Emergency Medical Responder Training Program

The CFRC has a pretty comprehensive admissions policy which students should review before applying. The highlights of the requirements for this program are: 

• Valid Alberta Class 5 Drivers License (Or equivalent)
• Legal Right to work in Canada (we do not currently accept international students)
• English Language Proficiency (in accordance to the CFRC Language Proficiency Policy)
• High School Diploma, GED, or letter requesting Mature Admission
• Proof of age (minimum 18 years of age)
• Standard First Aid and CPR Level C (or equivalent/higher - from an approved training provider)

The Emergency Medical Responder program is delivered in an in-class format, meaning that the entirety of the program is delivered in person. The course includes the Basic Life Support (BLS) training as well.

EMR Program Highlights:

• Approximately 80 hours of in-person training 
• Provides you with the basic theoretical knowledge and skills required to provide appropriate patient assessments, interventions, and on-going care, including the transportation of a patient to a healthcare facility.
• Follows the National Occupational Competency Profiles (NOCP) as defined by the Paramedic Association of Canada.
• The electronic version of the textbook for this program is available for free to all students and is automatically sent out after tuition payment has been received.
• Apply your training on real-live 911 emergency responses. The CFRC encourages students to sign up and respond with the local fire department to gain valuable experience.
• Stay at the College dorms. Accommodations are included with tuition. 
• Become eligible to write the COPR entry to practice examination upon graduation!

BLS Program Highlights:

• Approximately 6 hours of in-person training
• Designed to build participant confidence in performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills in a team environment for professionals with a duty to respond. 
• Teaches the important steps to perform a rapid assessment, perform Basic Life Support (BLS) skills, and perform rapid defibrillation including use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). 
• Includes airway management and oxygen administration training to further improve patient care and survivability.

There are two official Red Cross certifications earned upon successful completion of the training program, they are:

Canadian Red Cross Emergency Medical Responder

Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support

Successful graduates of the program will be eligible to apply for and participate in the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) entry to practice examination if they choose. The COPR entry to practice examination is the universal examination process applicable to Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.

For further information regarding the COPR, visit www.copr.ca

This Emergency Medical Responder training program provides graduates with EMR and BLS certifications necessary to apply for certain Primary Care Paramedic programs at other institutions. Graduates may also pursue provincial paramedic licensing through the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics which would allow them to seek employment in the Emergency Medical Services profession and firefighting industry. These qualifications may be required for certain emergency response personnel in municipal settings (such as for Edmonton and Calgary Fire), and may also be required for certain industrial firefighter job postings. Some departments require this training before a firefighter may be eligible for further promotion. 

This program is not yet licensed through Alberta Advanced Education and thus is not open for public enrollment. All applicants must be currently employed with an emergency services related organization before admission will be permitted. If you are between positions and are interested in taking this training, we suggest you reach out to your local department, or apply with the local fire department at the CFRC campus (Red Deer County Fire Services). 

The Canadian Fire Rescue College is a Canadian Red Cross Training Partner, and offers this program through the Red Cross. This training program is currently approved by the British Columbia Emergency Medical Association Licensing Board, and the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics (SCoP). The SCoP is a participating member of the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) standardized entry to practice examination process which can make applying for labour mobility registration in other provinces easier. Students who would like to register as a licensed EMR with the Alberta College of Paramedics will be required to have registered in  another province first and then apply for Labour Mobility registration. 

When you attend the practical component, you will be given the opportunity to stay overnight at the college dormitories. While there is no fee for this living arrangement, expect to not be staying at the Ritz! Students who demand a more luxurious living arrangement will have to seek it out at their own expense. The dormitories feature private rooms, with shared washroom and kitchen facilities.  

If you so choose, you may sign up with the local Fire Department and respond to emergency callouts under their officer's supervision. Our college works closely with this department to ensure all students receive adequate supervision and mentorship.

If you're scared of responding to calls, don't worry! This is completely optional and won't negatively affect your education or certification.

The EMR practical component does have set dates that students must apply before, and select dates they must attend our campus on. Students must pick one scheduled class to attend from the list below: 

Class 241EMR - FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - Weekdays M-F

• Application Deadline: August 23, 2024
• Start Date: September 23, 2024
• End Date: October 4, 2024

Class 251EMR - FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - Weekdays M-F

• Application Deadline: March 7, 2025
• Start Date: April 7, 2025
• End Date: April 18, 2025

Class 252EMR - FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - Weekdays M-F

• Application Deadline: June 7, 2025
• Start Date: July 7, 2025
• End Date: July 18, 2025

Class 253EMR - FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - Weekdays M-F

• Application Deadline: September 6, 2025
• Start Date: October 6, 2025
• End Date: October 17, 2025

Class 254EMR - FULL-TIME SCHEDULE - Weekdays M-F

• Application Deadline: December 12, 2025
• Start Date: January 12, 2026
• End Date: January 23, 2026

All classes are hosted at the CFRC Red Deer Campus located at 3420 22 Street, Springbrook.

Emergency Medical Responder Training Program:

Emergency Medical Responder - Practical: 1,800.00

TOTAL: $1,800.00

These tuition payments must be made by certain deadlines prior to attending the practical component of the course. 

Tuition payments cannot be made until a student has submitted an application and been accepted into the program.

Need a loan? We have partnered with Loans Canada to provide financial options to students. Take a look at our tialored financial solutions.

The only fees that students may encounter that not included with their tuition are:

2 Class B uniforms: 

• Available for purchase via the college IN ADVANCE - they are custom ordered and shipped out from BC so cannot be purchased on the day you arrive. Orders must be placed at least 30 days prior to the start date of your practical component. Uniforms now come with patches sewn on, and pants hemmed - $175-$194 (size dependent) for each full set (not including black work/station boots)

Canadian Red Cross Emergency Care for Professional Responders Reference Text:

• The paperback version of the text can be purchased for $198 directly through the College and will be issued on the first day of class if ordered. Is purchased in tuition payment portal (link received upon acceptance into program).

Canadian Red Cross Basic Life Support Field Guide: 

• The paperback version of the text can be purchased for $32 directly through the College and will be issued on the first day of class if ordered. Is purchased in tuition payment portal (link received upon acceptance into program).

COPR Examination fees*: (Optional - required if licensing)

• Payable to the COPR - $550 per attempt 

Liability Insurance*: (Optional - required if licensing)

• Vary greatly by supplier. Example:Lloydsadd - $65 annual fee plus $4 service fee 

Provincial Paramedical Association Licensing Fees*: (Optional)

• Saskatchewan: $100 registration fee, $520 annual licensing fee
• British Columbia: $450 initial licensing fee, $50 annual license fee.
• Alberta (labour mobility - must already be registered elsewhere): $25 jurisprudence exam fee, $100 application fee, $499 annual licensing fee.
• Manitoba: $550 annual licensing fee.

Food during your stay: 

• The College kitchen provides 3 meals per day if you subscribe to a meal-plan. Weekly meal-cards cost $225 per week. You can register and pay for meal cards after being accepted into a program via the tuition payment portal.

Travel costs to and from campus: 

• Travel to and from the Edmonton International Airport or the Calgary International Airport, the cost of flights, or if you travel directly to the school via car or bus will all cost you money. The nearest airport to the CFRC campus is the Calgary Airport (YYC), however the Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is only a few kilometers further away. These airports are both approximately a 1 hour drive from the college facility. One-way travel via Red Arrow bus-lines costs from $40 - $64, however a rideshare or taxi from Red Deer to the Campus will need to be purchased as well which will cost from $30-$50 ($70-$114 one-way total). The Red Arrow Pick-up and Drop-off location in Red Deer is 7150 50 Ave, Red Deer, Alberta (in front of the Quality Inn), and the college address is 3410 21 Street, Springbrook, Alberta.  
• If you need to book a flight, click here to see what is available and for pricing.

*Licensing, COPR testing, insurance and other fees and conditions may vary. Students should perform their own research regarding the licensing process in the jurisdiction they intend to practice as a professional emergency medical responder. The CFRC does not guarantee any pricing or conditions of third party agencies, or licensing associations.

Before you apply, it is a good idea to reach out to an admissions specialist. 

You can book a video chat appointment with one, or send them an email. Click here to get started.

Ready to apply? Click on the link here to begin the application package.