First Aid Instructor Training First Aid Instructor Training

First Aid Instructor Course – Become a Certified Red Cross Instructor

First Aid Instructor Courses

The Red Cross First Aid Instructor Course prepares candidates to teach Emergency First Aid, Standard First Aid, CPR/AED, Marine Basic First Aid, and Child Care First Aid. VO2 Health Focus delivers a thorough, supportive instructor training experience that focuses on practical teaching skills, group facilitation, and learner-centred instruction. The program emphasizes injury prevention, inclusion, hands-on learning, and adaptability for different audiences.

Whether you are advancing your career, supporting workplace training, or teaching in community settings, first aid instructor courses give you the skills and confidence to deliver effective, high-quality training. VO2’s experienced Instructor Trainers guide candidates through every stage with clear instruction, feedback, and practice.

Course Overview

The First Aid Instructor Course builds strong teaching skills while reinforcing Red Cross program standards and practical delivery techniques. This is a complete instructor training program focused on communication, facilitation, and learner engagement—not just technical content.

Duration

  • 32 hours in-class

Instructor

All courses are led by a certified VO2 First Aid Instructor Trainer, including trainers qualified in:

  • Wilderness and Remote First Aid
  • Emergency Care
  • First Aid & CPR instruction

This ensures consistent, high-quality guidance throughout first aid instructor courses.

Prerequisites

To begin first aid instructor training, candidates must:

  • Be 18 years of age or older
  • Hold First Aid with CPR Level HCP
  • Complete a skills checklist with a certified First Aid Instructor before attending the course

Transfer Option Eligibility

Some candidates may qualify for a streamlined transfer option instead of the full course. This applies to:

  • Current First Aid or CPR Instructors with another recognized organization
  • Current Red Cross Swimming & Water Safety Instructors with Standard First Aid and CPR Level HCP
  • Former Red Cross First Aid Instructors whose certification expired between 2 and 7 years ago
  • Teachers with an Education degree and current Standard First Aid with CPR Level HCP

Transfer format: 16-hour course or self-study + 7–8.5-hour session

These options recognize prior experience while maintaining Red Cross standards.

Completion Requirements

To successfully complete first aid instructor training, candidates must:

  • Attend 100% of the course
  • Demonstrate all required skills
  • Complete practice teaching sessions
  • Achieve 80% or higher on the written exam

Post-Course Requirement

Candidates must complete a co-teach session as assigned by the Instructor Trainer. This ensures real classroom experience before certification is issued and strengthens practical teaching confidence.

Certification

Upon completion:

  • Candidates receive a 3-year Red Cross First Aid Instructor certification
  • Certification authorizes teaching of Emergency First Aid, Standard First Aid, CPR/AED, Child Care First Aid, and Marine Basic First Aid

Recertification

  • Requires 8 hours
  • Must follow all relevant local legislation

What You’ll Learn – Course Content

PART 1 – Information for the First Aid Instructor

  • How people learn
  • Instructional techniques
  • Organizing and delivering course content
  • Effective facilitation for diverse learners

PART 2 – Specific Course Content

Detailed instruction on teaching:

  • First Aid
  • CPR/AED
  • Child Care First Aid
  • Marine Basic First Aid
  • Knowledge evaluation techniques

This comprehensive content ensures first aid instructor training prepares you fully for real classroom delivery.

Required Materials

  • First Aid & CPR Instructor Manual
  • First Aid media presentations
  • First Aid & CPR Manual
  • CPR/AED Manual

Recommended Materials

  • First Aid Booklet
  • PeopleSavers Facilitator Package
  • Babysitting Facilitator Package
  • Child Care First Aid & CPR Manual
  • Certification cards and optional wall certificates

These tools help support high-quality delivery after completing first aid instructor courses.

FIRST AID INSTRUCTOR RE-CERTIFICATION COURSE – $345

To renew certification, instructors must complete the Instructor Re-Certification Course, which includes online and in-person components to cover program updates and teaching standards.

Why Train With VO2 Health Focus?

Industry-leading Instructor Trainers

Small class sizes for personalized learning

Real-life practice teaching

Training available in multiple languages

Clear, supportive progression through every phase of learning

Simple registration with payment by e-transfer

VO2 Health Focus is trusted for first aid instructor training that is structured, supportive, and focused on building confident, capable instructors.

VO2 Health Focus helps individuals and organisations overcome safety training challenges by delivering accredited, hands-on first aid and CPR courses with a personalised, community-focused approach. Courses are designed to accommodate busy schedules and diverse learning needs, offering flexible delivery options, small class sizes, and practical simulations that foster confidence and competence in real-world situations. By emphasising accredited credentials, local instructor expertise, and clear outcomes. VO2 Health Focus serves across Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville, Aurora, Newmarket, Markham, Ajax, Whippy, Oshawa, and Vaughan.