Intermediate First Aid in BC: What the Course Covers and Who Needs It

If you are in charge of first aid in a medium or large business or if you want to become a first-responder person for your colleagues, you have surely heard of Intermediate First Aid. This program is the updated version of Occupational First Aid Level 2 (OFA Level 2) introduced by WorkSafeBC and required by many organizations and businesses involving a certain level of danger.

This post explains what Intermediate First Aid training involves, who should take it, and what to expect from start to certificate.

What Is Intermediate First Aid?

Intermediate First Aid (previously OFA level 2) is a 2-day or 16-hour in-class training for first aid attendants working in medium to large organizations in an environment with a moderate to high risk of hazards. The program takes trainees beyond the basics of first aid and teaches them to handle more advanced medical support scenarios such as severe injury management and multiple casualty response. The course is only available in a classroom setting as most of the content is taught through hands-on activities. There is no online option because some of the activities require learners to be present in the same room.

Who Should Take This Course?

It’s required for first aid attendants in medium to large workplaces with moderate to high hazard ratings.

It’s also recommended for:

• Workers who assist advanced first aid attendants

• First aid attendants who may need to help injured children or infants

Industries that often ask for this certificate include construction, manufacturing and other settings where physical labour carries moderate risk. No prior experience is needed, so beginners are welcome.

What You’ll Learn

The curriculum covers a wide range of workplace emergencies and the responsibilities that come with being an attendant. Highlights include:

• Role and duties: The responsibilities of a first aider and the specific duties of a BC workplace first aid attendant, including completing the BC Workplace First Aid Record

• Emergency scene management: Taking control of a scene safely and effectively

• CPR Level C and AED: Including two-rescuer CPR

• Serious injuries: Severe bleeding and amputations, chest and abdominal injuries, head and spinal injury management, and bone and joint injuries

• Medical emergencies: Shock and fainting, poisoning and other medical conditions

• Multiple casualty management: Prioritizing care when more than one person is hurt

• Other injuries and conditions: Burns, eye injuries, dental emergencies, wound care, sprains and strains, and environmental emergencies

• Rescue carries and secondary survey: Moving and assessing patients properly

• Opioid poisoning response: Using naloxone nasal spray

• Mental health awareness

Because workplaces have changed, the opioid response and mental health components make the course more relevant than ever.

How the Course Works

The two days run eight hours each, with short coffee breaks and a lunch break. A few practical points to plan for:

• Arrive early. Late arrivals aren’t accepted, and you should be in class at least 15 minutes before the start time to complete paperwork.

• Attend the full course. You can’t leave early or step out and return, because certification requires completing all of the training.

• Bring photo ID. One piece of government-issued photo ID is needed to receive your certificate.

• Pass the exam. The exam has 66 questions, and you need 70% to pass.

Certification: What You Get

Complete the course and pass the exam, and you get a BC certificate valid for three years. The training complies with CSA Z1210-17, Canada Labour Code, and ILCOR standards and is approved by WorkSafeBC. Moreover, the course meets the requirements of the British Columbia Ministry of Health for residential care and childcare facilities.

Two things to keep in mind:

• The certificate is valid in British Columbia only. WorkSafeBC designs and approves the course for BC.

• There’s no renewal course. When your certificate expires, you retake the full course or an equivalent.

Red Cross Standard First Aid as an Equivalent

Since March 2025, Canadian Red Cross Standard First Aid is recognized as equivalent to WorkSafeBC Intermediate First Aid. If an in-class option appeals to you, Mainland Safety also offers the Red Cross course in a blended learning format, consisting of 8 hours online and 8 hours in class, allowing you to complete the in-class portion in a single day. You can check the list of accepted certificates on the WorksafeBC website.

Training a Whole Team?

Employers don’t have to send people out one at a time. Groups of 3 to 18 can arrange on-site training at their own jobsite by emailing info@mainlandsafety.ca or calling 604-617-0211. It’s a convenient way to certify a crew while keeping everyone on the same standard.

Tips for Choosing the Right First Aid Level

• Start with your workplace’s requirements. Hazard rating and number of workers determine what level of first aid coverage you need.

• Consider your role. If you’ll be the designated attendant, check what level your employer needs.

• Think about the future. If you might move into higher-risk work, you may eventually need Advanced First Aid.

Register with Mainland Safety

Mainland Safety Training is an authorized Worksafebc and Canadian Red Cross training provider, with classes available in Surrey as well as throughout BC. Our instructors make sure the training is simple to understand and interactive, leaving you prepared to act confidently.

Ready to sign up? Visit our Intermediate First Aid training page to see upcoming dates, or call 604-617-0211 to register.