This course used to be called Emergency First Aid. It became Basic First Aid on June 22, 2026. If you hold an Emergency First Aid certification, it will still be valid for 36 months from your certification date.
Basic First Aid is for people who want a general knowledge of first aid principles and the emergency treatment of injuries. The course includes scene and primary assessment, CPR-C, AED use, breathing emergencies, circulatory emergencies and the treatment of wounds. It is recognized by Ontario's Workplace Safety & Insurance Board.
The first aid program is not restricted to aquatic candidates. You can use the Lifesaving Society's first aid awards to train non-aquatic staff (camp, playground, maintenance, etc.) and the general public.
Prerequisite: None.
Instruction & certification: Current First Aid Instructors certified after June 22, 2026, teach candidates. Or Current Standard First Aid Instructors who are 18 years of age or older and have successfully completed the First Aid Update Course may also teach.
Current First Aid Examiner certified after June 22, 2026 certify candidates. Or Current Standard First Aid Examiners who are 18 years of age or older and have successfully completed the First Aid Update Course may certify candidates.
Note: Examiners must be present throughout the entire course for continuous evaluation.
After June 22, upon recertification of leadership awards, “Standard” will be removed from all First Aid Instructor and Examiner award titles.
Candidate recognition: Certification card.
Required reference material: Canadian First Aid Manual. (Note that some affiliates provide materials to candidates, and some require candidates to purchase materials on their own. Double check before you purchase.)
Recertification: There is no recertification for Basic First Aid. To remain current, candidates retake the full course
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at-a-glance
- Through practical activities wherever possible, demonstrate an understanding of the principles of first aid.
- Demonstrate an understanding of workplace legislation and principles related to the competencies of a workplace first aider.
- Through practical activities wherever possible, demonstrate an understanding of workplace safety and self-protection practices for the workplace first aider.
- Through practical activities wherever possible, demonstrate an understanding of effective communication during first aid emergencies.
- Demonstrate assessment principles and procedures for the scene and ill or injured person in a first aid incident.
- Demonstrate the recognition and care of a person who is unconscious.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the principles of transporting ill or injured persons.
- a. Demonstrate an understanding of the recognition of and care for shock.
b. Demonstrate an understanding of the recognition of and care for a stroke.
c. Demonstrate the recognition and care of a person suffering a heart attack or angina.
- a. Demonstrate one-rescuer adult, child and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a manikin and how to use an AED.
b. Demonstrate two-rescuer adult, child and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a manikin and how to use an AED.
- a. Simulate the treatment of:
• a conscious adult, child and infant with an obstructed airway
• complications: a pregnant person and someone who is obese
b. Simulate the treatment of an unconscious adult, child and infant with an obstructed airway
First Aid Prerequisites
When a first aid certification from an agency other than the Lifesaving Society is used as a prerequisite for a Lifesaving Society award, a photocopy of the certification card must accompany the Lifesaving Society test sheets. The Society will not issue awards if this proof of prerequisite is missing.
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For prerequisite purposes, the Lifesaving Society accepts Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid certifications provided by training agencies approved by the Ontario Ministry of Labour or the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care. Here is the list of approved agencies.