Arkansas First Responder equivalent?

[jedi]

I was just wondering if anyone knows what the FR cert from Arkansas gives you up here in BC?

I looked on the Worksafe website and it only accepts a few certs as equivalents to OFA 3. So I am a little weary of taking the course. I am sure it is great training, but if it doesn't transfer over it is useless to me.

[radar81]

Simply Put the answer is No, as per what is on BC Worksafe Website, the only transfer possible are EMR from Alberta, I think there is still a test. What were you looking at getting into, if your going Fire the BC EMA-FR3 (Approx 35 Hrs) course is easy, WCB 3 which in training hours is above FR3 from WCB point of view is 80 Hours not hard if you have done some First Aid training before and the EMR is 120 hours plus exam time, difficult if you don't have the mind set or like to study. FR and EMR are all considered Emergency responder training OFA 3 is just a highend first aid course

Radar

[jedi]

well I am planning on becoming a fire fighter, I just thought the higher the cert the better. that being said, I looked into EMR and it is quite pricey. so if I am not planning on going that route, then I suppose I will try to find the cheapest way possible.

I would like to do FR3 but I looked on the JIBC site and it says you can only take that course if you work for a fire dept. I find that odd since they make you take FR3 in fire academy at JIBC.

I volunteer for St John Ambulance and I have their Medical First Responder Cert which is 35 hours. However, I don't believe anyone accepts this. From what I understand, my MFR and the OFA3 seem to be the same.

what would you suggest I take?

[nocomment]

Is this the course in Arkansas?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7h29r5OfIvs

[radar81]

I would say that OFA3 would be your best bet, Victoria used to have it on thier sites, Vancouver had OFA3's at 10 hall dont know if they switched. You could always do your EMR and do the BCAS thing while you wait for a fire job I know lots of guys have done that.

[jedi]

hmmm ya I was thinking about BCAS... maybe after fire academy
anyway I will go ahead and get my OFA3. thanks for the input guys!

[northernmedic]

OFA 3 can give you some first aid employment and experience in the mean time which is good. If you don't have FR 3 then as far as I know most departments will train you up. Once you get your OFA then contact the OFAAABC and they have a job listing for first aid jobs which you can get a line on. If you are in the GVRD let me know and I can give you some recommendations. If you are looking at Ministry of Forests then they like you to have OFA 3 as well.