Day 1 of the Intermediate First Aid Course: What Actually Happens

The first day of the Intermediate First Aid course is the busiest and the one that builds the foundation for everything else. Here is what actually happens, broken into blocks.

8:00 AM, Registration

Photo ID check, student workbook, seat selection. Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early.

8:15 AM, Course overview

The instructor (an active paramedic at Mainland Safety Training) walks through what day one and day two look like, including the final WorkSafeBC scenario exam.

9:00 AM, Scene assessment and primary survey

The most important skill in the course. You learn how to approach a scene safely and identify life-threats in the first 30 seconds. See our scene safety guide.

10:30 AM, CPR and AED

Hands-on practice on mannequins. Compression rate, depth, recoil, and two-rescuer switching. Read our CPR basics and AED guide before class for a head start.

12:00 PM, Lunch

12:45 PM, Airway management and oxygen therapy

Head-tilt chin-lift, recovery position, OPA and NPA adjuncts, oxygen flow rates and BVM ventilation. Our airway management guide and oxygen therapy explainer cover these in detail.

2:15 PM, Shock, bleeding, wound care

Direct pressure, wound packing, tourniquets. Shock recognition, treatment priorities.

3:45 PM, Break and linked scenarios

Where the instructor strings skills together into continuous mini-scenarios.

4:30 PM, Debrief, preview day 2

5:00 PM, Dismissal

Day 2 covers spinal, fractures, medical emergencies, patient packaging and the practical exam. Our supply list has everything else you need to show up ready.

About this site: IntermediateFirstAidTraining.ca is operated by Mainland Safety Training, a WorkSafeBC and Canadian Red Cross authorized provider. Our OFA Level 2 Intermediate First Aid course is delivered across Surrey, Vancouver, Burnaby, Langley, Richmond, Delta, Coquitlam, Abbotsford, Kelowna and Victoria.