Experts Urge Immediate Investment in Workplace First Aid Training

Experts are sounding the alarm for more workplaces across Canada and the U.S. to urgently invest in first aid training, as recent research reveals that nearly half of individuals (49%) would feel panicked in the event of a health emergency due to a lack of training.

The data, released by Coast2Coast First Aid, highlights a concerning trend: over a quarter of those surveyed (26%) have never learned any first aid skills. Alarmingly, only 40% of respondents are familiar with the critical first aid techniques necessary to assist someone experiencing severe bleeding, a cardiac arrest, or choking.

Coast2Coast First Aid’s team, expressed their concerns: “The combination of insufficient first aid knowledge and the panic that can arise during emergencies is a situation no employer or employee should face—whether at work, home, or in the community.”

They continued, “Investing in first aid training goes beyond just meeting workplace regulations; it’s about empowering individuals with the confidence, knowledge, and skills that can save lives in any setting.”

“When employees are trained to respond calmly and effectively, they can make a life-saving difference in critical moments, whether it’s for a colleague, a family member, or a stranger.”

“Equipping staff with this knowledge enhances the safety and well-being of everyone—not only in the workplace but in everyday life—providing peace of mind for businesses, employees, and the broader community.”

Coast2Coast First Aid offers comprehensive one-day Emergency First Aid at Work training courses covering vital skills such as adult resuscitation (CPR), burns and scalds management, choking response, effective communication and casualty care, use of defibrillators, managing bleeding, seizures, shock, and assisting unresponsive individuals.

With the shift towards hybrid working models in recent years, many employers must reassess their first aid needs. Some workplaces may require more trained first aiders than before, given that not all employees are present at the same time.

Coast2Coast First Aid encourages all workplaces to dedicate a day to saving lives by investing in emergency first aid training and upskilling their teams.

The Emergency First Aid at Work training course is particularly suited for designated first aiders in smaller, lower-risk environments, such as small offices. For those looking specifically for hands-on training, Coast2Coast First Aid offers a CPR course Oshawa, ensuring that participants gain essential life-saving skills.

Coast2Coast First Aid is recognized as a trusted provider of Emergency First Aid at Work training, with organizations across Canada and the U.S. rating their courses highly based on extensive positive feedback.

Iain Ferguson, former head of safety and sustainability at a major railway company, understands firsthand the importance of empowering employees to respond to first aid emergencies.

His team implemented 135 defibrillators across railway stations and trains, ensuring that staff were trained by Coast2Coast First Aid to use the equipment confidently when necessary.

“The lifesaving machines were installed because we wanted to ensure we could help any passengers experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest,” Iain explained.

“Given that our trains often travel for extended periods without stopping, we wanted to intervene as quickly as possible—every minute counts.”

“We had a passenger who suffered a severe cardiac event while traveling with us, and we were able to respond swiftly.”

“My colleague alerted us via radio, and we reached him within 30 seconds, delivering the defibrillator within another 30 seconds.”

“A few days later, we received feedback that he was still in the hospital but alive, and I genuinely believe that was due to our quick response and the presence of the defibrillator.”

“My team has embraced this challenge—something new and a bit daunting—and I’m incredibly proud of their dedication to making this life-saving reality.”

Coast2Coast First Aid is calling on all employers to invest a day of their employees’ time to participate in a one-day training course and learn essential lifesaving skills.

Responsible employers across Canada and the U.S. are investing in Emergency First Aid at Work and Mental Health First Aid training courses, both of which are offered by Coast2Coast First Aid.

For more information and to book a First Aid at Work training course, including the CPR course in Oshawa, visit Coast2Coast First Aid.