Emergency Medical Responder with BLS (Canadian Red Cross Program)

The CanadianEMS EMR is a comprehensive program that prepares future emergency medical services practitioners for the EMS community. It is structured to train students to work as members of the EMS community through lecture and lab practice. 

Students are expected to have 100% attendance, complete home assignments/online studies, and demonstrate professionalism and integrity as a medical services practitioner throughout the program. The course begins by examining the theory related to a particular condition, followed by the practical aspect of emergency care. 

The course outline will detail the order of the presentation topics to allow for advanced reading of topics prior to delivery of lectures. After core knowledge is completed, the program will finish off with additional topics included as part of the CanadianEMS EMR training. 

EMR candidates will complete and receive several certifications including:

• Canadian Red Cross EMR & Basic Life Support CPR 
• Ambulance Operator training 
• Penthrox Pain Management Course

The EMR program will also provide patient engagement opportunities with sick and/or healthy patients. These sessions will provide students with the opportunity to use their knowledge and skills learned within the program, and to hone their communication skills. Our goal is to get students comfortable as an EMS member in the community. 

Our professional instructor team is made up of experienced Primary and Advanced Care Paramedics, as well as other highly dedicated instructors from several accredited first aid training institutions. 

All successful EMR graduates will be required to register with the EMA Licensing Board in order to gain employment as an Emergency Medical Responder in BC. 

Employment opportunities for EMRs include:

• Industrial Job Sites – Onsite attendants
• BC Ambulance Service or other Ambulance Services
• Patient Transfer Agencies
• Medical Standbys at sporting events, movie sets, concerts, etc.

The EMR program is for those interested in starting their career in EMS or gaining

employment as an oil field medical attendant.

MODE OF INSTRUCTION: Traditional Instructor-Led (In-class)

COST: $2,200.00

DURATION:  40 hours of pre-reading + 120 hours of in-person instruction over 12 weekdays

SCHEDULE:  8:30 am to 6:30 pm

   Week 1: Thursday - Friday

   Week 2: Monday - Friday

   Week 3: Monday - Friday

DATES OFFERED* 2025:

• Apr 3 - 18: 12 weekdays = April 3-4, Thursday-Friday, April 7-11, Monday-Friday, April 14-18, Monday-Friday
• Oct 9 - 24: 12 weekdays = Oct 9-10  Thursday-Friday, Oct 13-17 Monday-Friday, Oct 20-24  Monday-Friday

*Note: these dates/schedules are subject to change. Some dates will differ from the regular schedule due to the availability of specialized instructors and equipment

ACCREDITATION: New certification or expired certification

PREREQUISITE:  18 years of age (Participant must be certified in Standard First Aid with CPR level C) before the course start date.

COURSE CONTENT:

• Core Knowledge and Skills according to the National Occupational Competency Profile
• BLS CPR as well as additional airway management, oxygen therapy, AED
• Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, and Pathophysiology
• Safe Work Environment including PPE, WHMIS, occupational hazards
• Leadership and communication
• Primary and Secondary Surveys
• Vitals and history taking
• Assess and care for illnesses and injuries
• Pharmacology and medication administration
• Penthrox and Narcan Training
• New 2023 Scope of Practice

CPR/AED:
Course on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) Level C covers all aspects of CPR skills to recognize and respond to cardiovascular emergencies and choking confidently. It teaches theory for adults, children and infants, including two-rescuer CPR skills. Courses meet legislation requirements for provincial/territorial worker safety and insurance boards and include the latest CPR guidelines and training in using an automated external defibrillator (AED). 

MATERIALS INCLUDED:

• Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders Reference Text (digital)
• Digital EMR Workbook
• Pocket Mask
• Safety Glasses

REQUIREMENTS:

• Successfully demonstrate skills and critical steps
• A minimum score of 75% on written knowledge evaluation
• Complete two evaluated scenarios (one each, medical and trauma)
• Attend and participate in 100% of the course

ASSESSMENTS:

Successful completion of the course is based on the following:

• Mandatory 100% attendance
• 8 short written assessments conducted throughout the course
• 2 practical assessment scenarios completed on day 10, or within 30 days of course completion

COURSE EXPECTATIONS:

• 100% attendance is mandatory. Lateness will not be tolerated.
• Completion of approx. 40 hours of pre-reading materials before the first day of class. We will give you access to the materials upon sign-up for the course.
• Respect - for each other, the instructor, the facility, and the equipment.
• Professionalism - you are expected to demonstrate the same level of professionalism as would be expected of any EMS personnel.
• All assignments, skills and exams must completed on time, scoring at least 75% on all components.
• Student must complete the licensing requirements with the BC EMA Licensing Board within 1 year of EMR course completion.

If you are a BCEHS employee receiving funding for the course, please email us so we can get approval for funding. Include your full name and BCEHS ID#. 

CERTIFICATION:

Successful participants will receive a three year Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder with Basic Life Support (formerly CPR-HCP) certification. This certification is recognized by the Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC) and the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB), and qualifies the holder to take the provincial EMR licensing exam in British Columbia.

All successful candidates wanting to work as an EMR in the BC province must register with the governing body - the BC EMA Licensing Board, within one year of course completion.

Canadian Red Cross certificates are now virtual! You will receive a permanent virtual certificate, which will be emailed to you after you've completed the course. You can view your manual and certification online anytime through your MyRedCross account. Certification is valid for 3 years.