FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. Are masks required to be worn during First Aid,CPR or AED sessions?
A. Although masking is no longer mandatory in Ontario,it is recommended that indivduals wear a mask while is a group setting indoors.
Q. What is Self Direced Learning for CPR/AED?
A. Self directed, Blended or Hybrid learning methods enable the student to complete the cognitive learning at their own pace. It includes cognitive learning with online written testing. It is a self-paced approach for indivudal knowledge acquisiition and assessment. Hands - on skill practice and assessment will take place with a HeartSafe EMS Instructor at your location..
Q. When will I receive the web links and online written test to complete the pre-course components for the self directed learning modules required for the course, where I am registered with my organization?
A. You will receive the web links to start your program, from your course organizer, 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled in class practical portion.
Q. How long it my Standard First Aid & CPR valid?
A. Standard First Aid is valid for three years from the date of certification, this is a minimum standard. You can renew this certificate at the same level by completing a one day program within the three years. You can only complete one renewal program and then you must complete the full two day program again three years later. You cannot complete two renewal programs in a row. This regulation applies to the designated Workplace First Aid Attendant. You may require renewals more often if you are in healthcare, childcare, aquatics, recreation or deal with the general public.
Q. How often must I renew my CPR?
A. CPR is an annual renewal for healthcare, childcare, aquatics, recreation and the general public. Based on the consensus from the Canadian national CPR Guidelines (2020),most industries in Canada require annual CPR training. CPR and choking procedures should be renewed every year in an environment where the risks of an accident are higher such as nursing homes, long term care facilities, childcare, hospitality and recreation. The designated Workplace First Aid Attendant must renew their CPR every three years, minimum, along with their Standard First Aid.
Refresher/Renewal(s) Certificates are recognized for a period of:
• 1 year for CPR & AED
• 3 years for Standard & Emergency First Aid
• 2 years for Childcare & Basic First Aid
Q. Can I order an new card if I lose or misplace my original?
A. Yes a new card can be issued provided it is a still valid and has not expired. We do not issue certification cards that have expired. For a replacement certifications card click here.
Q. What is an AED
A. The acronym AED stands for an automatic external defibrillator. An AED is a specialized device which is used to detect an abnormal life threatening heart rhythm, during a sudden cardiac arrest and then provide a shock to restore the heart rhythm back to normal.
Q. Is a heart attack and a sudden cardiac arrest the same thing?
A. No, a heart attack is a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries on the surface of the heart. This blockage decrease blood flow to the heart muscle but the person may be conscious and alert. They may complain of things like chest pain, pressure or discomfort and feel unwell. A sudden cardiac can be caused by a variety of underlying problems and the person experiences unconsciousness suddenly and stops breathing normally. Immediate treatment is required to prevent sudden death.
Q. Can I use an AED on myself?
A. No. You cannot use a defibrillator on yourself. Victims of sudden cardiac arrest are unconscious and not breathing or not breathing normally.
Q. Can an AED be used on a person with a pacemaker or ICD?
A. Yes. It is all right to use an AED on a person with an implanted device such as a pacemaker or ICD, but do not place the pads directly over the implant. You can tell where an implant is located by a lump in the skin and a scar.
Q. Can an AED be used on children?
A. Yes. The AED can be used on adults, infants and children.
Q. What is PPE?
A. Personal protective equipment (PPE) refers to any piece of equipment that is designed to protect the user from an occupational health and safety hazard. For example, certain types of masks designed to help protect your nose and mouth from dangerous gases, debris or disease are considered PPE.
Q. Is PPE designed to protect me from a specific disease?
A. Depending on the piece of equipment, PPE is designed for general protection and cannot guarantee full protection from a specific disease.
Q. Can I reuse PPE?
A. Most PPE is designed for single use by one person before disposal. For PPE that is designed to be reused, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly clean and disinfect the equipment between uses.
Q. Should I wash PPE?
A. Disposable PPE should not be washed. It is designed for a single use by one person. Washing disposable PPE can damage the equipment and may cause it to lose its effectiveness.
Q. Can I share PPE with other people?
A. It is not advised to share PPE with other people, especially disposable PPE. These should only be used one time by one person. Sharing a single-use disposable PPE with someone else may expose that person to hazardous materials. It is advised to remove PPE after use and dispose of it safely.
Q. What is CPR?
A. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an emergency lifesaving technique designed to try to restore someone’s breathing or heartbeat if they have gone into cardiac arrest. The technique includes chest compressions and rescue breaths.
Q. How long is my Standard First Aid & CPR certification valid?
A. Your Standard First Aid certificate is valid for three years from the date of certification. You can renew this certificate by completing a one-day training course within three years of your initial date of certification. Please note that you cannot complete two renewal programs in a row. If you’d like to be recertified again, you must complete another full two-day program within three years.
Q. What is an automated external defibrillator (AED)?
A. An automated external defibrillator (AED) is a device used to detect an abnormal life-threatening heart rhythm in someone who has suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. The AED will provide a shock to the victim in order to restore their normal heart rhythm.
Q. What is an N95 mask?
A. An N95 mask, also known as an N95 respirator, is a face-covering that meets the U.S. National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) N95 classification. It covers the nose and mouth and filters at least 95% of airborne particles.
Q. What's the difference between a cloth mask and an N95 mask?
A. A cloth mask is not considered PPE and is intended to be cleaned and reused regularly. N95 masks, on the other hand, are considered PPE and should usually only be worn one time by one person before disposal.
Q. I misplaced my certification card. Can I order a new one?
A. Yes, we can issue you a new card as long as it is still valid. We do not issue certification cards that have expired. To request a replacement certification card, please complete the “Replacement Card Order Form” and mail it to us at the address indicated on the form. You can download and print the form here.
Q. Where can I go to learn more about occupational health and safety?
A. To learn more about occupational health and safety, including information on the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA), please visit the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development website.
Q. When will I receive the web links and test to complete the pre-course First Aid or CPR components required for the course, where I am registered with my organization?
A. You will receive the web links to start your First aid & CPR program, from you course organizer, 3-4 weeks prior to the in class practical portion.
