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RESCUER IN WESTERN CANADA |
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British Columbia and Alberta are
experiencing an incredible economic boom. The forest, oil-producing
and mining industries, to name a few, are in full growth. Usually
far from the hospital centers, the kind of work done in these
industries represents considerable risks for the workers. To respond
to the security norms of the government agency “Workers compensation
board of British Columbia”, the presence of a first-aid worker is
imperative to respond effectively to emergencies. Many first-aid
jobs must be filled among 150 available.
Oil prospect sites
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Training
You don’t become a first aid worker like that. The training
« Occupational First Aid Level 3 » is intense and condensed but
so interesting. It lasts 70 hours during 2 weeks. It helps you
to react in different situations like how to bandage a cut or
transporting a patient in heart break to a helicopter. After the
course, follows a theory and practical exam. Besides the 7 hours
of courses everyday, you also have to count a minimum of 3 hours
of study each night. The certificate gives you the right to work
only in British Columbia. |
Patrick plays the Guinea pig |
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It is possible to get the equivalent in Alberta by getting a
certificate named “Alberta Endorsement”. It’s a one day course
where you will learn how to use an automatic defibrillator and
to take the pulse of a patient with a stethoscope. We think
this course is another way to draw off money from our pockets.
Fortunately, a change is soon being announced. The two provinces
are thinking of demanding one certificate to work in both
provinces. This information is valid only if you wish to work in
Alberta or in both provinces. You also must know that many
industries operate in the two provinces and that this
certificate represents an asset for the employers.
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There are many
dangerous products in most of the working environments.
Therefore, you must obtain the WHMIS certificate (Workplace
Hazardous Material Information System). You will find
here a list of firms
who offers the training in their offices or on the internet.
It’s a one hour course.
The required certificates |
| If your intention is to work
in the oil companies, you will have to assist to the H2S course
(hydrogen sulfur). In about a day, you will discover the dangers
of this deadly gas and will also learn how to manage a crisis
situation. |
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Costs
For every course, there is a price attached. Plan about 600$
to 900$ for the OFA Level 3, 100$ for the Alberta Endorsement,
50$ for the SIMDUT and 120$ for the H2S. The majority of the
certificates are valid for 2 years. You mustn’t forget to add
the costs of transportation and housing during the training
period. Once you get your job, you must get the protection gear:
construction hat, clothing, steeled toe boots and security
glasses, for about 200$. All of this costs a lot, but the salary
compensates. |
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Salary
Since job opportunities in Alberta and British Columbia are
excellent, the employers offer good salaries giving them the
opportunity to keep there employees. A first aid assistant,
without any experience, receives easily between 175$ and 225$ a
day. Also, if you must cook your own meal, you get a
compensation of 30$ to 55$ each day without paying taxes.
Besides, your housing is free. |
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Who can become
a first aid worker?
A relaxed attitude in a
stressing situation and a pleasant and calm personality are
important things. It’s not necessary to be perfectly bilingual.
But you must know English very well, because in case of an
emergency, you will have to communicate with your patient and
the rest of the first aid team. The minimum age to work in the
first aid section without supervision is 19 years old. |
Caroline practices |
Also, some medical criteria
like alcohol or drugs abuse, your hearing capacities or
contagious sicknesses must be evaluated by your doctor. Don’t
worry; being able to run a marathon is not an eligibility
condition.
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Ambulance and first aid camp on
the oil sites |
Work conditions
Get ready to work long hours, between 12 and 14 hours a day. In
certain cases, you must wait in your emergency vehicle. Other
times, you must patiently wait in your house which resembles an
old mobile home. However, you will have satellite television and
sometimes an internet connexion. Sometimes you will have to stay
at a hotel but the company pays. The job doesn’t require a big
amount of daily tasks. |
| For days to pass by quickly,
you must keep yourself occupied. What’s better than working and
having free time! Those who like computers, reading, writing,
painting or music will certainly like this job. Weeks can go by
without an incident and when something happens it is usually a
little incident. Then, you can go back to your favorite hobby.
Since they are low on staff, you can work several weeks without
taking a day off. With a boss that takes care of you, you only
have to agree on your work schedule and your days off. |
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| Armed with
patience and a good sense of organization, you’ll quickly find
the place that you deserve. This type of work is for those who
like to care for others. The conditions are there to make money
and save enough to realize some projects like buying a house, a
car or simply leaving for a trip. |
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Internet links
Look for a job with the help of
this list, which
provides information on first aid work. To find out more about
the job, visit the
WorkSafeBC web site.
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ADVERTISEMENTS |
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