Q. I
understand that the course is really hard.
Is this true?
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A. The
course follows a building block, layered approach.
None of the skills are out of reach.
The Instructor will work with the student in order to
achieve a successful completion.
We always recommend getting the books early for
pre-reading and study.
Occasionally, the Instructor will recommend
additional class time in order to prepare for the
examination.
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Q. I
have heard that there is a high failure rate in this course.
Is this true?
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A. Although
every class is different, often the entire class will pass. Most people pass the first time.
On an average, the passing rate is well above 90%.
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Q. How
big are the classes?
I don’t like big classes.
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A. The
classes average between 6 to 10 students.
This allows plenty of 1 on 1 Instructor time.
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Q. What
should I do BEFORE
starting
the course?
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A. We
suggest…
(1) get your books early for prereading and study,
(2) arrange an appointment for your ‘Medical Certificate
of Fitness’ and
(3) clear your plate (minimize all work, home and family
responsibilities and commitments)
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Q. I
had to take a really thorough medical for my pilot’s
license a year ago. Can
I use that for my medical ?
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A.
The
WCB requires that your doctor complete the “Medical
Certificate of Fitness” form.
Part of the form states…2. It is essential that the
candidate be Physically and Psychologically fit to perform
the duties of an Occupational First Aid Attendant. The
form is descriptive regarding duties, terrain, lifting
requirements etc.
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Q. Who
can complete the Medical Certificate of Fitness?
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A. Any
qualified physician. We
suggest that the student check the price for completing the
form. Some
family doctors charge their own patients a nominal amount or
complete the form for free.
We have found that there is a ‘huge’ variation in
fees – from $10 to $160.
Note: some
walk-in clinics are decidedly more expensive than others!
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Q. How
flexible are the classes?
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A. Just
ask!
We will always try to work out the best possible
schedule to ensure your success.
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Q. Why
don’t the courses start on Monday anymore?
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A. There
are two important factors that we take into account when we
are preparing our Schedule of Classes…
1)
Both Level 2 & 3 are heavy courses. Many students benefit from a weekend break after the first
few days. A
break lets them catch their breath and catch up on reading
and home study.
2)
Since we do our own exams, the exam date is preset.
We never want a course to finish on a Friday and have
the student wait and fret over a weekend. We schedule our courses so that the exam immediately follows
review and confidence building practical.
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Q. My
knees (back) bother me if I am up and down too much.
Any suggestions?
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A. Discuss
any kneeling or back problems with you Instructor at the
beginning of the program.
Bring extra padding or wear knee pads for your own
comfort. We
don’t want the course to injure you or make you
uncomfortable. Please let us know what we can do to help. We know that you
can probably get down and do the skills in a real situation.
Don’t let the practical sessions cause you any harm.
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Q. What
happens if I don’t feel ready for the exam by the end of
the program?
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A. You
and your Instructor are a team.
Your Instructor will evaluate your progress
throughout the Program and will discuss with you, any
concerns about your potential examination success.
Your Instructor may recommend attending additional
classes or repeating the entire program or portion.
Your success and your confidence in your role as a
First Aid Attendant are our ultimate goal
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Q. There
is so much responsibility.
I’m afraid I may not remember what to do…
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A. First,
trust yourself. None
of us know how we will respond in a real situation.
Most people are able to dig deep and pull forward the
necessary skills when needed.
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Q. I
understand that there is a written exam.
How many questions are there?
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A.
Level 2 – 50
multiple choice questions (1 hour)
Level 3 – 100
multiple choice questions (2 hours)
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Q. When
is the written exam?
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A. The
written exam is at the end of the day, on the last day of
the course ie.
Level 2 - Day 5;
Level 3 – Day 10.
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Q. I
am really worried about the written exam.
What do I need to pass?
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A. 70%
is required to pass. Remember
that your homework assignments give you practice doing
multiple choice questions.
Also, review the Study Questions (210 questions – a
handout) which focus on the ‘meat’ of the program.
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Q. English
is my second language.
What are my chances?
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A. It
depends on how well you are able to understand the course
material. We
are happy to discuss this with you.
We will give you an honest current evaluation of your
potential success. Many
successful students are ESL.
Special arrangements can be made for the written
examination. We
have several suggestions and options.
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Q. What
if…I fail the exam?
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A. First,
there generally aren’t many surprises during the final
evaluation.
If
your Instructor thinks that you are ready for the exam, you
are.
If
you have been having difficulty throughout the course, your
Instructor will have already discussed your progress with
you. She may
have suggested delaying the exam, taking remedial classes or
repeating the program.
Consider
the examination as the last lesson.
Occasionally, students get tunnel vision during the
exam or their nerves will get the better of them.
Focus on the positive.
Remember that you have a huge advantage because you
are being evaluated by your own Instructor!
Your Instructor already knows what you know.
She also knows where to dig for the information.
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Q. What
is remedial or additional training going to cost me?
What if I need to retake the course?
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A.
There is
no charge for remedial or additional training and there is
also no charge to retake part or all of the training as long
as the following criteria is met…
1)
the student has been regular in attendance
2)
the student has put effort into achieving the training
objectives
3)
the student undertakes additional or remedial training
at the next possible opportunity
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Q. I
didn’t finish high school and I haven’t been a student
in years. Will
this program be out of reach for me?
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A. Absolutely
not! Your success will depend entirely upon the amount of effort
you put into the program.
Personal life experiences, your own problem solving
skills and your ability to ‘think on your feet’ will
have far greater effect on your potential for success.
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Q.
What about a
‘refresher’ program?
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A. Ask
yourself… “How appropriate is a refresher (reduced
hours) program for me?” (ie. Do you practice your skills
regularly?) We
have refresher options available.
Please ask.
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Q. I understand that
there is a lot of information in Level 2 training. Is this true?
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A. Level
2 is in fact very crowded with information.
It contains 75% of Level 3 material in 50% of the
time. This is
all the more reason to get your books early for pre-reading
and study. You
will also notice on the schedule that an extra day of
optional ‘confidence building’ practical is available at
no additional charge. We
have found that this bonus practical day can make a big
difference for some students.
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Q. I have never taken the
course before. Do
I have to start with Level 1, then 2 etc.?
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A. No.
Each Level of training is self contained. Level 1 is the core of Level 2 and Level 2 is the core of
Level 3. Each
stands alone. You
should take whichever Level of training you require for your
work.
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Q. I’m
not sure if I want to be a First Aid Attendant.
What do you recommend?
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A. Take
Level 1. This gives you a sampling of the skills required for minimal
cost and time commitment.
The Instructor can also evaluate your problem solving
abilities and motor skills.
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Q.
I want to put in my application for the
Fire Department. Which
Level is best?
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A. Level
3 will enhance your application the greatest.
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Q. Do I have
to take the course again?
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A. Most
people do in fact take the entire course again, however, you
may decide to challenge the exam.
Most people have lost their speed and need at the
very least some practical refresher.
Very few people work in an active first aid room and
therefore don’t get a chance to practice their skills on a
regular basis.
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Q.
What are my chances if I challenge the
exam without course?
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A.
Very poor.
Few people have a chance to practice their skill
between courses. Ideal
candidates would be individuals who work part time
Ambulance, ski patrol or those on First Aid Competition team
who practice year round
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Q. I
notice that you aren’t offering any part time evening
options. I am
afraid that a full time course will be too heavy.
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A. Not necessarily.
Choose the program that best suits the time you have
available. The
day program benefits many because of the total immersion
aspect.
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Q.
Is there a difference in the success
rate between Level 2 and Level 3?
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A.
No.
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Q.
How much home study
should I anticipate for Level 2 or 3?
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A. Each
student requires different amounts of home study.
On an average, first time taking the program, you
should anticipate equal class time to home study time ie. 7
hours in class = 7 hours home study.
All the more reason to get your books early for pre-reading
and study.
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Q.
Can you give me some
examples of places that hire Level 3 First Aid Attendants?
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A. Any worksite more than
20 minutes surface travel time from a Hospital or with a
potential for delay, rough terrain etc.
Some examples include B.C. Ferries, anything down on
the docks, certain complex construction sites etc
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Q.
I am unemployed.
Which level of training do you recommend?
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A. Level 3 for sure!
You can work anywhere with a Level 3.
Level 2 will limit your employment prospects and
there is no easy way for you to upgrade to a Level 3 from
Level 2. You
would have to take the entire Level 3.
The difference in price between Level 2 and Level 3
is only $140
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Q.
What is a “Restricted Level 3”?
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A. They
have recently removed the restriction from the OFA
Regulations. It
used to be that your first Level 3 certificate would be
restricted – which meant that you couldn’t be the
designated Attendant. This
restriction no longer exists.
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Q.
Who sponsors these programs?
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A. Tuition fees are paid
either by individuals, employers, WCB (retraining/claims),
social services, employment Canada or community sponsors.
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Q.
Are there any jobs out
there when I am finished?
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A. Every
industry in our Province is under the umbrella of the
Workers’ Compensation Board and therefore requires first
aid services and equipment.
Your chances for employment are greatly enhanced by
your OFA Certificate.
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Q.
What is your
guarantee?
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A. Our guarantee is
this…You will not find better or more dedicated
Instructors anywhere
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Q.
What is ABC's 'open door' policy?
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A. Students
are always welcome to join in a class that is running to
brush up their skills. Please call to ensure that
there is space available. If you have a day off, and
want to join a class, we will let you know what is being
covered during the session. We ask that you come
prepared to work and that you arrive before the class
starts.
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