604-521-4227
    Back to All Courses

    OFA 3 → EMR BLS BRIDGE COURSE IN COQUITLAM, BC

    EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDER (EMR)

    Already certified in Advanced First Aid (OFA 3)? Bridge to a nationally recognized Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) credential — plus Basic Life Support (BLS / CPR-HCP) — at Metro Safety Training's Coquitlam campus.

    Approx. 40–60 hours (bridge); full EMR is 80–120 hours
    EMR (3 years) + BLS / CPR-HCP (1 year)
    $1198
    Register NowCall 604-521-4227

    Metro Safety Training's OFA 3 to EMR BLS Bridge Course in Coquitlam, BC is designed specifically for Advanced First Aid (OFA 3) certificate holders who are ready to upgrade their credentials without repeating foundational training. The bridge focuses on the EMR-specific competencies that extend beyond OFA scope and is aligned with the Canadian Medical Association's National Occupational Competency Profile (NOCP) standards. Graduates leave with an internationally recognized EMR credential plus a current Basic Life Support (BLS / CPR-HCP) certification issued by the Canadian Red Cross.

    WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

    Systematic primary and secondary patient assessment (EMR model)
    Semi-automatic defibrillation (AED) and cardiac monitoring fundamentals
    Oxygen therapy and airway adjunct use
    Assisted medication protocols (nitroglycerin, ASA, epinephrine, glucagon)
    Blood glucose monitoring and diabetic emergency management
    Stroke recognition using the FAST protocol
    Spinal motion restriction — collars, long spine boards, vacuum mattress
    Hemorrhage control: wound packing and tourniquet application
    Chest injury management and tension pneumothorax recognition
    Pediatric and obstetrical emergencies
    MCI triage using START and JumpSTART
    Incident Command System (ICS) roles for medical responders
    Patient lifting, moving, and loading for ground transport
    Documentation and patient handoff to paramedics
    Basic Life Support (BLS / CPR-HCP) certification

    WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE

    • WorkSafeBC Advanced First Aid (OFA 3) certificate holders — valid or recently lapsed
    • Industrial first aid attendants expanding into EMS, patient transport, or event medicine
    • Firefighters, ski patrol, and search and rescue volunteers
    • Healthcare support workers and paramedic students bridging to a recognized pre-hospital standard

    Prerequisites: Valid (or recently expired) WorkSafeBC Advanced First Aid (OFA 3) certificate from an approved training agency, plus government-issued photo ID. Lapsed OFA 3 holders may be required to complete a skills verification — contact us to confirm eligibility.

    EMERGENCY MEDICAL RESPONDER (EMR) IN COQUITLAM, BURNABY, PORT MOODY, PORT COQUITLAM, NEW WESTMINSTER, MAPLE RIDGE

    One central Coquitlam classroom serving students across the Lower Mainland. Most attendees commute 25–35 minutes by car or SkyTrain.

    Coquitlam

    Main campus at 914 Sherwood Ave, V3K 1A6 — 3-minute walk from Braid Street SkyTrain Station, adjacent to IKEA.

    Burnaby

    A short SkyTrain ride or drive from most Burnaby neighbourhoods to the Coquitlam campus.

    Port Moody

    Quick commute to the Coquitlam classroom for Port Moody-based responders and industrial attendants.

    Port Coquitlam

    Local students train minutes from home at our central Coquitlam facility.

    New Westminster

    Direct SkyTrain access via Braid Street Station — convenient for New West residents.

    Maple Ridge

    Easy drive into Coquitlam for Maple Ridge fire, industrial, and patient-transport personnel.

    WHY CHOOSE METRO SAFETY

    Serving Coquitlam and the Lower Mainland since 2008
    WorkSafeBC Certified Training Agency and Canadian Red Cross Training Partner
    Instructors hold active EMR or higher credentials with real-world response experience
    Coquitlam campus equipped with manikin simulators, airway trainers, and scenario rooms
    Free on-site parking and 3-minute walk from Braid Street SkyTrain Station
    Employer-sponsored enrollments, purchase orders, and on-site group training across BC

    WHAT YOU RECEIVE

    • Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) certificate — valid 3 years
    • Basic Life Support (BLS / CPR-HCP) certificate — valid 1 year
    • Digital certificates issued upon successful completion (physical wallet cards on request)
    • NOCP-aligned credential recognized across Canada by EMS, hospitals, and pre-hospital programs

    Course Format & Duration

    The bridge runs approximately 40–60 hours and is offered in two formats: Part-Time (Weekend) — three weekends spread over 3–4 weeks, or Intensive (Full-Time) — consecutive weekdays. Duration reflects bridge-only content; your OFA 3 training accounts for the foundational portion of the full 80–120-hour EMR program.

    How to Pass the Bridge Course

    To earn your EMR certificate you must attend 100% of scheduled bridge hours, demonstrate all required practical skills, score at least 75% on a closed-book written examination, successfully complete two evaluated scenarios (one medical, one trauma), and complete the BLS / CPR-HCP hands-on skills evaluation.

    Location

    Metro Safety Training — Coquitlam Campus, 914 Sherwood Ave, Coquitlam, BC V3K 1A6. A 3-minute walk from Braid Street SkyTrain Station, adjacent to IKEA, with free on-site parking.

    EMR Recertification

    EMR recertification requires a 40-hour refresher course with updated practical evaluations. Metro Safety Training offers EMR recertification at our Coquitlam campus — contact us for upcoming dates.

    Cancellation & Refund Policy

    As a multi-day course (6+ days), cancellations must be submitted by email at least 10 business days before the course start date for a refund minus a 15% administration fee. Cancellations after that deadline are non-refundable, though a one-time date transfer may be available subject to a 50% administration fee (maximum $250). Full policy at metrosafety.ca/refund-policy.

    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

    UPCOMING DATES

    RELATED COURSES

    Advanced First Aid (OFA 3) — Full CourseAdvanced Pro Renewal (OFA 3 Recertification)Basic Life Support (BLS / CPR-HCP)Standard First Aid with CPR/AED Level C

    READY TO ENROLL?

    View upcoming dates and register for this course today.

    View Course Dates604-521-4227