By Taylor Chartrand

Blended online certification available for First Aid and CPR

Feb 1, 2019 | 11:16 AM

Medicine Hat, AB – St. John Ambulance has announced the launch of their online certificate program for Standard First Aid with CPR as of today (February 1st).

The program was developed to provide greater flexibility in access and learning options for Albertans across the province.

“We know that a lot of people like to learn at their own pace,” said St. John Ambulance Vice-President of Public Relations Kim Laing. “To refer to videos and documentation whenever they’d like, we know that this is a preference that a lot of people or employers have.”

Here in Alberta, St. John Ambulance certifies approximately 140,000 people in first aid alone.

The online portion is said to be interactive, engaging, competency-based and has been approved by Alberta OHS for workplace First Aid certification.

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So, what has changed?

Well, students will now complete the online course components at their own pace, then register for the one day, in-class component to complete the certification process.

“As for the new program, they have the option to go online and watch videos, read and then be ready to come in. When they arrive for the second-day of their training, there will be an instructor in the classroom, which they’ll go over the skills, practice those skills and then write the written exam.”

After launching the pilot program, Laing said the feedback has been positive thus-far.

“What we’ve found is those who have taken the blended program, when they walk away from the classroom portion, they actually feel more confident in their skills because there’s more emphasis on actually getting on the floor to test those skills.”

Before the switch, those looking to be certified had to complete a two day in-class course. The two-day classroom session will still be available for those who prefer the traditional in-class learning.

After completing the online portion, a person has 90-days to complete the in-class session.

The in-class portion is offered at all St. John Ambulance’s seven Training and Community Service Centres located throughout Alberta, one of which is right here in Medicine Hat.