Safe + Sound First Aid Training Ltd.

09/12/2026

Learn 7 Amazing Heart Facts on World First Aid Day | September 12, 2026

World First Aid Day is observed annually on the second Saturday of September. Established in 2000 by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), it promotes accessible first aid training to help everyday people handle emergencies and save lives.

Today we're recognizing World First Aid Day by celebrating our amazing hearts! Read on to discover why this tireless organ is the body’s unsung hero.

1. It Beats Over 100,000 Times a Day. In an average adult, the heart beats around 70 to 100 times per minute. That adds up to roughly 100,000 beats per day, over 35 million beats per year, and well over 2.5 billion beats across an average lifetime—all without taking a single break.

2. It Pumps Enough Blood to Fill an Olympic Swimming Pool. Every minute, your heart pumps about 5 liters (1.3 gallons) of blood. Over 24 hours, that amounts to around 7,500 liters (2,000 gallons) circulating through your body. Across an average lifetime, the heart pumps enough blood to fill more than three Olympic-sized swimming pools!

For 5 more fantastic heart facts, click on the article link below.

Discover amazing facts about the human heart, why it's the body's unsung hero, and how you can save a life with first aid and CPR skills this World First Aid Day.

08/25/2026

International Overdose Awareness Day | August 31 2026

Remembering, Educating, and Mobilizing: International Overdose Awareness Day in the Tri-Cities with the Tri-Cities Community Action Team - TC CAT

https://www.learnfirstaid.ca/international-overdose-awareness-day-august-31-2026/

08/25/2026

On August 31, International Overdose Awareness Day, join the Tri-Cities Community Action Team - TC CAT to honour and remember loved ones lost to toxic drugs and discover resources available in the Tri-Cities for those struggling with substance use issues.

07/16/2026

When Can Kids Stay Home Alone in Canada? Age Laws & FAQs

As your child grows, there comes a turning point every Canadian parent faces: the transition to independence. You might find yourself asking, “Can I leave my 10-year-old alone while I run to the grocery store?” or “Is it legal for my middle-schooler to be home after school by themselves?”

The shift toward self-care is an exciting milestone, but it brings up a lot of legal, safety, and emotional questions.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the legal age requirements across Canada, how to gauge your child’s maturity, and how to get them fully prepared using convenient online home alone safety training.

When can kids stay home alone in Canada? Learn provincial age laws, safety guidelines, and how online training can prepare your child.

07/16/2026

Intermediate First Aid: Everything You Need to Know

If you are looking to complete workplace safety training in Canada, you have likely noticed a recent change in course titles. The certification traditionally known as Standard First Aid has been renamed to Intermediate First Aid. You can take a public Intermediate First Aid class or arrange private group training for your team.

This comprehensive guide answers the most frequently asked questions about Canadian Red Cross Intermediate First Aid. Whether you are a business owner seeking to meet WorkSafeBC compliance guidelines, a worker boosting your resume, or an individual wanting to protect your family, here is what you need to know:

Need WorkSafeBC compliant training? Get your Canadian Red Cross Intermediate First Aid certification (formerly Standard First Aid) in Coquitlam. Book today!

12/24/2025

Merry Christmas to our wonderful clients and instructors! We hope you’re all enjoying a relaxing holiday break. Wishing you peace, happiness and excellent health for 2026 and beyond!

03/05/2025

International Black Balloon Day, March 6, 2025

Black Balloon Day is observed annually on March 6 to raise awareness about the global toxic drug crisis and to honour those who have lost their lives to drug poisoning and substance use disorders. On this day, individuals and communities come together to remember loved ones and challenge the stigma associated with addiction.

Origins of Black Balloon Day

The initiative, which began on March 6, 2015, following the tragic death of Greg Tremblay, a 38-year-old father of four, due to an overdose, has since grown into an international event. In his memory, family members Diane and Lauren Hurley started Black Balloon Day. The growth of this initiative shows the impact individuals and communities can have when they come together.

The Ongoing Drug Overdose Crisis

The drug overdose crisis continues to have significant impacts worldwide. I’m based in British Columbia, Canada and here, unregulated drug poisoning remains the leading cause of death for individuals aged 10 to 59, surpassing deaths from murders, suicides, accidents, and natural diseases combined.

How is it possible that ten-year-olds are more likely to die from drug poisoning than any other cause?

In BC, the crisis disproportionately affects males, who accounted for 74% of the unregulated drug toxicity deaths in 2024. However, the impact is not limited to one gender or community. Additionally, the rate of death among females increased by 60% from 2020, reaching 21 per 100,000 individuals.

Addressing Stigma and Providing Support

Black Balloon Day aims to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction, recognizing it as a brain disease rather than a moral failing. This perspective encourages individuals to seek help without shame.

Every action counts in the fight against stigma. Support can take various forms, including educating oneself about the signs of high-risk drug and alcohol use, offering non-judgmental assistance to those struggling, and advocating for accessible treatment options. Changing the language used to discuss addiction can also reduce stigma, making it easier for individuals to seek help.

Community Engagement and Events

Community events, such as those organized by the TriCities Overdose Community Action Team (TC CAT) and MomsStopTheHarm, help raise awareness. They provide a platform for individuals to come together, honour those lost to overdose and poisoning, and support affected families. Your participation in these events makes a real difference.

Recognizing Black Balloon Day

Community organizations encourage the release of virtual balloons each year on Black Balloon Day to honour those lost to substance use. Individuals can participate by sharing their loved ones' names or stories on social media platforms using the hashtag . They can create a post or a story on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter and use the hashtag to join the conversation and show support.

With continued awareness and action, the hope is that Black Balloon Day, along with the toxic drug crisis, will become a distant memory through our collective efforts and commitment to change. We can create a future where we no longer lose lives to substance use disorders and toxic drugs.

02/26/2025

Essential First Aid Skills for Dog and Cat Owners

As a dog or cat owner, ensuring the health and safety of your furry companions is a top priority. But would you know how to respond if your dog or cat faced a medical emergency?

The First Aid for Dogs and Cats online course from the Canadian Red Cross equips you with the knowledge and skills to handle common emergencies confidently. For a closer look at the essential first-aid skills every pet owner should master, please follow the link in the comments.

11/21/2024

You likely know someone who has diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation predicts that one in eight adults, or 783 million, will have the disease by 2045. When a person has diabetes, their body cannot process glucose (sugar) or maintain blood sugar within a normal range, which puts them at risk of experiencing a diabetic emergency.

You don’t need to be a doctor to help a person suffering from a diabetic emergency, but by learning how to recognize the signs and symptoms and manage this life-threatening condition, you could potentially save a life.

This article explains why and how a diabetic emergency develops, what to look for and how to give lifesaving first aid.

You could save a life by learning how to manage this life-threatening condition

10/10/2024

October 10, 2024, is World Mental Health Day. This year's theme is 'It is Time to Prioritize Mental Health in the Workplace.' Let's start giving mental health the same weight as physical health. Employers get their staff trained in physical first aid but how many take the extra step of organizing mental health first aid training?

Mental health first aid teaches people how to recognize when mental health is declining in a co-worker or themselves and take action to get back on the path to good health.

An evidence-based course, MHFA Standard has been proven to give participants:

- The tools to recognize signs of decline in mental well-being.
- The ability to talk about their mental health.
- The knowledge to discuss professional and other supports that could help with recovery or improved mental well-being.
- The confidence to reach out to these supports.
- The tools to assist during a mental health or substance use crisis.
- The knowledge to use MHFA actions to maintain one's own mental wellness.

Mental health is just as important as physical health. Please contact us if you're interested in finding out about private group training. https://www.learnfirstaid.ca/private-group-training/