
Is this program right for you?
Learn the fundamentals of emergency medicine. This program can help you start your healthcare career.
Secure a Job
EMR graduates may gain employment with BC Ambulance Services, private ambulance services, fire departments, law enforcement, ski patrol and rescue, or remote industrial workplaces.
Step Towards Further Studies
Many graduates of Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) programs use their training as a stepping stone for further studies in paramedicine. They often pursue training as Primary Care Paramedics or Advanced Care Paramedics. Additionally, they may earn diplomas or degrees in Health Sciences or other healthcare fields, such as nursing or medicine.
Program Strengths
Skilled paramedic field practitioners teach best practices in trauma life support and treatment guidelines. Students will learn core competencies defined by the Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC).
Program Format
Program Update: Exciting Changes to our Associate Certificate in Emergency Medical Responder We鈥檙e thrilled to announce our NEW Associate Certificate in Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), starting in September 2025! To enhance your learning experience, we have combined the EMR with the EMR Scope Update Ministerial Order into two concurrent courses that will run over five weeks. This merger will streamline content and provide a more integrated educational journey. Plus, a brand-new EMR textbook will be introduced to support your learning with the most up-to-date resources.
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Our new 1065 EMR program combines our previous EMR and EMR Scope Update courses to provide a more cohesive program.
The new EMR program is 25 days long, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Once complete, you will receive an Associate Certificate in Emergency Medical Responder.
The classroom is busy. You can expect to study each night to review the material learned and to prepare for the next day. Wear comfortable clothing and consider wearing a watch for timekeeping. Bring textbooks, notepads, pens, a watch, food, and water.
This program is delivered in person at 黑料网911's Chilliwack, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Langford, and Vernon.
Prerequisites
It is recommended that students have a minimum grade 10 English level and are at least 16 years old.
Date and time
Monday to Friday for full-time, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
The following dates are covered by StrongerBC Future Skills Grant only. At this time, there are no tuition-only dates available.
For those individuals who do not qualify for the grant, please check back, as we anticipate scheduling new EMR classes in 2025 that are open to general enrollment.
Campus | Dates |
---|---|
Chilliwack | September 8 鈥 October 14, 2025 October 20 鈥 November 24, 2025 |
Langford | September 8 鈥 October 14, 2025 October 20 鈥 November 24, 2025 |
New Westminster | September 8 鈥 October 14, 2025 October 20 鈥 November 24, 2025 |
Okanagan (Vernon) | September 8 鈥 October 14, 2025 October 20 鈥 November 24, 2025 |
Maple Ridge | September 15 鈥 October 21, 2025 October 27 鈥 December 1, 2025 |
Student Dress Code
Learn more about the EMR Student Dress Code.
Exams
Students are assessed and coached throughout the course. Formal evaluations are as follows:
- One medical final exam
- Practical Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCE)
- One trauma/ medical practical exam
- Basic Life Support (BLS) written exam and practical
- 黑料网911 Associate Certificate in Emergency Medical Responder (valid for three years).
- Heart & Stroke BLS digital card (valid for one year).
Students must pass with a minimum of 72% (B) for each of the written and practical exams.
Upon successful completion of the EMR course, students will receive the following:
Remedial
If a student does not meet the required standard in a formal assessment, they may be given one opportunity to retake the test or evaluation. However, the highest grade they can achieve on the retest is the minimum passing grade for the course or program, meaning that even if they perform well on the retake, their score will not exceed the lowest score needed to pass which is a grade B (72%).
Tuition & Fees
The September & October dates for this program are eligible for the StrongerBC future skills grant. Find out how to apply.
Domestic $3,005.00
PARA-1065 $1,353.00
PARA-1066 $1,652.00
Learner Services Fee: $58.68
International $9,015.00
PARA-1065 鈥 $4,059
PARA-1066 鈥 $4,956
Learner Services Fee: $58.68
REFUNDS
Continuing Studies Courses (Refund Policy-3210鈥003)
If a student withdraws seven calendar days before the beginning of the course, they receive a 100% refund.
Withdrawal with less than seven calendar days from the start of the course is not eligible for a tuition refund.
Some courses may have non-refundable tuition, application, and/or material fees (this will be identified at the time of registration).
To receive a refund, please contact Registration.
Textbooks & Supplies
For FSG Grant students, textbooks are covered and will be provided to you on the first day of class.
- Jones & Bartlett Learning, Emergency Medical Responder, Canadian Edition ISBN: 978-1-284-19661-0
- Heart & Stroke, BLS Provider Manual
Supplies
Stethoscopes and BP cuffs are provided in class but need to be shared. If you wish these items can also be purchased at the 黑料网911 Store in New Westminster. Please email them to order.
Note: The 黑料网911 Store is located at the New Westminster Campus.
For Future Skills Grant students please follow the instructions in the 黑料网911 Future Skills Grant page.
Students needing only the EMR Scope Update Ministerial Order M292 only (not part of the Associate Certificate in EMR)
- If you hold a current EMR certification or valid EMR license, you can register for PARA-1055, 鈥淓MR Scope Update鈥; you must first apply for a requisite waiver form for the pre-requisite:
- Also, you鈥檒l need to email a copy of your certificate to: requisitewaiver@jibc.ca.
- Once your requisite waiver is approved, you鈥檒l receive an email confirming. Then you can register for the course (PARA-1055).
- To register for the course, please call registration (you won鈥檛 be able to register in your student account).
Q: Tuition
A: See the Tuition and Fees tab above.
Q: Prerequisites
A: Please see the Program Details tab above.
Q: Student Funding
A: Please visit our Financial Aid & Awards page to learn more about the options that are available to you.
Q: EMALB License changes
A: Once students have completed the updated Emergency Medical Responder Program, they will be trained to the provincial scope of practice at the EMR level. Once students have completed the provincial examination process, they will considered ready to enter practice. Details on the licensing process can be found on the website.
Q: Where can I take the program?
A: The program will be offered on a full-time basis at 黑料网911's Chilliwack, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Vernon and Victoria campuses.
Q: What is the physical fitness requirement?
A: Applicants should self-assess and monitor their physical ability for the program; however, no documentation is required. Throughout the program, you will be performing the tasks of a paramedic during classroom simulations.
A high number of job-related injuries occur when lifting patients. Physical fitness is critical in maintaining the wellness of paramedics. A paramedic also requires a high level of emotional fitness to deal with the psychological stress associated with pre-hospital care work.
Q: Do I need a Class 4 Driver's License?
A: Although it is not a requirement of the program, students who wish to apply for employment with BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) are encouraged to obtain their Class 4 Driver's License as soon as possible.
Q: Do I need to wear a uniform in the classroom?
A: No, a uniform is not required for the EMR program. It is suggested that students wear comfortable attire and closed-toed footwear. Learn more about the EMR Student Dress Code.
Q: What evaluations are there?
A: You will receive ongoing feedback from instructors as you engage in and practice the program's curriculum. You will complete a set of formal evaluations, including written assignments, written exams, skill stations, and simulations.
Q: What are the computer requirements?
A: : Yes, students are required to bring a laptop, tablet or smartphone to class for specific sessions of the training program.
These sessions are known as Synchronous Online Self-directed sessions. They are completed in-class, with students working independently through online materials. At the end of each of these sessions, there is a debrief with the instructor, so it鈥檚 important that all assigned tasks are completed on the scheduled day to stay on track with your learning.
Having a functional electronic device, such as a laptop, during these sessions is essential for:
- Accessing course materials and online resources
- Completing assigned tasks and activities
- Participating in the end-of-day debrief with the instructor
Please ensure your devices are fully charged and ready to use during these scheduled sessions.
Q: How do I get my license to practice?
A: Each province has its licensing regulations and fees. Students are encouraged to review the requirements for the province in which they wish to practice. In BC, you must complete a formal evaluation conducted by the Emergency Medical Assistant (EMA) Licensing Board within one year of program completion. Click to visit their website for full details and fees.
Q: What student learning support do you have?
A: Whether you need guidance with study skills and test-taking, or if you identify as a student with a disability, the Manager of Student Learning Supports and Disability Resources is happy to meet with you to provide information and resources in their office at 黑料网911's New Westminster campus. There are also many online resources available through our Student Support and Library web pages. For more information, please visit our web page at Student Support.
Q: Do you accept international students into the EMR program?
A: Yes, we welcome international students into the EMR (Emergency Medical Responder) program. Please note that additional international student fees apply, which cover specific services and support tailored to help you navigate your academic experience in a new country. For more information on tuition and fees, as well as the application process, please visit our International Studies page.
Q: Is my nursing degree equivalent to the EMR level?
A: No. Currently, the BC Ministry of Health's Emergency Medical Assistant's Licensing Board (EMALB), who govern the Emergency Medical Assistant's Regulations, do not allow transferring between nursing and pre-hospital medicine without first completing paramedic education.
Q: Do I need to complete a criminal record check to apply for the EMR course?
A: Currently, there are no requirements for a criminal record check to apply for a seat in the EMR course. However, you will likely need to complete a criminal record check for potential employers. .
This program focuses on the skills needed to respond to trauma and medical emergencies.
Course Topics / Content
- Fundamentals of Emergency Medicine
- Assessment and Diagnostics
- Medical Conditions and Emergencies
- Traumatic Emergencies and Soft Tissue Injuries
- Diverse Populations and EMS Operations
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to do the following:
- Describe the components of the Emergency Health Services system.
- Describe the fundamental principles of anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology and pharmacology.
- Describe the pathophysiology of medical and trauma emergencies and associated treatments prevalent in the Emergency Health Services that involve the respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine and neurological systems of the human body.
- Describe specific treatments and medical interventions for patients who experience a range of life-threatening traumatic and medical emergencies.
- Describe mass casualty and special rescue considerations.
- Demonstrate a secondary assessment involving history taking and diagnostics.
- Demonstrate airway and breathing management using appropriate critical interventions.
- Demonstrate cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use of Automated External Defibrillation.
- Demonstrate spinal injury management procedures and techniques.
- Demonstrate specific treatments and medical interventions for patients who experience a range of life-threatening traumatic and medical emergencies.
Existing certified or licensed EMRs who wish to upgrade their license to the new scope changes can take PARA-1055 on its own. Proof of licensure or certification must be submitted.
Please visit "how to apply" for instructions.
Course Topics
Upon successful completion of this course, the learner will be able to:
- Describe the use, limitations, interpretation, and accuracy of carbon monoxide (CO) oximetry testing, referring to physiological manifestations of elevated test results and the treatments.
- Explain the use, application and administration of inhaled and nebulized bronchodilators and intramuscular administration of epinephrine, referring to pathophysiology, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, anatomical structures, and principles of pharmacology.
- Conduct a respiratory assessment and interpret findings to inform the use and application of a bronchodilator and intramuscular epinephrine.
- Explain the use and application of topical administration of procoagulants and antifibrinolytics, referring to pathophysiology, anatomical structures, and principles of pharmacology.
- Explain the use and application of intranasal opioid antagonists, referring to pathophysiology, anatomical structures, and principles of pharmacology.
- Explain the use and application of intranasal and intramuscular administration of anti-hypoglycemic agents, referring to pathophysiology, anatomical structures, and principles of pharmacology.
- Differentiate between the maintenance of intravenous lines in the prehospital, the in-hospital and hospital-to-hospital transfer environments.
- Explain the maintenance of intravenous lines, access devices and infusions of crystalloid solutions without additives like medications or blood products, referring to pathophysiology, anatomical structures, and principles of pharmacology.
- Explain the use and application of oral analgesia, referring to physiology, pathophysiology, and the principles of pharmacology.
- Demonstrate appropriate use and application of:
- Co oximetry testing
Nebulized and inhaled bronchodilators,
Topical administration of procoagulants and antifibrinolytics,
Intranasal administration of opioid antagonists,
Intranasal and intramuscular administration of anti-hypoglycemic agents, and
Intramuscular administration of epinephrine.
Oral analgesia
11. Demonstrate skills in treatments of:
- Patients showing signs of carbon monoxide poisoning,
- Patients showing signs of and experiencing adverse symptoms involving the respiratory system,
- Patients showing signs of and experiencing adverse symptoms involving the immune system,
- Trauma patients including those with penetrating wounds where topical administration of procoagulants and antifibrinolytics might be required,
- Patients experiencing toxicologic syndromes where administration of intranasal opioid antagonists might be required, and
- Patients experiencing adverse signs and symptoms involving the endocrine system where administration of intranasal and/or intramuscular administration of anti-hypoglycemic agents might be required.
- Patients showing signs of and experiencing pain.
Exams
Students are assessed and coached throughout the course. Formal evaluations are as follows:
EMR Scope Update Ministerial Order M292
- Final comprehensive written exam.
- Five practical Objective Structured Clinical Exams (OSCE)
Students must pass with a minimum of 72% for each of the written and practical exams.
Tuition & Fees
Tuition $769.89
Learner Services Fee $3.26
Refunds
Continuing Studies Courses (Refund Policy-3210鈥003)
If a student withdraws seven calendar days before the beginning of the course, they receive a 100% refund;
Withdrawal with less than seven calendar days from the start of the course is not eligible for a tuition refund;
Some courses may have non-refundable tuition, application, and/or material fees (this will be identified at the time of registration).
To receive a refund, please contact Registration.
Courses In This Program
PARA-1050 Emergency Medical Responder | PARA-1055 EMR Scope Update M292 |