The Difference Between First Aid and CPR Training

Understanding First Aid vs. CPR Courses

The main difference between taking a first aid course and a CPR course is the range of emergency topics covered. While CPR courses focus specifically on cardiovascular emergencies, first aid courses cover a broader range of medical situations, including CPR.

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Why Take a First Aid Course Instead of Just CPR?

Emergencies can happen at any time, and most medical emergencies are not heart attacks or cardiac arrests. That’s why we highly recommend combining CPR with a first aid course. First aid training covers essential life-saving skills such as:

• Fractures and sprains – Learn how to splint a break properly.

• Severe bleeding and wound care – Understand how to control bleeding effectively.

• Burn treatment – Discover the right way to cool and dress burns.

• Allergic reactions – Learn to administer an EpiPen for anaphylaxis.

• Other medical conditions – Recognizing symptoms of strokes, seizures, diabetes, and more.

By completing a first aid course, you gain the skills needed to recognize and manage a wide variety of emergencies while waiting for EMS to arrive.

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What is Covered in a Holmes Medical Training First Aid Course?

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Standard First Aid Course Curriculum:

• Defining First Aid and Understanding First Aid Objectives

• Automated External Defibrillators (AED) - Adult, Child & Infant

• Chest Injuries

• Casualty Management and Assessment

• Adult, Child & Infant Choking

• Core Body Injuries (Pelvis, Abdomen, and Groin)

• Emergency Scene Management

• Strokes and Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA)

• Triage (Multiple Casualties)

• PPE and Anti-Contamination Protocols

• Severe Bleeding and Wound Care

• Eye Injuries

• Shock and Fainting (Unconsciousness)

• Minor Wound Care

• Poisoning Incidents

• Responsive Casualty Management

• Bites and Stings

• Opioid Overdose (Naloxone Training)

• Head and Spinal Injuries and Concussion Protocols

• Burns

• Environmental Illness, Injuries, and Procedures

• Heart Attacks and Angina

• Medical Conditions (Diabetes, Seizures, Asthma & Allergies)

• Patient Lifting and Transport Techniques

• Adult, Child & Infant CPR

• Secondary Survey Procedures

• Evacuation Protocols

• Two-Rescuer CPR Techniques

• Bone and Joint Injuries

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Understanding the Different Levels of CPR Training

There are several levels of CPR training, each designed for different types of responders. Below is a breakdown of each CPR level offered at Holmes Medical Training:

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CPR Level A with AED Training

• Covers adult CPR and AED use.

• Ideal for workplace first aiders and general public training.

• Applies to casualties over the age of 8.

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CPR Level B with AED Training

• Covers CPR for both adults and children.

• Includes training on using an AED on both age groups.

• Children are classified as casualties between 1-8 years old.

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CPR Level C with AED Training

• Covers CPR for adults, children, and infants.

• Includes training on using an AED for all age groups.

• Infants are classified as casualties under one year old.

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BLS CPR Level C with AED Training (For Healthcare Professionals)

• Designed for healthcare professionals and emergency responders.

• Covers team-based CPR techniques.

• Includes Bag Valve Mask (BVM) training, rescue breathing, and casualty vital assessment.

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What’s Included in the Holmes Medical Training CPR Course?

CPR Level C with AED Course Curriculum:

• Defining First Aid and First Aid Objectives

• Casualty Management and Assessment

• Shock and Fainting Response

• Adult, Child & Infant CPR (CPR Level C Certification)

• Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Use

• Choking Response for Adults, Children, & Infants

• Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) Recognition

• Heart Attack, Angina, and Cardiovascular Disease Factors

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Register for Your CPR or First Aid Course in Ottawa Today!

Getting certified in CPR and First Aid is easier than ever with Holmes Medical Training. Whether you're an individual looking for certification or a business needing workplace training, we’ve got the right course for you.

Sign up today for CPR and First Aid training in Ottawa to gain the skills needed to save a life.

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More Resources:

• Workplace First Aid Regulations in Ontario – Government of Ontario

• First Aid Training Standards – Canadian Red Cross

• Defibrillator Access and Usage – Heart & Stroke Foundation