Basic First Aid Training in Surrey: What to Expect from the WorkSafeBC Course (Formerly OFA Level 1)

If you went looking for “OFA Level 1 in Surrey”, you should know that you are in the right place, with one minor exception. WorkSafeBC has rebranded Occupational First Aid Level 1 to Basic First Aid. The course itself, as well as the certification and its workplace applicability, remains the same. What has changed is the name of the program.

This article will tell you all about the course, what it entails, and how to sign up for it, whether your employer requires it, you need it for a new job, or for your own peace of mind.

What Is Basic First Aid (OFA Level 1)?

Basic First Aid is an 8-hour Worksafebc approved workplace program that provides the essential skills and knowledge for managing common worksite injuries and medical emergencies until the arrival of emergency assistance. This course is appropriate for all levels of experience and does not require any prior first-aid training. The minimum age for participation is 16 years. Mainland Safety Training company has been providing first aid training in Surrey for more than ten years. The company’s instructors are qualified and experienced in the field and believe in practical learning and real-world application of first aid skills.

What You’ll Learn

Basic first aid skills

• CPR and AED for adults and children

• Choking relief for adults, children and infants

• Recognizing and managing common injuries, such as cuts, bruises and fractures

• Wound care, including cleaning and dressing

• Managing sprains, strains and other minor injuries

Emergency response

• Assessing the scene and keeping it safe

• Communicating effectively with emergency services

• The ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation

• Handling bleeding and shock

• The recovery position and safe transport of injured people

Workplace safety

• The role and responsibilities of a first aider

• What belongs in a workplace first aid kit, and how to use it

• Legal and regulatory requirements for workplace first aid in BC

Course Format, Exam and Certification

• Length: 8 hours total (about 7 hours of instruction, with two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch)

• Exam: 25 questions, with a 70% pass mark

• Certificate: Valid in British Columbia for 3 years

• Delivery: In person only, taught in English. Punjabi and Mandarin sections are also listed on the schedule.

You must attend the full 8 hours to be certified, so arrive about 15 minutes early for paperwork. Late arrivals aren’t accepted.

What to Bring

Bring yourself and one piece of government-issued photo ID. You can decline to show ID, but you won’t receive a certificate.

Training at Your Workplace

Mainland Safety offers on-site training for groups of 3 to 18 people. It’s a practical way to certify a whole team without sending staff offsite. Email info@mainlandsafety.ca or call 604-617-0211 to request a quote.

Equivalent Certificates

WorkSafeBC accepts multiple first aid certificates as equivalent to Basic First Aid. These include the Canadian Red Cross Emergency First Aid program since March 2025. Mainland Safety also offers a blended Red Cross program (4 hours online and 4 hours in the classroom). In either case, it’s always best to check the WorkSafeBC “Certificates accepted in B.C.” page for your specific requirements.

Cost and Cancellation

Course fees are listed on the registration page, plus 5% GST. You can cancel or reschedule up to 5 business days before the course. Refunds carry an administrative fee of 5% of the course’s face value, and missed classes aren’t refundable.

Upcoming Classes

Lessons are held in Surrey and Guildford, with more classes in Langley, Abbotsford, Richmond, Vancouver, Port Coquitlam and Chilliwack. Weekdays, weekends and Punjabi-language dates are available. All lessons begin at 8:30 a.m. Some dates sell out fast, so we recommend signing up early.

Mainland Safety Training Company
9547 – 152nd St., Suite B105, Surrey, BC V3R 5Y5
📞 604-617-0211 | ✉️ info@mainlandsafety.ca

Ready to get certified? Call 604-617-0211 or register online today.