News & Updates
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SUMMER 2024

Updated Certification Options are now available.  
Flexible scheduling options are available to allow you to maintain your certification requirements.

Basic Life Support (BLS) Re-certification is now available in two format options:

• ONLINE (Knowledge Review) + IN-CLASS (Skills Practice) - This option is available if you have a current BLS certificate which has not expired.  This option will save you time in class as it includes an online multiple choice knowledge review which you complete at home, before you attend a condensed 2.5 hr skills practice class.  Access to the online knowledge check will be provided after you register.
• IN-CLASS (Review & Skills Practice) - This option is available if you have an expired BLS certificate (Past 30 Days).  The 3.5 hr class includes a complete review and practice of all BLS skills.

Level C Re-Certification for Workplace Programs: 
Current CPR/AED Level C, and Standard First Aid certificates can be re-certified by attending an in-person skills practice session.
If your current certificate has already expired, you can obtain a new certificate by completing the regular certification which is offered in a Blended Format.

Regular Certification is available in Blended Format: This option is best for those who require immediate certification, or are ineligible for re-certification.  The regular certification is offered in a Blended Format training which will allow you to reduce your time in class. 
When you register, you will be provided access to a self-paced Online Course which you can complete at home. 
You will attend an in-person Skills Practice class to obtain the full certification issued by the Canadian Red Cross.  You will select your Skills Practice class date on the registration.
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We are taking steps to protect your safety during in-class training.
Our team at Vital CPR takes the approach that no person should become ill as the result of attending CPR / First Aid Training.  When you attend your class, rest assured that we will be diligent in maintaining good infection control practices.
These practices include:

• Continued awareness of steps to reduce transmission of respiratory illness, including COVID-19, and seasonal Flu.
• Pre-screening measures to allow self-assessment of risk, and contact tracing
• Encourage registered participants to self-monitor for risk factors and signs of illness. 
• Maintain a flexible scheduling policy in case of illness.
• Adhere to proper cleaning and sanitation of all equipment.
• Maintain a low participant to equipment ratio.
• Require use of masks, sanitizer, wipes, gloves, and hand-washing routines during classes.

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MASK POLICY  (Reviewed: July 2024)
Our skills practice classes include many hands-on activities and require Participants to be in close proximity to each other. Participants must wear well-fitting medical procedural masks during some training activities.  When you arrive at the class you will be provided a mask if you do not already have one.  

HEALTH POLICY  (Reviewed: July 2024)
Due to the nature of CPR / First Aid Training, and the risk of respiratory virus transmission, we strongly recommend that class Participants review and follow Toronto Public Health guidelines to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Please pay special attention to the following recommendations:

1. Wear a high quality, well-fitting mask, especially indoors, and based on the setting and situation.
2. Stay home if you are sick or have symptoms, even if they are mild. 
3. Stay up to date with your vaccinations, including booster doses for the best protection against getting very sick from COVID-19.

All programs includes a CPR component which requires physical exertion.  Individuals with existing medical conditions such as pregnancy, bone, muscle, and joint conditions, and respiratory conditions, should consult a doctor prior to attendance.  We do not assume any risk or liability for injuries or illness that may result from participation.  Please talk to your doctor and stay safe.

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Psychological First Aid
In the current environment, many individuals are experiencing higher levels of stress than usual.
Psychological First Aid training may help support mental health.

Psychological First Aid teaches how to recognize signs of stress, loss, and grief in yourself and others, and how to help. Learners come away with coping strategies to prevent, identify, and deal with stressful events, a better understanding of the support available to them, and knowledge on how to access specialized support as needed.

We offer two online Psychological First Aid Courses; Self-Care and Caring for Others.
The Self-Care course also helps individuals build their own self-care plans to manage their mental wellness. 
The Caring for Others course helps individuals recognize when a person is experiencing distress and how to offer help without judgement or assumptions.

​Learn more on the Program Info page.

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Blended Learning Format
First Aid courses are now offered in Blended Learning Format

Canadian Red Cross First Aid programs are now available in Blended Learning Format.  
The goal of a blended learning course is to join the best aspects of both in-person and online self-paced instruction:
A Self-paced online course section provides students with 24/7 access to multimedia-rich content, anywhere the student has internet access.
In-person classroom time is used for hands-on skills practice activities. 

Key Points:

• Blended format courses meet all provincial and school requirements.
• You will receive the same certification as the traditional in-class format courses.
• Blended format courses offer greater scheduling flexibility, self-paced learning, and less time spent in class. 

Learn more about the Blended Learning Format First Aid courses on the Program Info page.