If you clicked on this blog post you’re probably wondering how to obtain your WSIB-approved First Aid and CPR certificate for your Ontario Security Guard Licence. To be clear, obtaining an Ontario Security Guard Licence involves more than just training in safety and critical defensive tactics. An important part of the process is meeting the First Aid and CPR certification requirements. This guide will break down exactly what you need to know about First Aid and CPR training when pursuing your Ontario Security Guard Licence.
Now let’s jump into some important information you should know when obtaining your First Aid and CPR Certification.
Types of First Aid Certifications
When pursuing an Ontario Security Guard Licence, it’s essential to have the right type of First Aid and CPR certification. We recommend obtaining either a WSIB-approved Emergency or Standard First Aid and CPR Level A or C certification. More advanced First Aid and CPR certifications like the First Responder Certificate will be accepted as well. Find more information on the different types of First Aid and CPR Courses (HERE). It’s important to note that certifications focused solely on Basic Life Support (BLS) or CPR won’t meet the requirements for an Ontario Security Guard Licence. While Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR are critical components of first aid, they alone are not sufficient to fulfill the licencing requirements.
Make sure you are enrolling in courses that provide comprehensive first aid training beyond just CPR and Basic Life Support (BLS).
Blended Learning Options
If you prefer flexibility in how you complete your certification, blended learning may be a good option. This is a great option for aspiring guards with busy schedules to complete their in-person First Aid and CPR Training in a shorter time period. Blended learning combines online coursework with in-person training. While the online portion may provide convenience, the in-person session is where you’ll receive hands-on experience, which is a crucial aspect of security guard training. (Blended Emergency First Aid and CPR Certifications will consist of 4 hours of online coursework which you must complete before the 4 hour in-person training session).
To meet the requirements, you must complete both the online and in-person portions of the course. Skipping the in-person component will result in an incomplete certification, which won’t be accepted when applying for your Training Completion Number which leads to your Ontario Security Guard Licence.
In short, ensure you complete both online and in-person training courses to get your Final FIrst Aid and CPR Certificate that will be accepted for your Ontario Security Guard Licence.
Avoid Online-Only Providers
A common mistake applicants make is obtaining a first aid certification from online-only providers. Providers such as National CPR Foundation, SimpleCPR, or ProTrainings do not meet the requirements for an Ontario Security Guard Licence. Security guard regulations require hands-on First Aid and CPR training, and online-only courses don’t provide the practical, in-person training necessary to be fully certified.
We recommend going through the list of WSIB-approved providers to find an accepted provider near your location. Keep in mind, Red Cross Training Providers and The St. Johns Ambulance are accepted by the WSIB and for your Ontario Security Guard Licence.
Always ensure your first aid certification includes an in-person component.
No Out-of-Country Certifications
Another important point to keep in mind is that First Aid and CPR Certifications obtained outside of Canada are not accepted. The Ontario Security Guard Licence has specific guidelines that require certifications to be from recognized Canadian providers. For example, if you have a Red Cross First Aid and CPR Certificate from any province in Canada your certificate should be accepted for your Ontario Security Guard Licence. However, if you have a First Aid and CPR Certificate from outside of Canada that will not be accepted for your Ontario Security Guard Licence.
Make sure your First Aid and CPR Certificate was completed in Canada, and verify that the provider is approved by WSIB, Red Cross, or St. John Ambulance to avoid any issues.
Key Takeaways
To successfully meet the first aid requirements for your Ontario Security Guard Licence, follow these guidelines:
- Obtain either a WSIB-approved Emergency or Standard First Aid and CPR Level A or C certification. (Certifications more advanced than the certificates mentioned will also be accepted).
- Avoid online-only courses that don’t offer hands-on training.
- Consider blended learning, but ensure you complete both the online and in-person components.
- Choose a local approved provider to ensure your certification is recognized as Out-of-Country Certifications are not accepted.
By following these steps, you’ll not only meet the first aid requirements but also be well-prepared for the responsibilities of a security role.
Meeting these guidelines ensures that your First Aid and CPR training is recognized and that you’re fully equipped to handle emergency situations in your future career as an Ontario Security Guard.Not yet a licensed Security Guard in Ontario? Start your online training today by making an account on our website if you are currently eligible to work in Canada. We are a licenced security guard training organization in Ontario. You can confirm on the Ministry’s website directly.