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Overview
Emergency Response Fundamentals focuses on entry-level training required for working in the field of emergency prehospital care. This course covers emergency medical services, patient assessment, basic life support, therapies, trauma and medical emergencies, emergency childbirth, geriatrics, environmental emergencies, special situations and professionalism.
The course combines online-managed self-study of theoretical concepts with mandatory classroom lab days which include lecture and practical components. You’ll be required to complete pre-course work online leading up to the first in-person lab.
To be eligible to take this course, you must provide proof that:
- you’re 18 years of age or older
- you hold a valid class 5-GDL driver's license or higher
- you’ve completed the following required high school-level courses:
- at least 50% in English Language Arts 30-1 or English Language Arts 30-2; and,
- at least 50% in Math 10C or Pure Math 10 or Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Applied Math 20; and
- at least 50% Biology 30 (or SAIT’s Open Studies course, ANPH-209 Anatomy & Physiology)
- your English language proficiency meets the instution language requirements or equivalents. We will accepted English Language Arts 30-1 or 30-2 as proof.
Contact us for more clarification on high school prerequisites and equivalencies.
Upon successful completion of this course, you'll be able to:
- use appropriate medical terminology to describe the anatomy and physiology of the human body and systems including, nervous, respiratory, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, integumentary system, gastrointestinal and genitourinary and endocrine
- discuss common body responses to diseases and their impact on patients
- perform a primary and reassessment survey
- demonstrate the procedure used to obtain an accurate pulse rate, respiratory rate and blood pressure
- assess a patient’s condition using skin condition characteristics, pupil characteristics and pulse oximetry
- obtain an accurate blood glucose level (BGL)
- obtain a patient’s history using standard procedures
- demonstrate patient management skills
- manage a critical situation with appropriate intervention
- discuss the basic pharmacology behind the medications first responders encounter
- learn to manage symptoms specific to a poisoning and overdose, common medical emergencies, common traumatic emergencies, conditions, illnesses and injuries specific to exposure to hot and cold environments, illnesses and injuries associated with the female reproductive system, pregnancy and childbirth and illnesses and injuries common to geriatric patients
- utilize communication techniques to establish effective relationships with colleagues, patients and the general public
- apply the principles of a safe work environment when working as a medical first responder
- describe the interventions expected of a medical first responder in a multiple casualty incident (MCI)
- compare the equipment, vehicles and vehicle operation associated with the transportation of patients in Alberta
- develop a strategy to maintain good mental and physical health as a prehospital care practitioner.
You’ll receive a completion card for the Heart & Stroke Basic Life Support Provider training you complete. The completion card is valid for one year.
Upcoming dates
Select an available section and add it to your cart. When you're ready, proceed to check out to sign into your student account and complete your registration.
You will be required to upload documentation to show you meet the mandatory pre-requisites for this course. It will take up to three business days to verify and approve your submission. Once approved, you’ll be able to complete your registration online. You’ll also be invited to phone us to process your registration(s) for EMRG-003 and EMRG-102.
Don't have a student account? Let's set one up!
Registration for this course closes seven days prior to the start date.
After you've completed this course
Upon successful completion of this non-credit course, you can self-print your unofficial completion document from your Continuing Education student account.
Costs
Textbook and reading list
You are required to purchase reading materials for this course. Visit SAIT’s Bookstore's website to purchase the following.
- Limmer, D., Karren, K., Hafen, B., Mackay, J. & Mackay, M. (2018). Emergency Medical Responder: A Skills Approach (5th ed.). Toronto, ON: Pearson Canada Inc. ISBN: 9780133946215.
Technology
To be successful in this course, you’ll need:
- Access to your own computer or laptop with standard hardware/software requirements.
- Internet access
A functional webcam and microphone are recommended to allow for a more collaborative learning experience.
Additional supplies
The following equipment and PPE are required for the first day of this course:
- Stethoscope
- CSA approved safety glasses
- Face mask
Additional materials will be provided.

Financial support
Financial opportunities are available to help pay for your course fees. Learn more about how to reduce your education or training costs with available awards, bursaries, loans and grants including the Canada Alberta Job Grant.
Applicable certificates
This course applies to the following certificate programs:

Train your team
Interested in group training opportunities for this course? Tell us about your organization's needs, and one of our training consultants will contact you within one business day.

Oki, Âba wathtech, Danit'ada, Tawnshi, Hello.
SAIT is located on the traditional territories of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot) and the people of Treaty 7 which includes the Siksika, the Piikani, the Kainai, the Tsuut’ina and the Îyârhe Nakoda of Bearspaw, Chiniki and Goodstoney.
We are situated in an area the Blackfoot tribes traditionally called Moh’kinsstis, where the Bow River meets the Elbow River. We now call it the city of Calgary, which is also home to the Métis Nation of Alberta.