Medical First Responder

Are you looking for a career that enables you to help others in their time of need? Would you like to pursue an exciting and rewarding career as a first responder? NAIT’s Medical First Responder (MFR) program is a comprehensive program for people looking to work or volunteer as a first responder as part of fire rescue services, police services, industrial safety and security, and the many other professions that require MFR expertise.

The NAIT Medical First Responder program will give you the abilities and confidence to provide basic first-on-scene emergency medical care to patients before and after Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrives. You’ll also learn how to support EMS personnel after they arrive on scene.

NAIT’s MFR program provides you with 4 distinct credentials.

• NAIT Medical First Responder (MFR) Advanced First Aid Certification*

• International Trauma Life Support (ITLS) Basic Provider Certification

• Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada - Basic Life Support - Level C Certification

• Heart and Stroke Standard First Aid Level C

NAIT's MFR program is approved at an Advanced First Aid level by Alberta Occupational Health and Safety.

The NAIT MFR program meets Edmonton Fire Rescue Services recruitment requirements and is an entrance requirement for NAIT's Primary Care Paramedic (PCP) program.

Quick Facts

• Credential: Certificate of Achievement
• Campus: Main Campus
• Delivery Modes & Times: Varies by class section. See section details for delivery mode and detailed schedule.

Program Details

Coursework

The Medical First Responder program covers 104 hours of coursework that will provide you with basic life support knowledge and skills, along with realistic experience in emergency situations. These classes are a combination of theory and practical hands-on training.

The MFR courses will also teach you other important knowledge, including the following:

• Medical and trauma emergencies

• Patient assessment

• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)

• Automated external defibrillation

• Basic airway management

• Spinal and bone fracture immobilization

• Basic anatomy and physiology of the human body

• Lifting and moving patients

• Workplace safety and legislation

Classroom & Study Hours

The MFR program is offered during the evening. For every hour spent in class, students can anticipate spending an additional one to three hours completing self-study.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of this program will find paid or volunteer work in fire rescue service and industrial settings. As an MFR, you will be able to provide basic, pre-hospital care and life support to the sick and injured.

Alumni Profile

Matthew Meropoulis 

Firefighter - Edmonton Fire Rescue Services Hall 13

MFRS100 Extension Request

Pathway to EMR

Expand your career opportunities within Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

Take advantage of the Medical First Responder courses to move into EMR

Upon successful completion of NAIT's MFR program, you are eligible to receive advanced credit for Level 2 of the NAIT Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program.

1. Complete MFRS100 – Medical First Responder OR the MFRS101 - Medical First Responder Recertification course if your MFRS100 certificate is about to expire.
   • Reminder: Medical first responders must recertify every 3 years. Medical first responders with expired MFRS100 certificates are not eligible to take the MFRS101 recertification course and must enroll back in MFRS100.
2. Complete MFRS160 – Personal Health and Wellness (online delivery). 
3. Receive advanced credit for EMR Level 2: EMRE200 – Emergency Medical Responder Core Medical.

Note: EMRE200 is a core component of Level 2 of NAIT's EMR certificate (4 levels total). You must also complete the Level 1 courses in the EMR certificate to use the advanced credit earned in the MFR program.

ACP Registration Information

Medical First Responder programs are not accredited by the Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP). If you are seeking a pathway to ACP registration, register for NAIT's Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program. 

 Alberta College of Paramedics (ACP) screening requirements:

• English 30-1 or 30-2 or equivalent. 

• Math 10 Pure or 20-1 or equivalent or Math 20 Applied or 20-2 or equivalent.

• Biology 30 or equivalent.

FAQ