CPR certification valid for?

It is valid for 3 years, however the Heart and Stroke Foundation strongly recommends retraining every year and many employers require annual re-training.  If your discipline requires you to re-certify more frequently, their requirements will take precedence over our validity period.

Is there a fee for calling and using an ambulance?

Yes there is. The casualty is sent a bill usually by the hospital.

What can I do if I do not have a phone or am too far away from a phone to call 9-1-1 and need to perform CPR?

Shout to attract attention as you do CPR, do CPR for 2 minutes and then make a phone call if you know where the phone is.  After that continue with resuscitation until you become too exhausted to continue.   As an important precaution, always make sure that you plan ahead if you are going to a remote location.

Can I catch a disease from doing CPR on a person who has a disease?

Yes you can. It is important to carry personal protective equipment with you all the time: pocket mask/face shield and gloves (not latex). Nitrile gloves provide excellent protection against bacteria and CPR masks with an O2 inlet ensures that bacteria and vomitus from the victim does not transfer to the rescuer.