Ontario workplace first aid training will be updated in 2026, and many students, employers, and workers are noticing new course names like Basic First Aid and Intermediate First Aid.
If you are used to seeing courses called Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid, this update can feel confusing at first. The good news is that the main change for most learners is the course name, not the overall purpose of the training.
Ontario's updated WSIB First Aid Program launches on June 22, 2026. The updated program aligns workplace first aid training with the Canadian Standards Association standard.
First Aid Connect offers both levels — Emergency/Basic and Standard/Intermediate — at our Ottawa East (Saint-Laurent) and Ottawa West (Kanata) training centres.
Here is the simple version:
| Current / Regulation 1101 Name | Updated WSIB Program Name | What It Means |
|---|
| Emergency First Aid | Basic First Aid | Shorter workplace first aid course |
| Standard First Aid | Intermediate First Aid | More comprehensive workplace first aid course |
After the update, your employer, school, or placement might start calling Standard First Aid by its new name, Intermediate First Aid. Emergency First Aid may now be called Basic First Aid.
What Is Changing on June 22, 2026?
On June 22, 2026, Ontario's WSIB First Aid Program will be updated. Approved training providers will start offering courses that meet the new program requirements.
The main change most people will notice is the new course names:
- Emergency First Aid will align with Basic First Aid
- Standard First Aid will align with Intermediate First Aid
The new names match CSA terms and help make workplace first aid training more consistent.
For students and workers, you might see both sets of terms for a while. Your employer may still use "Standard First Aid," while a training provider or course page might use "Intermediate First Aid."
Both names refer to the same level of Ontario workplace first aid training.
Is Regulation 1101 Changing?
No. Regulation 1101 is not changing as part of this update.
This is one of the most important things to know.
Ontario's Regulation 1101 still uses the terms:
- Emergency First Aid
- Standard First Aid
However, the updated WSIB First Aid Program will use the names:
- Basic First Aid
- Intermediate First Aid
This means businesses can still meet Regulation 1101 requirements with the updated program. The course names are changing, but the workplace requirements stay the same.
In simple terms:
Basic First Aid = Emergency First Aid
Intermediate First Aid = Standard First Aid
What Is Basic First Aid?
Basic First Aid is the updated WSIB program name that aligns with Emergency First Aid & CPR/AED Level C.
This is usually the shorter first aid course and is commonly used for lower-risk workplaces or workplaces with fewer employees on shift, depending on the workplace's first aid requirements.
Basic First Aid / Emergency First Aid typically focuses on immediate, life-threatening emergencies, including topics such as:
- Emergency scene management
- Calling EMS
- CPR and AED use
- Choking
- Airway and breathing emergencies
- Cardiac emergencies
- Severe bleeding
- Shock
- Basic medical emergencies
This course is often chosen by people who need a recognized workplace first aid certificate but do not require the more comprehensive Standard / Intermediate First Aid level.
Intermediate First Aid is the updated WSIB program name that aligns with Standard First Aid & CPR/AED Level C.
This is the more comprehensive first aid course and is one of the most commonly required certifications for workplaces, school placements, childcare, fitness, security, and many employment requirements across Ontario — and is available in Ottawa through First Aid Connect.
Intermediate First Aid / Standard First Aid typically includes everything covered in Basic First Aid, plus additional topics such as:
- Head, neck, and spinal injuries
- Bone, muscle, and joint injuries
- Wound care
- Burns
- Poisoning
- Environmental emergencies
- Diabetic emergencies
- Seizures
- Asthma and allergic reactions
- Opioid overdose response
- More detailed emergency response practice
If you are unsure which course to take, Intermediate First Aid / Standard First Aid is usually the safer choice because it is more widely accepted and covers more material.
For a full breakdown of which level fits your job, school, or placement, see our guide: What Level of First Aid & CPR Training Do I Need?
Will My Current First Aid Certificate Still Be Valid?
Yes. If you already have a valid Emergency First Aid or Standard First Aid certificate issued by a WSIB-approved provider before the updated program launches, your certificate remains valid until its expiry date.
You do not need to retake your course just because the naming is changing.
For example:
- If you completed Standard First Aid before June 22, 2026, your certificate remains valid until it expires.
- If you completed Emergency First Aid before June 22, 2026, your certificate remains valid until it expires.
- If your employer accepts your current certificate now, the 2026 naming update does not automatically cancel it.
Once your certificate expires, you should renew or retake the course that matches your employer, school, or placement requirement.
Not sure how renewals work? Read our guide: How to Recertify or Renew First Aid & CPR Certifications
What If My Employer Still Asks for Standard First Aid?
That is completely normal.
Because Regulation 1101 still uses the terms Emergency First Aid and Standard First Aid, many employers, schools, and HR departments may continue using the older names for some time.
If your employer says you need Standard First Aid, you should look for:
If your employer says you need Emergency First Aid, you should look for:
When in doubt, send the course link to your employer or school before registering, or contact us and we can help you confirm.
Does CPR Level C Still Matter?
Yes. CPR requirements still matter.
Many workplaces and schools do not just ask for "First Aid." They often ask for a specific CPR level too, most commonly:
CPR/AED Level C includes CPR for adults, children, and infants, along with AED training. This is the level most commonly required for childcare, education, fitness, coaching, and general workplace requirements.
Healthcare students and healthcare professionals may need Basic Life Support (BLS) instead of regular CPR Level C. BLS is a separate healthcare-level course and is commonly required for nursing, paramedic, dental, medical, and hospital-related programs.
Which Course Should I Take in 2026?
The right course depends on your employer, school, placement, or licensing requirement.
Here is a simple guide:
If you are booking for a workplace, school, or placement, always check the exact requirement before registering. Some organizations are very specific about the level, provider, CPR level, and expiry date they will accept.
All courses in the table above are available through First Aid Connect in Ottawa, with public classes in Kanata and Saint-Laurent and on-site group training for workplaces.
What Should Employers Know?
Employers in Ontario should be aware that course names may look different after June 22, 2026.
If your workplace policy currently says employees need Standard First Aid, you may want to update your internal wording to recognize Intermediate First Aid as the updated WSIB program equivalent.
If your workplace policy currently says employees need Emergency First Aid, you may want to recognize Basic First Aid as the updated WSIB program equivalent.
Employers should also ensure they book training with a provider approved under the updated WSIB First Aid Program for courses taking place on or after June 22, 2026.
Although WSIB requirements apply province-wide, businesses and workers in the Ottawa region can access local training through First Aid Connect:
- Ottawa West / Kanata training centre — 329 March Rd, Suite #209
- Ottawa East / Saint-Laurent training centre — 888 Belfast Rd, Suite #207
- On-site training available anywhere in Ottawa
- Group pricing and corporate scheduling options
All courses are Canadian Red Cross certified, WSIB-approved, and valid for all Ontario workplaces.
To schedule a private group, visit business group registration.
Do I Need to Renew Early Because of This Update?
Not necessarily.
If your certificate is still valid, you do not need to renew early just because the course names are changing.
However, you should consider renewing early if:
- Your certificate is expiring soon
- Your employer requires a current certificate for every shift
- Your school placement requires your certificate to stay valid for the full placement
- You need time to submit proof of certification before a deadline
- Your workplace wants staff trained under the updated program after June 22, 2026
For most people, the best approach is to check your expiry date and renew before your certificate expires. Our recertification and renewal guide walks you through how to check your expiry date and which renewal course to book.
Quick Summary
Ontario's 2026 WSIB First Aid Program update is important, but it does not need to be confusing.
Here are the main takeaways:
- The updated WSIB First Aid Program launches on June 22, 2026
- Basic First Aid is equivalent to Emergency First Aid
- Intermediate First Aid is equivalent to Standard First Aid
- Regulation 1101 is not changing
- Existing valid certificates remain valid until they expire
- Employers and schools may use old and new course names during the transition
- Ottawa workers and employers can book Basic/Intermediate First Aid at First Aid Connect's Kanata and Saint-Laurent locations
- You should always confirm your exact requirement before booking
Ready to Book First Aid Training in Ottawa?
First Aid Connect offers First Aid, CPR/AED, and BLS training for workplaces, students, healthcare providers, and individuals looking to stay prepared.
Whether your requirement says Emergency First Aid, Basic First Aid, Standard First Aid, Intermediate First Aid, CPR Level C, or BLS, our team can help you choose the right course.
Ottawa Training Locations
- Ottawa West / Kanata — 329 March Rd, Suite #209 | Kanata, ON K2K 2E1
- Ottawa East / Saint-Laurent — 888 Belfast Rd, Suite #207 | Ottawa, ON K1G 0Z6
See all Ottawa training locations or register directly:
View Our Courses
If you are unsure which course you need, contact us before registering and we will help you choose the correct training for your workplace, school, or placement requirement.
