Q: What is the difference between Western Canada Fire & First Aid's forklift certification and forklift training courses?

A: The forklift operator certification course is designed for operators who have 30+ hours of experience on the forklift and is a 1 day certification course. The forklift operator training course is designed for people with little or no experience. Forklift operator training allows for extra practical time on the machine to ensure that the participant can safely operate the forklift. Participants for both classes will leave with a certificate that is valid for 3 years upon successful completion. Please see the forklift operator certification and forklift operator training web pages for more information.

Q: What is OSSA? What courses does OSSA offer?

OSSA stands for the Oil Sands Safety Association. OSSA has certified the following courses: Fall protection, confined space awareness, aerial work platform, fire watch and the regional orientation program. Western Canada Fire & First Aid only offers OSSA certified fall protection (with the intent of offering more in the future). Please visit the OSSA website to learn more. 

Q: Do you teach the Red Cross/St. Johns Ambulance First Aid Course?

No we teach a First Aid course that we developed.  We are included in the list of Alberta Government - Human Resources and Employment Workplace Health & Safety Approved First Aid Agencies for both Standard and Emergency First Aid.

Q: Do you offer any train the trainer courses?

At this time we do not offer any train the trainer services, we feel that there is too high a risk that quality of instruction can be diluted.  We do provide custom course development services for clients which can include teaching supervisors and evaluators who would be able to train and monitor new operators.

Q: Does Western Canada Fire & First Aid have any offices outside of Edmonton?

At this time we do not have any other offices.  We are currently looking into expansion and we have the capability to travel in order to meet the training and consulting needs of our clients.

Q: Do your First Aid courses include AED training? (Automated External Defibulator)

Yes all of our First Aid courses include AED training.  We have several models available and we can modify our instruction to orient students to whatever brand of AED that our clients have.

Q: Do I need to take Standard or Emergency First Aid?

This is dependent on your employer’s or work sight requirements.  If can’t get clarity from your employer or if you are looking for employment we recommend that you take the Standard First Aid course to ensure that you are not limited in any way.

Q: Do I qualify to take the Standard First Aid Recertification course?

If you have an unexpired Standard First Aid certificate you can take the one day Recertification course, you must show the instructor your current card.  NOTE: You cannot recertify if your current Standard First Aid certificate is a Recertification.

Q: Can I take your Standard First Aid Recertification course if I received my current certification from another organization?

Yes, if your current certification came from an organization that is listed on the Alberta Government - Human Resources and Employment Workplace Health & Safety Approved First Aid Agencies you can take our Recertification course.

Q: How long are your certificates valid for?

All of our certificates are valid for 3 years with two exceptions.  Health Care Provider CPR is valid for 1 year and fit tests are valid for two years unless there are significant facial changes.

Q: Is a driver’s license required to take a Powered Mobile Equipment course?

We do not require students to have a drivers’ license.  Prospective students should be aware that companies can make it a policy that anyone operating their equipment or equipment on their site must have a drivers’ license.