Why Awareness Matters as Much as Preparedness

AaronBlog

There was a story circulating a while back about a nurse who had a heart attack without any of the classic warning signs. Her story stuck with me, because it’s a reminder that not everyone has the same symptoms, especially women. That nurse’s story goes against almost everything people think a heart attack is supposed to look like. It Didn’t Start with Chest Pain She was middle aged. Just sitting on the couch reading a book at home. Not exercising. Not in a stressful moment. Not doing anything out of the ordinary. It didn’t start with chest pain. There was …

How We Helped a Grocery Chain Standardize First Aid Readiness Across All Locations in 30 Days

AaronBlog

In 2025, a grocery chain client came to us with a clear goal. In one month, make first aid and AED readiness consistent across all locations and easy to maintain. They were dealing with one of the most common challenges we see with multi-location businesses: inconsistency. Different first aid kits at different sites. Supplies and AEDs stored in different places. No clear system for inspections or restocking. No real standardization overall. Unlike many who ignore these issues, they wanted to improve. This is how we did it. Step 1: We Listened First, we listened. Then we asked questions, and listened …

Real Cost of an AED Over Its Full Life Cycle

AaronBlog, Uncategorized

Most people shop for an AED the same way they shop for a TV. What’s the cheapest option that checks the box? And it’s understandable. It’s not something organizations purchase every day. But there are additional costs that can sneak up on buyers. Looking only at the sticker price is a mistake companies make all the time. An AED is not a one time purchase. It’s a long term piece of safety equipment that usually comes with a manufacturer warranty of about seven to eight years. That warranty period is a good way to start thinking about the real cost …

group of people standing around a demonstration of someone using a CPR test dummy.

Why On-Site First Aid Training Matters

AaronBlog, First Aid

Introduction This might be a controversial take, but most first aid and CPR training programs are missing the mark. They can be helpful and informative, but they don’t prepare people for real-life emergencies. First aid and CPR training is a lot more than just memorizing steps, but most training doesn’t go beyond that. Memorization isn’t going to equip anyone to act when something goes wrong. That’s why on-site training is the superior approach. It’s actually the only way First Aid Canada delivers certification programs. When it comes to workplace safety training in Canada, the delivery method matters just as much …

Breaking News: Ontario Construction AED Reimbursement Details Released by Government of Ontario

AaronBlog, News, Provincial First Aid Requirements, Safety

With Regulation 157/25 coming into effect on January 1, 2026, many construction projects in Ontario will need an AED on site. The good news is that the province has introduced a reimbursement program for qualifying projects. The WSIB officially launched the program this week, and we now have confirmed details about how it works.   The Purchase and Application Timeline Here’s what the program requires: AED purchases must be made between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2027. This two-year purchase window gives you flexibility to time your equipment acquisition. Reimbursement applications can only be submitted after January 1, 2026. …

Why the “Buy an AED and You’re Done” Mentality Is Wrong

AaronBlog, News

Most construction companies I speak with believe the new AED rules coming into effect on January 1, 2026, are simple. Buy a unit, put it on the construction site, and compliance is achieved. The truth is far more complicated. Regulation 157/25 under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and Bill 30 involve many unknowns. Misunderstanding them could create financial risk, operational headaches, and a false sense of safety. Bill 30 Reimbursement Is Not Guaranteed Over the past few months, I have spoken with construction companies planning their entire safety budgets on the assumption that every AED purchased will be reimbursed …

What Construction Companies Need to Know Before January 1 2026

AaronBlog, News

Introduction As January 1 2026 approaches many construction companies across Ontario are trying to understand what the province’s new AED requirements actually mean for their worksites. The volume of partial information circulating online has led to confusion particularly around compliance timelines, funding expectations and operational responsibility. What is certain is that a new regulation under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act will soon require AEDs on specific construction projects. What remains uncertain is how those devices must be managed, trained for and maintained once they arrive on site. Understanding this distinction is critical. Regulation 157 25 is not simply about …

Ontario’s New AED Requirements for Construction Sites: What You Need to Know

Deborah FarlowBlog

Beginning January 1, 2026, many construction sites in Ontario will be legally required to have Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) on site under the updated O. Reg. 157/25. These changes are designed to improve emergency preparedness and increase survival rates during sudden cardiac arrest — a real risk on high-hazard job sites. Below is a simplified breakdown to help construction companies and site supervisors get compliant. When Your Site Must Have an AED You must install and maintain an AED if: Your site has 20 or more regularly employed workers, and The project will last three months or longer. Short-term or …

CSA Z1220-17 First Aid Kit: Your Guide to Keeping Workplaces Safe

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

Nobody wants to think about accidents at work, but being ready for them is what keeps your team safe and sound. That’s where the CSA Z1220-17 First Aid Kit comes in—a simple, clear standard to make sure your workplace has the right first aid gear. Whether you’re managing a cozy office or a busy construction site, First Aid Canada has your back with CSA Approved First Aid Kits that make compliance feel less like a chore and more like a commitment to your people. Let’s dive into what this standard means, why it’s a big deal, and how to get …

Private First Aid Training: Personalized Safety for Families & Small Groups

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

Life is unpredictable, and if you how to respond in an emergency can save lives. Private First Aid Training offers a personal, hands-on way to learn critical skills, tailored to your family or small group’s needs. First Aid Canada creates a supportive, engaging environment to help you feel ready for anything. The Benefits of Private First Aid Training for Families Families want to keep their loved ones safe, and Private First Aid Training makes that possible with customized lessons. First Aid Canada designs courses to fit your household, whether you’re caring for kids, seniors, or someone with health concerns. Learning …

On Site First Aid Training: The Smart Choice for Businesses

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

A horrible business day when someone suddenly falls, gets a cut mistakenly, or has a heart emergency all at once. Is your team going to be prepared? On Site First Aid Training from First Aid Canada can convert your employees into confident responders, making them ready to respond when they need it the most. It’s not about rules or certificates; it’s about giving the tools your people need to keep each other safe. Let’s explore why we think On Site First Aid Training is the heartfelt choice for businesses that put team first. Why On-Site First Aid Training is a …

On-Site First Aid and CPR Training: The Business Case for Mobile Certification

Sky MattixBlog, First Aid

Preparedness makes all the difference in emergencies. On-site first aid and CPR training allows companies to enhance their safety culture while assuring employees are ready to step into action quickly and with confidence. First Aid Canada brings in the professional-level mobile certification to your business, without the fuss of travel, providing convenience with no compromise in quality or compliance. The Benefits of On-Site First Aid and CPR Training for Businesses The idea behind giving priority to employee safety is not only to do the right thing: it is good business. First-aid and CPR on-site training is an indication of an …