CPR & First Aid Requirements for Police Recruits – Ontario

Police are often the first responders at medical emergencies such as overdoses, unconscious individuals, collisions, or cardiac arrests. For this reason, every police service in Ontario — including the Ontario Police College (OPC) — requires valid CPR and First Aid certification before attending training.

According to OPC documentation and major police services such as the Toronto Police Service¹, Ottawa Police Service², and OPP³, recruits must have:

• Standard First Aid (mandatory for Ottawa Police, Toronto Police, and OPP)

Our Standard First Aid is Canadian Red Cross certified, WSIB-approved, and valid for 3 years making it ideal for applicants and active officers.

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Why CPR & First Aid Are Required for Police

Police officers frequently respond to:

• Overdose emergencies

• Car accidents

• Unresponsive individuals

• Mental health crises

• Assault or injury scenes

• Severe bleeding

• Cardiac arrest

• Respiratory distress

Proper CPR and First Aid training ensures officers can preserve life until EMS arrives.

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CPR / First Aid Requirements for Police Applicants

Standard First Aid & CPR / AED Level C

Explicitly required by:

• Ontario Police College (OPC) – documented in Ministry training requirements

• Ottawa Police Service – First Aid & CPR / AED Level C required²

• Toronto Police Service – First Aid & CPR / AED Level C Required¹

• OPP (Ontario Provincial Police) – First Aid & CPR / AED Level C Required³

This training includes:

• Adult, child, infant CPR

• Multi-rescuer CPR

• AED usage

• Choking response

• Scene assessment

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Why Police Applicants May Consider BLS

While BLS is not mandatory for most services, it is strongly recommended for:

• Tactical units

• Emergency response teams

• Paramedic bridging

• University police services

• Officers working in medical or custody environments

Basic Life Support – BLS covers:

• High-performance CPR

• BVM ventilation

• Airway management

• Team-based resuscitation

This certification is recognized for ACLS, PALS, paramedicine, and advanced emergency care pathways.

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Ottawa-Specific Requirements

Applicants to the Ottawa Police Service must complete:

• Standard First Aid & CPR / AED Level C

before applying or finalizing OPC enrollment.

These certifications are required for:

• Recruit applicants

• Special constables

• Campus police

• Community officers

• Auxiliary policing candidates

All will accept:

• Standard First Aid & CPR / AED Level C

• BLS (optional)

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Where to Take CPR & First Aid for Police Recruits – Ottawa

First Aid Connect provides:

• Standard First Aid & CPR C

• BLS Provider Training

With:

• Fast certificates (1–3 business days)

• Evening & weekend availability

• Kanata & Saint Laurent training locations

Register now →

Book CPR & First Aid Training for Police Applicants

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Sources

https://oacpcertificate.ca/becoming-a-police-officer/

https://jobs-emplois.ottawa.ca/OttawaPolice/content/Sworn-Hiring-Process/?locale=en_GB

https://www.opp.ca/