First Aid

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First aid is emergency care given immediately to an injured person to help minimize injury and future disability. Workers should know how to respond during an injury or illness situation. Employers must visibly post, or inform workers on how to contact the workplace first aider(s), and where first aid supplies are located. Workplace first aid supplies and services must be readily available and accessible during working hours. This information does not apply to hospitals, nursing homes, or a home office in a worker’s private residence where the worker does low-risk work for an employer.

Employer duties

Employers must:

Provide and maintain first aid supplies and services at each workplace at their own expense. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.3 (1)]
Make sure that first aid supplies and services are readily available and accessible during working hours [OHS General Regs., S. 9.3 (1.1)]
Have a competent person (in consultation with the health and safety committee, safety representative, or workers) assess the risks in the workplace that workers are likely to encounter and make sure that there are adequate first aid supplies and services. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.3 (2) and (3)]
If multiple levels of risk exist at the same time in the same workplace, make sure that the higher level of risk is used when selecting the first aid kit and the level of training for first aiders. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.3 (7)]
Review the workplace first aid risk assessment at least annually, or more frequently if work conditions change in consultation with the health and safety committee, safety representative, or workers. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.3 (5)]
Make sure that all supplies required are kept clean and dry, and are checked regularly for expiry. Supplies must be replaced on or before their expiry. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.12]
Post a sign in a visible place in the workplace indicating:

The name and phone number of the workplace first aider(s) [OHS General Regs., S. 9.5 (2)] and
The location of first aid kits; [OHS General Regs., S. 9.13 (1)] and

If a sign cannot be posted, make sure that each worker in the workplace is informed about:

The name and phone number of the workplace first aider(s) [OHS General Regs., S. 9.5 (3)]
The location of first aid kits in the workplace [OHS General Regs., S. 9.13 (2)]

Designate one or more workers to act as workplace first aiders and maintain a record of who those first aiders are. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.5 (1)]
Make sure that workplace first aiders receive training that is consistent with the workplace first aid risk assessment. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.5 (1)]
Make sure that each worker designated as a workplace first aider holds a valid first aid certificate that is of the required level. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.6]
Keep all written first aid records for three (3) years after the date of injury. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.10 (2)]

Workplace First Aid Risk Assessment

A workplace first aid risk assessment is a process used to determine the risk level which will determine what first aid services, first aid kits, and supplies are required. The assessment must be conducted by a competent person in consultation with the occupational health and safety committee, safety representative, or workers. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.3 (3)]

The risk assessment [OHS General Regs., S. 9.3 (3)-(4)] must include:

Identification of any hazards that may result in a work-related injury or illness.
An assessment of the type of injury and illness, as well as the potential severity and likelihood that may occur. The assessment must include:

Workplace characteristics;
Number of workers per shift;
Industry sector trends;
Past workplace first aid incidents;
Trained workplace first aider locations and proximity in the workplace;
Accessibility of emergency medical services;
Work patterns, shift work and other organizational considerations (including unplanned leave of workplace first aiders);
Transportation methods for taking injured or ill persons to a medical facility; and
Any special needs of workers (such as workers with disabilities or known medical conditions)

Identification of first aid supplies and services to respond to the types of injury or illness that may occur in the workplace.

If an officer determines that the workplace first aid risk assessment is not adequate based on the specific workplace risks, the officer may specify additional first aid supplies or services to be provided by the employer. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.3 (6)]

Workplace First Aider Training Competencies

All workplace first aiders must hold a valid first aid certificate at the basic, intermediate, or advanced level. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.6] An approved organization or person is one that provides the training according to CSA Standard, Z1210-17, “First Aid Training for the Workplace - Curriculum and Quality Management for Training Agencies” [OHS General Regs., S. 9.1(2) and (3)]

The type of first aid certificate required depends on the level of risk found in the workplace first aid risk assessment.:

Low risk: at all times, there needs to be someone in the workplace who holds a valid Basic Level First Aid Certificate [OHS General Regs., S. 9.7(a)]
Moderate risk: at all times, there needs to be someone in the workplace who holds a valid Intermediate Level First Aid Certificate [OHS General Regs., S. 9.7(b)]
High risk: at all times, there needs to be someone in the workplace who holds a valid Advanced Level First Aid Certificate [OHS General Regs., S. 9.7(c)]

The requirements for the different levels of workplace first aid certificates are:

Basic Level First Aid Certificate: a certificate issued by an approved organization or person after the successful completion of a first aid course that consists of: [OHS General Regs., S. 9.1(1)(c)]

An awareness and knowledge component
3.5 hours of practical skills training
An assessment of the knowledge and practical skills of a workplace first aider

Intermediate Level First Aid Certificate: a certificate issued by an approved organization or person after the successful completion of a first aid course that consists of the same requirements as the Basic Level First Aid Certificate but with 7 hours of practical skills training. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.1(1)(h.1)]
Advanced Level First Aid Certificate: a certificate issued by an approved organization or person after the successful completion of a first aid course that consists of the same requirements as the Basic Level First Aid Certificate but with 35 hours of practical skills training. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.1(1)(a)]

A workplace first aider with a certificate that was valid under the first aid requirements before January 1, 2025, will continue to meet the requirements until their certificate expires. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.15] The equivalent levels of the old and new first aid certificates are:

Old first aid certificate	New first aid certificate
Emergency First Aid Certificate	Basic Level First Aid Certificate
Standard First Aid Certificate	Intermediate Level First Aid Certificate
Advanced First Aid Certificate	Advanced Level First Aid Certificate

Treatment of Injury or Illness

A worker who is injured at the workplace must use the first aid supplies and services provided as needed and without delay. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.4] They must also report the injury to the employer or supervisor as soon as possible after the injury. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.9]

If a workplace first aider administers first aid to a worker, the workplace first aider must: [OHS General Regs., S. 9.10 (1)]

Prepare a written record that includes:

the name of the injured worker,
the date, time, and description of the injury,
the date, time, and description of first aid treatment administered,
a description of the incident that caused the injury,
the name of the workplace first aider, and
the name of the person that the worker reporter the injury to.

Provide the written record to the employer of the injured worker.

Provide the injured worker with a copy of the written first aid record. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.10 (1) (b)]

First Aid Kits

A first aid kit is a container containing certain supplies. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.1(1)(e)] The minimum requirements of the workplace first aid kits and the type, number, and size of workplace first aid kits must meet the requirements of CSA Standard Z1220-17 – First Aid Kits for the Workplace. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.11 (3)]

The classification of the first aid kit and any additional supplies required has to be determined by the employer based on the workplace first aid risk assessment. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.11 (1)]

Workplace first aid kits classification:

Type	Description	Size
Type 1	Personal First Aid Kit	One Size
Type 2	Basic First Aid Kit	Small
		Medium
		Large
Type 3	Intermediate First Aid Kit	Small
		Medium
		Large

These first aid kits may be used in different combinations across the workplace to be readily accessible to all workers as long as they meet the workplace requirements. In workplaces with more than 100 workers, the first aid kits must be proportionally distributed in the workplace. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.11 (5) and (6)]

The minimum contents of the first aid kits can be increased to account for any specific workplace hazards, risks, or conditions. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.11 (7)]

Make sure that any vehicle or boat used to transport workers to and from the workplace is equipped with an Intermediate First Aid Kit. The size of the First Aid Kit will be determined by the number of seats the vehicle or boat has and the requirements of the CSA Standard Z1220-17 First Aid Kits for the Workplace. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.8]

First Aid Rooms

A first aid room is a room at a workplace that is used exclusively for the purpose of administering first aid. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.1(1)(g)] If there are more than 100 workers regularly employed on any shift at the workplace, and if the work conducted at the workplace is work other than low risk work, a first aid room must be provided. [OHS General Regs., S. 9.14(1)(a) and (b)]

The first aid room must: [OHS General Regs., S. 9.14(2)]

Have adequate lighting, (including emergency lighting), ventilation, and heating;
Be kept clean and in a sanitary condition;
Be big enough to accommodate a stretcher;
Have emergency telephone numbers posted;
Only be used to administer first aid;
Be accessible by workers during their shift; and
Be equipped with: [OHS General Regs., S. 9.14 (2)(g)]

A telephone or other means of communication;
Instructions on how and where to access a workplace first aider;
A permanently installed sink with hot and cold running water;
A bed or cot with a moisture protected mattress and two pillows;
A treatment chair with armrests;
A flashlight;
A wash basin made from stainless steel or polypropylene;
A nail brush;
A package of paper towels;
Hand soap;
A package of disposable paper cups;
A kidney basin made of stainless steel or polypropylene; and
A large Type 3 Intermediate First Aid Kit.

"workplace first aider" means a worker with a first aid certificate that is current and recognized as defined by the legal requirements

"Emergency Medical Services" means a network of services coordinated to provide aid and medical assistance, from primary response to definitive care, involving personnel trained in the rescue, stabilization, transportation, and treatment of persons experiencing traumatic or medical emergencies

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General Regulations
EC180/87

Part 9 FIRST AID

Section 9.1 Definitions

9.1 (1) In this Part,

(a) "Advanced Level First Aid Certificate" means a certificate issued by an approved organization or person for the successful completion of a first aid course that consists of

(i) an awareness and knowledge component,

(ii) a practical skills component that includes at least 35 hours of practical skills training, and

(iii) an assessment component that evaluates the knowledge skills and practical skills of a workplace first aider;

(b) "approved organization or person" means an organization or person approved to provide first aid courses and training under subsection (2);

(c) "Basic Level First Aid Certificate" means a certificate issued by an approved organization or person for the successful completion of a first aid course that consists of

(i) an awareness and knowledge component,

(ii) a practical skills component that includes at least 3.5 hours of practical skills training, and

(iii) an assessment component that evaluates the knowledge skills and practical skills of a workplace first aider;

(c.1) "Emergency Medical Services" means a network of services coordinated to provide aid and medical assistance, from primary response to definitive care, involving personnel trained in the rescue, stabilization, transportation, and treatment of persons experiencing traumatic or medical emergencies;

(d) "first aid certificate" means a Basic Level First Aid Certificate, an Intermediate Level First Aid Certificate, and an Advanced Level First Aid Certificate;

(e) "first aid kit" means a container containing the supplies required by this Part;

(f) "first aid provider" Repealed. [EC2021-129]

(g) "first aid room" means a room at a workplace that is used exclusively for the purpose of administering first aid;

(h) "hospital" means a hospital as defined in the Hospitals Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. H-10.1;

(h.1) "Intermediate Level First Aid Certificate" means a certificate issued by an approved organization or person for the successful completion of a first aid course that consists of

(i) an awareness and knowledge component,

(ii) a practical skills component that includes at least 7 hours of practical skills training, and

(iii) an assessment component that evaluates the knowledge skills and practical skills of a workplace first aider;

(i) "low risk work" means work of an administrative, professional or clerical nature that does not require substantial physical exertion or exposure to work processes, substances or other conditions that are potentially hazardous;

(j) "nursing home" means a nursing home as defined in the Community Care Facilities and Nursing Homes Act R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. C-13;

(j.01) "practical skills component" means a hands-on learning experience in a supervised setting aimed at the preparation, training and assessment of a learner;

(j.1) "risk" means a combination of the likelihood of the occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm;

(k) Repealed. [EC2024-600, s. 1]

(l) "working alone" means the worker is the only worker of the employer at that workplace and the worker is working in circumstances where assistance is not readily available to the worker in the event of injury, illness or an emergency;

(m) "workplace first aider" means a designated worker who holds a valid first aid certificate that meets the requirements set out in CSA Standard Z1210-17 , "First Aid Training for the Workplace - Curriculum and Quality Management for Training Agencies;

(n) "workplace first aid risk assessment" means a process used to determine the risk level in a workplace as it relates to the provision of workplace first aid services, first aid kits and supplies.

(2) For the purposes of this Part, an organization or person is approved to provide first aid training if the organization or person provides the training in accordance with the requirements set out in CSA Standard Z1210-17 , "First Aid Training for the Workplace - Curriculum and Quality Management for Training Agencies".

(3) An organization or person approved under subsection (2) shall provide first aid training to workers in accordance with the requirements set out in CSA Standard Z1210-17 , "First Aid Training for the Workplace - Curriculum and Quality Management for Training Agencies".

[EC2012-49, s. 1; EC2021-126, s. 10; EC2024-600, s. 1]

Section 9.3 Employer responsibilities

9.3 (1) An employer shall, at the employer's own expense, provide and maintain at each of the employer's workplaces the first aid supplies and services that are required to be so provided and maintained by this Part.

(1.1) Workplace first aid supplies and services shall be readily available and accessible during working hours.

(2) An employer shall assess the risks that workers are likely to encounter at the workplace and ensure that there are adequate first aid supplies and services at the workplace.

(3) The workplace first aid risk assessment shall be conducted by a competent person at the workplace in consultation with the occupational health and safety committee, safety representative, or workers, as applicable.

(4) The workplace first aid risk assessment shall include

(a) the identification of hazards that could result in a work-related injury or illness;

(b) an assessment of the type, potential severity, likelihood, and resulting risk of injuries and illnesses which could occur in the workplace taking into consideration

(i) the characteristics of the workplace,

(ii) the number of workers at the workplace per shift,

(iii) industry sector trends,

(iv) the organization’s history of workplace first aid incidents,

(v) the proximity of trained workplace first aiders to provide first aid,

(vi) accessibility to emergency medical services,

(vii) work patterns, such as shift work, workers on shared sites, multi-occupied sites, and planned and unplanned leave of workplace first aiders,

(viii) modes of transportation for transporting injured or ill persons to a medical facility, and

(ix) any special needs including, but not limited to, workers with disabilities or known medical conditions; and

(c) the identification of the appropriate first aid supplies and services to respond to the types of injury or illness that could occur in the workplace.

(5) An employer shall, at least annually and more frequently if required by a change in work conditions, review the workplace first aid risk assessment in consultation with the occupational health and safety committee, safety representative, or workers, as applicable.

(6) Where an officer determines that the workplace first aid risk assessment conducted under this Part is not adequate given the particular risks associated within a workplace, the officer may specify additional first aid supplies or services to be provided by the employer.

(7) Where multiple levels of risk exist simultaneously at a single workplace, the employer shall ensure a higher level of risk is used when determining the appropriate workplace first aid kit and level of training required by the workplace first aider.

[EC2012-49, s. 1; EC2021-126, s. 11; EC2024-600, s. 3]

Section 9.4 Worker responsibilities

9.4 A worker at a workplace shall use the first aid supplies and services provided at the workplace as needed by the worker and without undue delay.

[EC2012-49, s. 1]

Section 9.5 First aid providers

9.5 (1) An employer shall

(a) designate one or more workers to act as workplace first aiders at each workplace of the employer;

(b) maintain a record of the name of each worker who is designated as a workplace first aider; and

(c) ensure that the level of first aid training for the workplace first aider is consistent with the workplace first aid risk assessment required and conducted under this Part..

(2) An employer shall post, at a conspicuous place at each workplace of the employer, a sign that states the names and phone numbers of the workplace first aiders.

(3) Where the posting of a sign at a workplace of an employer is not practicable, the employer shall ensure that each worker at the workplace informed of the names and phone numbers of the workplace first aiders.

[EC2012-49, s. 1; EC2021-126, s. 12; EC2024-600, s. 4]

Section 9.6 First aid training

9.6 An employer shall ensure, before making a designation under subsection 9.5(1), that each worker who the employer designates to act as a workplace first aider holds a valid first aid certificate at the Basic Level, Intermediate Level or Advanced Level as required by this Part.

[EC2012-49, s. 1; EC2021-126, s. 13; EC2024-600, s. 5]

Section 9.7 Workplace first aider training competencies

9.7 Where a workplace first aid risk assessment has been conducted under this Part, an employer shall determine the level of risk that workers may encounter at the workplace in accordance with the following:

(a) where the level of risk is considered low, the employer shall ensure there is a designated workplace first aider who holds a valid Basic Level First Aid Certificate at the workplace at all times;

(b) where the level of risk is considered moderate, the employer shall ensure there is a designated workplace first aider who holds a valid Intermediate Level First Aid Certificate at the workplace at all times;

(c) where the level of risk is considered high, the employer shall ensure there is a designated workplace first aider who holds a valid Advanced Level First Aid Certificate at the workplace at all times.

[EC2012-49, s. 1; EC2021-126, s. 14; EC2024-600, s. 6]

Section 9.8 Vehicles and boats

9.8 A vehicle or boat used by or under the control of the employer for transporting workers to and from a workplace shall be equipped with a Type 3: Intermediate First Aid Kit, the size of which shall be determined based on the legal seating capacity of the vehicle or boatin question, pursuant to the requirements set out in CSA Standard Z1220-17, First Aid Kits for the Workplace .

[EC2012-49, s. 1; EC2021-126, s. 15[; EC2024-600, s. 7]

Section 9.9 Report of injury

9.9 A worker who sustains an injury at a workplace shall report the injury to the employer or supervisor of the worker as soon as practicable after the injury.

[EC2012-49, s. 1]

Section 9.10 Record of treatment

9.10 (1) Where a workplace first aider administers first aid to a worker who has sustained an injury at a workplace, the workplace first aid provider shall, as soon as practicable afterwards,

(a) prepare a written record that sets out

(i) the name of the injured worker,

(ii) the date and time of the injury,

(iii) a description of the injury,

(iv) the first aid treatment administered,

(v) a description of the incident causing the injury,

(vi) the date and time when first aid was administered,

(vii) the name of the workplace first aider, and

(viii) the name of the person to whom the worker reported the injury under section 9.9; and

(b) provide the written record to the employer of the injured worker.

(2) Where an employer is provided with a written record under subsection (1), the employer shall retain the record for a period of three years after the date of the injury referred to in the record.

[EC2012-49, s. 1; EC2021-126, s. 16; EC2024-600, s. 8]

Section 9.11 Employer shall determine classification of first aid kits

9.11 (1) The employer shall determine the classification of the first aid kit and any additional supplies required, pursuant to the findings of the first aid risk assessment conducted under this Part.

(2) Repealed. [EC2024-600, s. 9]

(3) The minimum requirements for the contents of workplace first aid kits and the type, number and size of workplace first aid kits shall meet the requirements set out in CSA Standard Z1220-17, First Aid Kits for the Workplace .

(4) Workplace first aid kits shall be classified as follows:

(a) Type 1: Personal First Aid Kit;

(b) Type 2: Basic First Aid Kit, further classified as

(i) small,

(ii) medium, and

(iii) large;

(i) small,

(ii) medium, and

(iii) large.

(5) To ensure first aid kits are readily accessible to all workers and that the particular configurations of workplaces can be accommodated, first aid kits of different sizes (small, medium and large) may be used in various combinations in accordance with workplace first aid kits classifications, pursuant to subsection (4).

(6) For workplaces with more than 100 workers, first aid kits shall be proportionately distributed in the workplace.

(7) An employer may increase the minimum requirements in respect of the contents of workplace first aid kits in the workplace to account for any specific workplace hazards or risks or to address other site-specific conditions.

[EC2012-49, s. 1; EC2021-126, s. 17; EC2024-600, s. 9]

Section 9.12 First aid supplies, requirements

9.12 An employer shall ensure that all supplies required to be kept by the employer at the workplace under this Part are

(a) kept clean and dry; and

(b) checked regularly for expiry and replaced on or before their expiry.

[EC2012-49, s. 1]

Section 9.13 Posting of information

9.13 (1) An employer shall post, at a conspicuous place at the workplace, a sign that indicates the location of first aid kits kept at the workplace.

(2) Where the posting of a sign at a workplace is not practicable, the employer shall ensure that each worker at the workplace is informed of the location of first aid kits kept there.

[EC2012-49, s. 1]

Section 9.14 First aid room

9.14 (1) Where

(a) either

(i) the only work conducted at a workplace is work other than low risk work, or

(ii) both low risk work and work other than low risk work are conducted at a workplace; and

(b) there are more than 100 workers regularly employed on any one shift at the workplace,

the employer shall provide a first aid room at the workplace.

(2) An employer who is required under subsection (1) to provide a first aid room at a workplace shall ensure that the first aid room

(a) has adequate lighting, ventilation and heating, including emergency lighting in accordance with section 6.3;

(b) is kept clean and in a sanitary condition;

(d) has posted emergency telephone numbers;

(e) is used only for the purpose of administering first aid;

(f) is accessible by the workers at all times during their shift; and

(g) is equipped with

(i) a telephone or other means of communication between the first aid room and the emergency medical services that will be transporting the worker, if applicable,

(ii) instructions on how and where to access a workplace first aider,

(iii) a permanently installed sink with hot and cold running water,

(iv) a bed or cot with a moisture-protected mattress and two pillows,

(v) a treatment chair with arm rests,

(vi) a flashlight,

(vii) a wash basin made from stainless steel or polypropylene,

(viii) a nail brush,

(ix) a package of paper towels,

(x) hand soap,

(xi) a package of disposable paper cups,

(xii) a kidney basin made of stainless steel or polypropylene, and

(xiii) a large Type 3: Intermediate First Aid Kit, that meets the requirements set out in the CSA Standard specified in subsection 9.11(3).

[EC2012-49, s. 1; EC2021-126, s. 18; EC2024-600, s. 10]

Section 9.15 Transitional - Basic Level First Aid Certificate

9.15 (1) A workplace first aider who, immediately before the date this section comes into force, holds a valid Emergency First Aid Certificate is deemed, on and after the date this section comes into force, to hold a valid Basic Level First Aid Certificate, subject to any expiry date specified on the certificate.

(2) A workplace first aider who, immediately before the date this section comes into force, holds a valid Standard First Aid Certificate is deemed, on and after the date this section comes into force, to hold a valid Intermediate Level First Aid Certificate, subject to any expiry date specified on the certificate.

(3) A workplace first aider who, immediately before the date this section comes into force, holds a valid Advanced First Aid Certificate is deemed, on and after the date this section comes into force, to hold a valid Advanced Level First Aid Certificate, subject to any expiry date specified on the certificate.

[EC2021-126, s. 18; EC2024-600, s. 11]

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