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First Aiders

At Toronto Metropolitan University, first aiders are employees throughout the university who are trained in standard first aid, which includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). These individuals play an important role in supporting a safe and healthy work environment by giving appropriate medical treatment in a medical emergency.

Responsibilities

First aiders at the university are responsible for:

  • Ensuring people in their area, department or buildings know that they are trained in first aid.
  • Giving immediate and appropriate treatment to individuals in the case of a medical emergency.
  • Discharging this treatment without endangering the life or health of themselves or the casualty.
  • Arranging medical assistance without delay, unless injury is so minor it can be handled without professional attention.
  • Assisting in maintaining first aid kits and stations.
  • Notifying supervisors if any supplies are required.
  • Keeping records of any treatment performed.

Find out who the first aider (external link)  is in your area or department.

Legislation

TMU’s First Aider Program is in compliance by law with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) (external link)  and Regulation 1101 under Section 3 of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (external link) . The university is obligated to:

  • cover the expense of first aid equipment and services;
  • inspect first aid equipment at least quarterly;
  • provide easily-accessible first aid stations for those with a valid first aid certificate from a Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB)-recognized training organization;
  • post the first aid poster  (PDF file) WSIB Form 82: In Case of Injury at Work (external link) , first aid certificates and kit inspection card; and
  • keep detailed records of all incidents and first aid treatment given.

Employers must ensure that first aid stations are under the care of a worker with a valid first aid certificate at all times when work is in progress. Having multiple trained first aiders is recommended to ensure compliance when a first aider is away from work due to illness or vacation.

Each department must determine if they will require more than one first aider. Additional first aid training costs are the ongoing responsibility of each departmental budget. It is recommended that a first aider should be able to reach an injured or ill worker within a two minute walk.

First aid kits

Regulations require that employers supply first aid kits for their area. These first aid kits are under the care of and readily available to first aiders.

Departments who wish to assemble their own first aid kits should fill it with materials listed in WSIB's Regulation 1101 (external link) . You may also purchase ready-made first aid kits from the supplier of your choice as long as the kit meets the regulation requirement for your workplace. If you have any questions, please contact Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) at ehs@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5000, ext. 553770.

Training

First aid and CPR training is offered by the Recreation and Athletics department. Visit the Recreation and Athletic website for course dates, fees and locations. Participants will be required to pay by credit card or cash if registration is done in person, or pay by credit card if it is done over the telephone, in order to secure a spot in the workshop. Individuals can also schedule training through an external training provider.

Emergency first aid for workplaces of less than five workers

For workplaces with five or fewer workers on any one shift, the minimum training required is the Emergency First Aid certificate. This program consists of seven hours of instruction.  

Standard first aid for workplaces of six or more workers

For workplaces with six or more workers on any shift, a Standard First Aid certificate is required.  This program consists of 16 hours of instruction. All certifications are subject to a fee, issued by the Canadian Red Cross and valid for three years. In addition to the two-day certification course, there is also an online learning option where half of the course is completed online and half is completed in a one-day class.

Questions?

For questions regarding standard first aid training, please contact the Recreation and Athletics Centre at 416-979-5339 or rac@torontomu.ca.

For questions regarding the content or legislative requirement for first aid, please contact Environmental Health and Safety at ehs@torontomu.ca or 416-979-5000, ext. 553770.