Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder
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| Event | Venue | Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Responder – Full & Recertification | Vancouver Island Office – 605 Discovery Street |
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Register |

What is the Emergency Medical Responder Course?
The Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program provides the knowledge and skills necessary in an emergency to help sustain life, reduce pain, and minimize the consequences of injury or sudden illness in a pre-hospital setting. This program is for those providing emergency response; these may include firefighters, law-enforcement officers, workplace responders, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel. Includes CPR level BLS.
This course is approximately 80-92 hours, with additional training and preparation available if the participant wants to obtain EMR licensing.
Canadian Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder has been approved by the B.C. Emergency Medical Attendant Licensing Board (EMALB) for EMR licensing. This course includes Basic Life Support level CPR, AED, and Spinal Management.
This course includes all current Schedule 1 & 2 scope expansion requirements; so when you go for your licensing, we will send in all your extra credentials to be added onto your License.
Intention
Course participants are trained to lead pre-hospital care of injured workers prior to arrival of higher level of care:
- Increased expertise in diagnostics and intervention approaches to patient care
- Effective interaction between attendants, employers and workers
- Efficient co-operation with higher levels of medical care, such as the BC Ambulance Service and hospital emergency personnel
- Preparation and certification for application to EMALB and BC Ambulance




Who Should take this Course?
This course is the highest level of first aid training currently taught in Canada. This course is designed for:
- Individuals applying for Paramedical training (PCP)
- Firefighters or individuals applying to become one
- Individuals who wish to challenge their Advanced First Aid capabilities
- Individuals who wish to work in remote situations
- Individuals who live or stay more than 60 minutes from a hospital or urgent care centre
- Small community first responders
Prerequisites
Participants will be required to have, at minimum, a certification in Standard First Aid with CPR C. Students will also benefit from taking a Basic Life Support (CPR-BLS) course prior to the first day of class.
There are many technical concepts and an expectation of a higher level of care within the course, having these fundamental skills before this program will greatly enhance the experience and your learning outcome.
Course content:
- The Professional Responder
- Responding to the Call
- Preventing Disease Transmission
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Scene Assessment
- Primary Assessment
- Secondary Assessment
- Ongoing Assessment
- Airway Management
- Respiratory Emergencies
- Circulatory Emergencies
- CPR-BLS (Adult/Child/Infant)
- Neonatal CPR
- Shock
- Major Bleeds
- Soft Tissue Trauma
- Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Chest, Abdominal and Pelvic Injuries
- Head and Spinal Injuries
- Acute and Chronic Illnesses
- Poisoning
- Environmental Illnesses
- Pregnancy, Labour and Delivery
- Special Populations and Crisis Intervention
- Reaching, Lifting, Extrication and Transport
- Multiple Casualty Incidents
- Pharmacology https://handbook.bcehs.ca/drug-monographs/

What you will Receive with this Course
- A Canadian Red Cross certificate in Emergency Medical Responder – valid for 3 years
- A Canadian Red Cross certificate in Basic Life Support – valid for 1 year
- You will be issued a temporary 30 certificate immediately on completion of the course
- Your official certification will be sent via email link within 30 days after your course completion
- A paper version of the Professional Responder Training Manual
- A CPR pocket mask
What you get During Instruction
- A large classroom but small class size
- Attentive and experienced instructor care
- More realistic simulations with extra props and real tools
- Spaces to relax before, during breaks, and after your class
- Free WiFi and electronic charging stations
- Free coffee and tea during all open hours of the site
- A selection of snacks and treats for a small donation
Certification
Upon completion of all components of the Emergency Medical Responder course, students will obtain a certification in Emergency Medical Responder (3-year certification) and Basic Life Support (1-year certification). This gives you the training and skills to work in challenging situations, or to apply for licensing through EMALB.
Recertification
When your certification is nearing its date of expiration (recommended 3 months prior), all ticket holders are welcome to attend a recertification program. This option is a 40 hour (joining week 2) program designed to refresh skills and update the student with any changes in programing standards since their last ticket.
This recertification course will often run on week 2 of the full program. If there is a full course running, an option for recertification will be attached.
The added benefit to recertification, not just time savings but significantly less cost. However, you will still be required to attend all 5 days, show full participation, and pass the required written and practical examinations for recertification.
Please note: In order to qualify for the recertification program the individual must attend the first day of class prior to their ticket expiring. Should the certificate holder have an expired ticket, the recertification option is no longer available and the student must retake the program in full.

Why Train with Be Prepared First Aid?
Be Prepared First Aid Vancouver Island provides professional, practical, and student-focused first aid training. Our instructors bring real-world emergency response experience into the classroom and help students build confidence before they are needed in an actual emergency.
- 20+ years of proven training and first aid experience
- Hands-on practical learning
- Clear, supportive instruction
- Central Victoria training location
- On-site group training options available
Pre-Course Preparation
Having CPR-BLS, when entering into the Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder Program would be very helpful, but not necessary to enter into the program. Once registered you will receive an email with access to study materials.
Licensing
Learners who have completed the EMR Program and have certified must license with the Emergency Medical Association Licensing Board in order to work as an EMR in BC. Costs for the EMA EMR exam are approximately $450.
Learners have one year after their EMR class completion date to pass their licensing exams. Learners who miss the one year deadline to license and who completed the EMR Program within three years must complete the EMR Renewal course before re-applying for licensure.
Course Certificates/Transcripts
As per the EMA Regulation Section 2(c)(ii), all candidates must successfully complete all of the required licensing examinations within 12 months of completing their training program. If a candidate has not completed their examinations within the required time frame, their examination file will be closed without exception.
To limit the delay in the examination process, EMR certificates may be received directly from the candidate under the following circumstances:
The training institution has an online platform where EMALB can verify the certificate
- EMA Licensing Practical Exam Schedule
- Submit electronically the Application for Licence form to register for exams and choose your preferred practical exam location.
- Submit your certificate by attaching to your application form above or by email to [email protected].
- Obtain a BCeID. Please use only lowercase characters in your BCeID username. (If you already have a BCeID and password you may skip this step).
- Please use your BCeID username and password to create a new account in the online learning system (it may take up to 2 weeks to be granted access).
- Read the BC provincial examination guidelines for PCPs and EMRs.
- Successfully complete both the EMR written and jurisprudence exams online.
- Once your online exams have been successfully completed the branch will schedule your practical examination.
Materials
When registered and paid for the course, we will send the student a link for the electronic book, which can be printed if wanted or brought to class on a tablet, those that take the full EMR course will be getting the Red Cross Professional Responder book. When upgrading or recertifying there will be class books available for use during class hours or the option to buy the book for $75.
This course includes all 2023/2024 Schedule 1 & 2 scope expansion requirements, so when you got your license we will send in all your extra credentials to be added onto your License.
Register Today
Click below now to see our upcoming courses. Recertification programs are attached to every full program.
Program Cost
CRC Emergency Medical Responder – Full Program
$1 294.99
3-year certification
10 day training program for those who are just starting out.
Includes online schedule 2/3 scope expansion course: post in-class program.
Get 42% Off
CRC Emergency Medical Responder – Recertification
$749.99
3-year certification
5 day program for those who want some additional skills practices
Conditions apply, contact us for more details.
CRC FR/AFA to Emergency Medical Responder – Bridging Course
$749.99
3-year certification
5 day program for those who already have Advanced First Aid or First Responder training.
Conditions apply, contact us for more details.
*All prices are subject to GST
Payment Options
Credit Card (online or in-person) / E-transfer (online) / Debit (on-site) / Cash (on-site)
Credit Card
Simply proceed with registration online and you will be prompted to enter your credit card information. Prefer to pay in-person? Simply come into our office at 605 Discovery Street and we can help you.
E-transfer
To pay via E-transfer, set us up as a payee in your banks e-transfer area.
Name: Be Prepared VI
Email: [email protected].
Note: Please place the the registrants name in the notes section so we can match your payment to the correct person.
Debit or Cash
Simply come into our office at 605 Discovery Street and we can help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)?
Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) are healthcare professionals trained to provide emergency medical care in pre-hospital settings. EMRs assess patients, manage medical and traumatic emergencies, and provide lifesaving interventions while awaiting or assisting higher levels of medical care.
Who should take the Emergency Medical Responder course?
The EMR program is ideal for individuals pursuing careers in emergency services and healthcare, including:
Healthcare workers seeking advanced emergency care skills
Aspiring paramedics
Firefighters
Industrial first aid attendants
Search and rescue personnel
Security professionals
Law enforcement applicants
Event medical responders
What are the prerequisites for the EMR course?
Students should possess a current Standard First Aid with CPR-C certification or equivalent. Additional prerequisites may apply depending on provincial licensing requirements. Contact us for current admission requirements.
How long is the EMR course?
The Emergency Medical Responder program is typically delivered over approximately 80 hours of classroom, practical, and scenario-based training. Course schedules may vary depending on the delivery format. Students may also benefit from additional preparatory days if they plan to apply for licensing, which can be anywhere from 8-40 additional hours of training. Contact us for details on additional days.
Is the course hands-on?
Yes. The EMR program includes extensive practical skills training and realistic emergency scenarios designed to prepare students for real-world patient care situations.
Will I receive CPR certification?
Yes. CPR and resuscitation skills are incorporated throughout the program and are evaluated as part of the course requirements. You will receive CPR-C with your Emergency Medical Responder certification and you will receive an additional certificate in Basic Lift Support.
Is the EMR course recognized in British Columbia?
The Emergency Medical Responder program follows provincial standards and prepares graduates to pursue licensing and employment opportunities within British Columbia’s emergency medical services system.
What careers can I pursue after completing EMR training?
EMR certification may help prepare graduates for positions such as:
- Emergency Medical Responder
- Industrial First Aid Attendant
- Event Medical Responder
- Firefighter
- Search and Rescue Member
- Emergency Services Personnel
- Patient Transfer Attendant
- Emergency Response Team Member
Additional employer and licensing requirements may apply.
Your course is two weeks, I’ve seen three week courses, whats the difference?
The Red Cross EMR program is an official 2 week program and covers all of the information and training required to meet certification standards. You will also gain access to the online schedule 2 & 3 scope expansion at no additional cost. We can offer additional EMALB preparation days if you plan to apply for licensing. This is the difference between the two programs.
How is the EMR course evaluated?
Students are evaluated through:
- Written examinations
- Practical skill assessments
- Patient assessment stations
- Scenario-based evaluations
- Professional conduct assessments
Successful completion of all program requirements is necessary to graduate.
How difficult is the EMR program?
The EMR course is challenging and requires commitment to both classroom learning and practical skill development. Students who attend regularly, participate actively, and complete assigned study requirements are generally successful.
What equipment will I use during training?
Students train with professional emergency medical equipment including:
Vital signs monitoring equipment
Oxygen delivery systems
Airway management devices
Trauma management equipment
Stretchers and patient movement devices
Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs)
Can I work as a first responder after completing EMR training?
Many employers recognize EMR certification for emergency response roles. Additional licensing, registration, or employer-specific requirements may be necessary depending on the position.
Why choose Be Prepared First Aid Vancouver Island for EMR training?
Our Emergency Medical Responder program combines experienced instructors, hands-on learning, realistic emergency scenarios, and a supportive learning environment to help students develop the confidence and competence required for emergency medical response.
Do you offer private or employer-sponsored EMR training?
Yes. We can work with employers, municipalities, industrial sites, and organizations to discuss customized training options. Contact us to learn more about group training opportunities.
I already have AFA certification, do I need to take the full program?
Be Prepared First Aid Vancouver Island offers a bridging program for individuals who already possess an AFA or First Responder certificate. Click here for more information on this program.

Lifelong Training Guarantee
All students who take a WorkSafeBC Advanced First Aid or Professional Responder (Red Cross) program with us, are welcome to sit in on any future training session they wish*. This will help to refresh your skills and keep your abilities up to date. Simply call us with your interest and dates and we will save you a spot.
*Subject to ticket validity and available seats. Contact us for more information.


