Posted by EMRN on 9th Jul 2025
How to Create a First Aid Training Program for Your Staff
Ensuring your employees are prepared to handle medical emergencies can make a life-saving difference in the workplace. A well-structured first aid training program equips staff with the skills to respond to injuries, cardiac arrests, or other crises, fostering a safer work environment. At EMRN, we’re committed to supporting businesses with high-quality training supplies, including CPR manikins and AED trainers. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through setting up a first aid training program for your staff, highlight the necessary supplies, and showcase how EMRN’s Prestan Professional Adult Manikinenhances effective training.
Why a First Aid Training Program Is Essential
Workplace accidents can happen unexpectedly, from minor cuts to life-threatening situations like cardiac arrest. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) recommends that all businesses, regardless of size, have trained first aiders to comply with occupational health regulations.
A trained staff not only meets legal requirements but also boosts employee confidence, reduces response times, and can significantly improve survival rates—up to 70% for cardiac arrest if CPR and AEDs are used within the first few minutes.Investing in a first aid training program demonstrates your commitment to employee well-being, potentially lowering insurance costs and enhancing your company’s reputation. At EMRN, we provide the tools to make this training effective and accessible, ensuring your team is ready for any emergency.
Steps to Create a First Aid Training Program
1. Assess Your Workplace Risks
Identify potential hazards specific to your industry. For example, construction sites may need training for traumatic injuries, while offices might focus on cardiac emergencies. Conduct a risk assessment to determine the number of trained first aiders needed based on staff size and workplace layout.
2. Choose a Certified Training Provider
Partner with a reputable organization, such as the Canadian Red Cross or St. John Ambulance, to deliver standardized first aid and CPR courses. Ensure the provider offers certifications that meet local regulations, such as Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) requirements in Ontario.
3. Select Essential Training Supplies
Equip your program with hands-on tools to simulate real-life scenarios. Key supplies include:
- CPR Manikins: For practicing chest compressions and rescue breaths.
- AED Trainers: To teach the use of defibrillators in cardiac arrest situations.
- First Aid Kits: For practical training on wound care and bleeding control.
- Training Manuals: To reinforce learning and serve as quick references.
4. Schedule Regular Training Sessions
Plan initial training and refresher courses annually or as required by law (e.g., every 3 years for CPR certification in Canada). Schedule sessions during work hours to encourage participation and ensure all shifts are covered.
5. Assign and Empower First Aiders
Designate trained employees as first aiders and provide them with clear roles. Equip them with supplies and ensure they know the location of first aid kits and AEDs. Encourage a culture where staff feel confident to act in emergencies.
Must-Have Supplies for First Aid Training
CPR Manikins
Hands-on practice with CPR manikins is critical for building muscle memory and confidence.
- Why It’s Essential: Allows trainees to practice proper compression depth and rate (100–120 per minute) as per American Heart Association guidelines.
- EMRN’s Solution: The Prestan Professional Adult Manikin offers realistic chest resistance and a clicking sound to indicate correct compression depth, enhancing training effectiveness.
- Features: Lightweight, durable, and includes feedback indicators for real-time learning. Available with or without CPR monitors.
- Shop Now: Prestan Professional Adult Manikin
AED Trainers
ED trainers simulate defibrillator use, preparing staff for cardiac emergencies.
- Why It’s Essential: Teaches employees to recognize shockable rhythms and deliver safe shocks, critical for survival in workplace cardiac arrests.
- EMRN’s Solution: Pair the Prestan manikin with an AED Trainer (available through EMRN partners) to create a comprehensive training setup.
- Features: Voice prompts and safe training pads mimic real AED operation.
- Shop Now:EMRN AED Trainers
First Aid Kits
A well-stocked kit is vital for practicing wound care and emergency response.
- Why It’s Essential: Provides hands-on experience with bandages, gauze, and antiseptics, preparing staff for real incidents.
- EMRN’s Solution: Our First Aid Supplies include bulk options like 3M™ Tegaderm™ Transparent Film Dressingsfor training and real-world use.
- Features: Sterile, waterproof dressings ideal for minor injuries.
- Shop Now: First Aid Supplies
How These Supplies Enhance Training
- Realistic Practice: The Prestan manikin’s lifelike feel and feedback help trainees master CPR techniques, increasing their confidence in emergencies.
- Scenario-Based Learning: AED trainers and first aid kits allow staff to simulate real-life situations, from cardiac arrests to cuts, improving decision-making skills.
- Compliance and Safety: Using certified supplies ensures your program meets workplace safety standards, protecting your business legally and ethically.
- Team Readiness: Well-trained staff with access to quality tools can respond faster, potentially saving lives and reducing liability.
Why Choose EMRN for Your First Aid Training Supplies?
At EMRN, we’re your partner in workplace safety:
- High-Quality Products: The Prestan Professional Adult Manikin and other supplies meet training standards, ensuring effective learning.
- Fast Delivery Across Canada: Get your training tools quickly, whether you’re in Vancouver, Halifax, or rural Alberta.
- Competitive Pricing: Affordable options for businesses of all sizes, with bulk discounts available.
- Support: Our team can help design a training supply package tailored to your needs.
Creating a first aid training program for your staff is a proactive step toward a safer workplace, equipping employees with life-saving skills and tools. With the right supplies—like the Prestan Professional Adult Manikin, AED trainers, and first aid kits from EMRN—you can build a confident, prepared team.
nvest in your team’s safety today—visit emrn.ca to explore our first aid training supplies and start your program now.