What’s the Difference Between Standard First Aid, Emergency First Aid, and CPR?

If you’re looking into first aid certification for work in British Columbia, you’ve probably come across several different names for courses — including Emergency First Aid, Standard First Aid, Intermediate First Aid, Level 1, and Level 2.

It can definitely get confusing.

At Provincial First Aid, one of the most common questions we hear is:

“What course do I actually need?”

Here’s a breakdown of the differences between CPR, Emergency First Aid, Standard First Aid, and the updated WorkSafeBC terminology.

Understanding the Name Changes

Over the years, WorkSafeBC updated the naming system for workplace first aid courses.

Many people still use the older names:

• Level 1 First Aid

• Level 2 First Aid

• Occupational First Aid (OFA)

But today, you’ll more commonly hear:

• Emergency First Aid

• Standard First Aid / Intermediate First Aid

• CPR & AED

Because both naming systems are still widely used in workplaces across BC, it’s important to understand how they relate to each other.

Emergency First Aid (Previously Level 1)

Emergency First Aid (EFA) is the most basic workplace first aid certification and is commonly associated with what many people still call Level 1 First Aid.

This course teaches participants how to:

• Recognize emergencies

• Respond safely to incidents

• Perform CPR

• Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator)

• Treat common injuries and illnesses

Emergency First Aid Is Ideal For:

• Offices

• Retail workplaces

• Teachers and childcare staff

• Fitness instructors

• Coaches

• Parents and caregivers

• Low-risk job sites

Course Topics Include:

• CPR and AED training

• Choking emergencies

• Bleeding control

• Shock

• Burns and minor injuries

• Emergency scene management

Emergency First Aid is typically completed in one day and is designed for lower-risk environments.

Standard First Aid / Intermediate First Aid (Previously Level 2)

Standard First Aid (SFA) — now often referred to as Intermediate First Aid in workplace settings — is a more advanced course that provides broader emergency response training.

Many workers still know this certification as Level 2 First Aid.

This course includes everything taught in Emergency First Aid, plus:

• Head and spinal injuries

• Bone, muscle, and joint injuries

• Medical emergencies

• Environmental emergencies

• Secondary patient assessments

• Ongoing patient monitoring

Standard / Intermediate First Aid Is Commonly Required For:

• Construction workers

• Industrial job sites

• Manufacturing

• Oil and gas

• Forestry

• Security personnel

• Higher-risk workplaces

Course Topics Include:

• CPR & AED certification

• Advanced injury management

• Stroke and seizure response

• Chest injuries

• Diabetes emergencies

• Poisoning

• Transportation considerations

• Workplace incident response

Standard / Intermediate First Aid is generally a two-day course and provides more in-depth hands-on training.

What About CPR Training?

CPR courses focus specifically on life-threatening breathing and cardiac emergencies.

Unlike full first aid courses, CPR-only certification does not cover broader injury care or medical emergencies.

CPR training teaches participants how to:

• Perform chest compressions

• Provide rescue breaths

• Use an AED

• Respond to choking emergencies

Common CPR Levels

CPR A

• Adult CPR only

CPR C

• Adult, child, and infant CPR

• Most common workplace requirement

CPR BLS (Basic Life Support)

• Healthcare-level CPR

• Designed for nurses, healthcare workers, and first responders

Many Emergency and Standard First Aid courses already include CPR certification as part of the program.

Which Course Do You Need?

The right certification depends on your workplace requirements and industry.

You May Need Emergency First Aid (Level 1) If:

• You work in a low-risk environment

• Your employer requires basic first aid certification

• You want foundational emergency response skills

You May Need Standard / Intermediate First Aid (Level 2) If:

• You work in higher-risk industries

• Your workplace requires more advanced training

• You are responsible for workplace emergency response

You May Only Need CPR If:

• Your employer specifically requests CPR certification

• You work in healthcare support roles

• You want training focused on cardiac emergencies

If you’re unsure which course you need, the team at Provincial Fire & Safety Training Ltd. can help you determine the right certification for your job or workplace.

How Long Are Certifications Valid?

Most first aid certifications in British Columbia are valid for:

• 3 years for Emergency First Aid

• 3 years for Standard / Intermediate First Aid

• CPR renewal requirements may vary depending on your employer or industry

Some workplaces may require recertification sooner depending on company policy.

Why First Aid Training Matters

Emergencies can happen anywhere — on job sites, in offices, at home, or in public spaces.

Proper first aid training helps people:

• Respond quickly and confidently

• Reduce the severity of injuries

• Support workplace safety

• Meet WorkSafeBC requirements

• Potentially save lives before EMS arrives

Having trained employees can make a major difference during critical situations.

Train With Provincial First Aid

Provincial First Aid provides professional workplace safety and first aid training across British Columbia.

We offer:

• Emergency First Aid (Level 1)

• Standard / Intermediate First Aid (Level 2)

• CPR & AED Training

• Recertifications

• Group and onsite workplace training

• Occupational safety courses

Our experienced instructors focus on practical, hands-on learning that prepares students for real-world emergencies and workplace requirements.

Contact Provincial Fire & Safety today to register for your next first aid course or renewal.