CPR and first aid requirements

Pharmacists and pharmacy students are required to show evidence of current CPR and First Aid certification upon initial application and maintain the certification for renewal of registration. The certification requirements established by Council for First Aid and CPR are outlined below. Certifications for First Aid and CPR are to be obtained through the Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation or other organization recognized by Council.

First Aid

Certification in First Aid

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification

Minimum Certification Requirements – all of the following skills are required for CPR certification (CPR Level C*):

• Adult/Child/Baby CPR – one rescuer
• Adult/Child/Baby choking
• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Operator Certification

In addition to fulfilling the minimum requirement, pharmacists are encouraged to obtain the following preferred/non-mandatory additional CPR skills (these skills are offered in CPR Level HCP*):

• Adult/Child/Baby 2-rescuer CPR
• Rescue breathing
• Bag-Valve-Masks (BVMs) use

Recertification

Recertification is to be in accordance with the certifying organization (such as, for example, the Canadian Red Cross, St. John Ambulance Canada, Heart and Stroke Foundation, etc.). * At time of printing, the specified CPR levels were reflective of national listings by the Canadian Red Cross and St. John Ambulance Canada.