First Aid in the Workplace
Trained first aiders must be present in the workplace at all times. The CNESST* designs, subsidizes and oversees the First Aid in the Workplace Program. This course is mandatory for Quebec establishments. *Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail [CNESST]
To Register:
- McGill staff and faculty, use this register online.
- Student registrants sent by professor and paying by FOAPAL, use this register online.
- Student registrants paying by credit card, please complete and submit the Paying Participant Training Form.
Basic instructions:
- Medic (training supplier) could provide: one pair of gloves (medium for the CPR practice on the Mannequin), plus one kit of bandages for a practice session on oneself. The instructor will provide detailed instructions (how and when to use).
- Lunch: free period - you may take this inside or outside the training room.
- All practice sessions being held are mandatory. It hits at bare minimum two birds with one stone: (1) provide an opportunity for the instructor to correct and evaluate each participant on their technical/theoretical knowledge; and (2) assist the entire group in learning best practices and procedures through the method of repeating and learning from each other’s mistakes.
- Participants may bring and wear a surgical / procedural mask for the entire length of the training in person, 14 hours. Note: CNESST has lift-off the obligation to wear it.
Course Content
Responsibilities of First Aiders; General plan for emergency situations; Unconsciousness; Respiratory arrest; Cardiac arrest (CPR level A, i.e. for casualties of 8 y.o. and above); Assisted External Defibrillator (AED); Obstruction of airways; Bleeding; Shock; Wounds; Bone injuries; Burns; Environment-related problems; Injuries and burns to the eyes; Intoxication; Medical emergencies; Requirements Moving and transport of a casualty; On-site first-aid kit; Minimum number of First Aiders and first-aid register; AIDS and infectious diseases transmitted via blood..
Duration: 2 days of 8 hours [incl. 1h lunch]
Course Cost, Withdraw, and Cancellation Rules
Cost (McGill Staff and Faculty): Free for McGill staff and faculty, pending availability of a subsidy from the CNESST and approval from Environmental Health and Safety. A FOAPAL is required in both instances as the course fee is charged for a no-show or last minute cancellation.
Cost (Students, and non-subsidized): $162.18 [$141 + 21.18 taxes] per person. Price is set by the CNESST. Last update was: January 1st 2026. Fees may be changed without notice. It includes the certification and the first aid manual guide.
Withdraw/Cancellation Rules: No cancellation fee will be applied if the cancellation is done at least 8 days prior to the start of the session. An email to ehs [at] mcgill.ca is sufficient. Alternatively you can send someone to substitute for you. If your replacement is not entitled to the CNESST subsidy, the fee ($162.18) will be charged
Course Dates
First Aid in the Workplace Training is being held in person. If you wish to organize/hold a training session within your department/building please contact josee.sansoucy [at] mcgill.ca. Thank you.
Downtown Campus - 3610 McTavish Street, room 430
| DATE | TIME | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|
| December 15 & 16, 2025 (Monday and Tuesday); | 8h30 to 16h30 | e-cards sent 2025-12-17 |
| January 26 & 27, 2026 (Monday and Tuesday) | 8h30 to 16h30 | e-cards sent 2026-01-29 |
| March 5 and 6, 2026 (Study Week, Thursday and Friday) - 680 Sherbrooke West, Room 1025 | 8h30 to 16h30 | waiting for e-certification |
| April 13 and 14, 2026 (Monday and Tuesday) - 680 Sherbrooke West, Room 1047 | 8h30 to 16h30 | Registration is open |
| 12 et 13 Mai 2026, Français (Mardi et Mercredi) - 680 Sherbrooke Ouest, salle 1041 | 8h à 16h | Les inscriptions sont ouvertes |
| June 17 and 18, 2026 (Wednesday and Thursday) - Leacock, Rooms 109 and 110 | 8h30 to 16h30 | Registration is open |
| Wish to hold a training session in your building, for your faculty. Please contact josee.sansoucy [at] mcgill.ca |
Macdonald Campus - 21,111 Lakeshore Road, Macdonald-Stewart, Faculty Lounge, Room MS2-022
| DATE | TIME | COMMENTS |
|---|---|---|
| December 17 & 18, 2025 (Wednesday & Thursday) | 8h-16h | e-cards sent 2025-12-17 |
| May 4 & 5, 2026 (Monday & Tuesday) | 8h-16h | Registration is open |
| Next: Looking at Fall 2026. Plus special request will be accepted | 8h-16h |