If you have landed here trying to distinguish between Intermediate and Basic First Aid and which course you should take, the bottom line is this: for most low-hazard workplaces with small shifts, the course that meets the requirement in Ontario is Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR AED Level C. Intermediate is the next level for high-hazard workplaces or large shifts. This is how you know where you fit in and what Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR AED Level C includes.
What’s Covered in Basic (Emergency) First Aid With CPR AED Level C?
Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR AED Level C, formerly known as Emergency First Aid, is the basic, WSIB-approved course. It may be suitable for smaller workplaces such as retail locations, offices, and hospitality settings, depending on the workplace’s staffing and first aid requirements.
The course covers:
- Primary assessment of an injured or ill person
- CPR and AED use for adults
- Choking response
- Control of severe bleeding
- Response to shock, burns, and common workplace injuries
CPR AED Level C is built directly into the course, so first aid and CPR certification are covered in the same session. One course, one certificate, no separate CPR booking required. It’s taught hands-on, with a practical skills check at the end rather than a written test alone, and once issued, the certificate is valid for three years.
For most small teams and low-risk workplaces, this level satisfies Regulation 1101 without over-certifying.
Could Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR AED Level C be the right fit for your team? Get a free quote and book your session with us to learn more!
What’s Covered in Intermediate (Standard) First Aid With CPR AED Level C?
Intermediate (Standard) First Aid with CPR AED Level C, formerly Standard First Aid, is the more comprehensive level. It is designed for bigger shifts and higher-risk environments. It covers a wider range of injury and emergency scenarios in addition to the core CPR and AED skills taught in Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR AED Level C certification.
If your workplace requires Intermediate coverage, that’s a program with real depth on its own, worth exploring on its dedicated course page rather than a quick summary here, since the two courses genuinely differ in scope.
How Worker Count and Hazard Level Decide Which One You Need
The course level your workplace needs depends on shift size, not total staff on the payroll, and hazard classification can raise the requirement regardless of headcount.
Workplace Size (per shift) | Minimum Certified First Aider Training |
1-5 workers per shift | Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR AED Level C |
6+ workers per shift | Intermediate (Standard) First Aid with CPR AED Level C |
Higher-hazard workplaces (e.g., construction, manufacturing) | Often more first aiders per shift, regardless of headcount |
Regulation 1101’s 5-worker threshold is a legal obligation, not a training group size. Every Heart Starters Inc. session runs for 10 or more, and coverage is calculated per shift, not per location, so a second shift needs its own certified first aider.
FAQs
Which course does a small office or retail team usually need?
Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR AED Level C. It’s the entry-level course built for lower-hazard workplaces like small offices and retail settings, covering core first aid and CPR AED skills without the broader scope of the Intermediate level.
Is CPR included in Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR AED Level C?
Yes. CPR AED Level C is part of the same course and certificate. There is no need for a separate booking for CPR.
How long is a Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR AED Level C certificate valid for?
A Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR AED Level C certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue. Before it expires, employees should complete the applicable renewal or recertification training to maintain their workplace first aid certification.
What’s the minimum group size to book Basic First Aid training?
Heart Starters Inc. requires a minimum of 10 participants for an on-site Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR AED Level C training session. Smaller teams can combine with another department or a nearby business to reach the 10-person minimum.
Can a workplace ever need Intermediate even with a small headcount?
Yes, higher-hazard classifications such as construction or manufacturing may require more coverage regardless of shift size, even for small teams.
Ready to Book Basic First Aid Training for Your Team?
Get your team certified in WSIB-approved Basic (Emergency) First Aid with CPR AED Level C training in Ontario, delivered on-site for groups of 10 or more. Contact Heart Starters Inc. today to schedule your session.