Emergency Medical Responder
Sponsored Training for Amazon Employees
All Career Choice Funded Spots are Currently Closed.
Amazon Career Choice Partner
Online
40 Hrs
In Person
192 Hours / 24 Days
Locations
Vancouver
Prerequisites
None
- Includes all learning materials!
- Includes personal stethoscope and blood pressure cuff!
- No additional international student fees!
Announcements
December 20th 2025 – New courses are expected in Spring 2025 – keep an eye on your Career Choice catalogue!
October 30th 2025 – Applications are closed for the January 2026 EMR session. If you applied, we will be reaching out to you in the order applications was received to discuss their application and offer a spot in the class if you still feel you are a good candidate. You can expect to hear from us by telephone or email within the next week.
About EMR
Emergency Medical Responder with Basic Life Support provides you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to manage injuries and medical emergencies in a pre-hospital setting.
This course will prepare you for a career with the provincial ambulance service, your local fire department, or one of the many other high-demand jobs in BC that rely on EMRs to provide exemplary pre-hospital emergency care.
The EMR Mega-FAQ
About EMR Basics
What is an Emergency Medical Responder?
Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) are entry-level paramedics who work with the provincial ambulance service, with fire departments, and in many other important uniformed and non-uniformed roles throughout BC. EMRs hold a provincial medical license, and are authorized when working under that license to perform regulated medical interventions.
Does this course meet professional standards?
Our EMR course meets or exceeds the standards of all professional regulatory and certifying bodies, including:
The Paramedic Association of Canada.
The BC Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board.
Are there any additional expenses?
Your tuition covers ALL course-related costs with Coast Medical Training.
Do I have to pay the full course fee when I register, or can I register with a deposit?
You can register for EMR with a 50% deposit. Use the code EMR50 in the discount code space when you register. You will be invoiced for the remaining course fee, which is due the first day of your training.
What is the difference between EMR certification and EMR licensing?
Emergency Medical Responders in British Columbia hold medical licenses through the Emergency Medical Assistants’ Licensing Board (EMALB). This means that your skills, responsibilities and expectations are higher than those of first aid practitioners.
To earn an EMR license, you will complete EMALB-facilitated online and in-person examinations. By successfully completing these examinations, you prove to potential employers that you have achieved an objective standard, which makes you more employable.
To qualify for the EMALB examinations, you must first successfully complete a recognized Emergency Medical Responder certification program, such as the one we offer here at Coast.
Will training at Coast prepare me for EMALB licensing?
Absolutely! Our top priority at Coast is to make sure that you have the training, professionalism and knowledge necessary to respond to medical emergencies.
Since this is also the EMALB’s top priority, its easy for us to design an approach and structure that is 100% consistent with the expectations of your licensing exams.
We also go out of our way to make sure that your course assessments are consistent with current licensing standards, so that we can provide you with specific, pertinent feedback.
Finally, Coast hosts twice-weekly practice nights for our alumni – you will be able to come back in and practice, continuing to sharpen your skills and refresh your knowledge after your course as you work towards your licensing exam.
What other free certificates do I get when I take my EMR with Coast?
Your EMR training with Coast allows for a number of additional, free certifications that you might find useful, including:
Coast Medical Training Emergency Medical Responder. This certification is recognized by the Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC) and the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB), and qualifies the holder to take the provincial EMR licensing exam in British Columbia.
Red Cross Basic Life Support (formerly CPR-HCP) certification.
All EMR Schedule 2 Scope Upgrades (so your EMR license will be unrestricted from the beginning).
If you need a First Responder license (for example, you may need it for an upcoming fire department application) there is a pathway to get that license with a knowledge assessment after your course is completed. Talk to your instructors – they can help you find the relevant links and steps.
Licensed alumni are also recognized to hold an Advanced First Aid (OFA-3) equivalent certification. No extra training, no extra charge.
EMR sounds like a challenging job, and I don’t know if I am personally suitable. Is there anyone I can talk to about working as an EMR?
Yes! You can use this form to schedule an appointment with one of our career specialists. They are experienced paramedics who can discuss the realities of the job, so you can make an informed decision about whether EMR is right for you.
Do I need a criminal record check to do your EMR program?
No – although you might need one for employment, depending on your goals. BCEHS, for example, requires candidates to submit a criminal record check with vulnerable sector screening.
Is there a dress code?
Yes. Casual, comfortable attire, including long pants and closed-toe footwear (such as running shoes or boots).
Class Schedules
Full Time EMR (Normal Schedule)
Online Pre-Study (40 Hours)
Week 1 (Monday - Friday)
9 AM - 5 PM
Week 2 (Monday - Friday)
9 AM - 5 PM
Week 2 (Monday - Thursday)
9 AM - 5 PM
Part Time EMR
Online Pre-Study (40 Hours)
8 Weekends (Saturday - Sunday)
9 AM - 5 PM
About EMR Training Details
Where does this training take place?
All full EMR programs take place at our Vancouver Classroom, 8168 Granville St (at 66th Ave), Unit 209, in the Marpole area.
Why do you include Basic Life Support (BLS)?
Basic Life Support skills are expected of any healthcare professional. BLS includes cardiac arrest management, respiratory arrest management, and management of airway obstructions. These are core professional responder skills. It is our responsibility that you can perform them at a professional level; it is your responsibility to maintain them throughout your career.
By including a Canadian Red Cross BLS certification, you are guaranteed to have training that reflects current ILCOR (International Liaison Council on Resuscitation) standards, and be recognized throughout Canada.
Is the BLS really free?
Absolutely – when you sign up for EMR, your first day of the course will include BLS training.
But really… does the BLS cost anything at all?
Nope! It is completely free for our EMR students.
Do I have to take the BLS training if I already have this certification?
Yes. After all – did I mention that its free?
How are assessments conducted?
There are two written assessments – a mid-course written assessment and a final written exam.
There are two practical assessments – a mid-course practical assessment and a final practical exam.
What support does Coast offer once I have completed my EMR certification?
At Coast, we don’t consider our students to be just customers, but as valuable members of a wonderful little community. That means that when your course ends and you get your EMR certificate, I hope that you will continue to be involved with us. To help support you as you work towards licensing, and as you begin your career in pre-hospital medicine, we offer the following free resources to our alumni:
- Free practice nights. Every Monday and Thursday, new students and long-time alumni gather to practice scenarios, use the professional gear, and share their experiences. Half intense skill practice, half snack-based social time, these start at 5 PM and end when everyone goes home.
- Ad-Hoc Practice Sessions: If you and a couple of other students can’t make it to practice nights, or if you need more time with the equipment before your exam, just let us know, and we can usually arrange a practice area for you on your schedule.
- Volunteer Classroom Assistants: The best way to learn is to teach. Many alumni find it useful to work with new students, helping to teach skills and run scenarios, so they can stay familiar with the structure and keep their knowledge fresh. We also find it really useful – having more keen eyes on students is good for everyone!
About EMR Careers
Does your EMR course qualify me for my EMR licensing exam?
Yes. Completing an EMR with Coast will earn you an Emergency Medical Responder certification that is fully recognized by the EMALB as a prerequisite for licensing examinations.
Can I attempt the EMR licensing exam without taking an EMR course?
No. An EMR certification, issued within the past year, must be submitted to the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board to schedule an EMR licensing attempt.
Is it easy to find a job as an EMR? What jobs are available?
Licensed EMRs are in very high demand in British Columbia. The biggest employer of EMRs is the provincial ambulance service (BCEHS), followed closely by the various fire departments throughout the province, especially in the larger cities.
Other employers include ski patrol, event medicine, industrial first aid companies (see below), patient transfer companies, and the Canadian Coast Guard. Amazon also hires many EMRS, giving an opportunity for full time work while you get started on your uniformed responder career.
Can I work as a first aid attendant in occupational or industrial settings with my EMR?
Yes! Your EMR license will be recognized as an equivalent to Advanced First Aid (formerly OFA-3). To qualify, just have to fill out a jurisprudence package, which you can download from WorkSafeBC, and present it along with your license.
I want to be a firefighter. Is EMR required to apply to become a firefighter?
Although more fire departments are requiring EMR as a minimum, it is still possible to apply to a fire department with the lower license level, First Responder (FR). However, EMR is highly preferred. Furthermore, as fire applications are very competitive, you might consider getting your EMR so you can be hired by BCEHS. This experienced as a uniformed emergency responder is highly valued by fire department hiring managers, and can help set you apart from the competition.
There is a fire service deadline coming up, and I want my First Responder (FR) license. Can I also get my FR license?
Yes – once your receive your EMR certification at the end of your course, we will guide you to challenge the online FR knowledge assessment – no practical exam necessary – so you can get your FR license without any additional training or cost.
Why would I want an FR license if I intend to complete EMR licensing?
The EMR licensing process is more complex than the FR licensing process, and takes up to 6 to 8 weeks to complete after your EMR training is complete.
The FR licensing process, on the other hand, is much quicker, since the EMALB has authorized us – as training providers – to administer part of the FR licensing assessment. The FR licensing process takes about 2 weeks, and so can be completed shortly after finishing your EMR.
If you are applying to a fire department, and the deadline is coming up, completing your FR license allows you to meet the minimum requirements to submit the application, while still being able to tell them that you are in the process of completing the preferred EMR license qualification.
I want to be a paramedic working on ambulance with British Columbia Emergency Health Services (BCEHS). Do I need EMR if I intend to become a Primary Care Paramedic (PCP)?
Yes, EMR is a prerequisite for paramedic training in BC. However, you can apply with a certificate – you do not have to be licensed to apply to a PCP program.
Is your EMR recognized by the Primary Care Paramedic programs in BC?
Yes. Our programs are fully recognized, and I am proud to say that our alumni are generally considered to be among the best prepared PCP candidates by those schools.
Should I go directly into paramedic training, or should I work as an EMR for BCEHS first?
This is a complex question that depends on your circumstances. Generally, though, I advise people to try to get hired and work as an EMR before joining a PCP program. There are academic, experiential and job-related benefits to this. However, if this is a question you are considering, I suggest you use the form below to make an appointment with one of our career advisors, who can answer your specific questions and help you to make an informed decision.
What are the job opportunities like for an EMR with BCEHS?
BCEHS is hiring many EMRs at the moment. If you live in a large urban area (ex. Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna) you are unlikely to be hired into a local station, but with demand so high, you can usually join a station that is not very far away. You can also pick up extra shifts closer to home. Contact us to learn how this works – it’s a bit confusing, but it’s actually an excellent system!
If you live in a remote or rural area of BC, the hiring opportunities are even better! There is an excellent chance that you can find employment in your area.
Most EMR positions are casual, although there are a few full-time positions in rural stations, or with the transfer fleet in the metro area of BC.
Will you help connect me with recruiters from BCEHS?
Absolutely! We try to arrange for BCEHS recruiters to come into all of our EMR classes to speak to students, and answer any questions directly.
For EMR Students Living Outside Vancouver
Is Coast recognized as an EMR provider by the BCEHS Driver Only Upgrade program?
Yes, we have had many students join us through this program.
I live along the Sea-to-Sky. Can I do the full EMR program at your Squamish location?
Unfortunately we currently only offer the second half of the EMR program in Squamish. If you do the first week in Vancouver, though, you can finish the training in Squamish.
I am travelling from afar – are there any reasonably priced accommodations nearby?
Vancouver hotels are rarely described as cheap, but some of the more affordable options are located near to our training facility. Please contact us for recommendations.
AirBnB is usually a better option, though, because these courses are long and you might appreciate a kitchen.
How should I schedule my travel if I am coming for EMR training at Coast?
If you are travelling to Vancouver to take this course, try to arrive at least one day early to ensure that you are well rested for the first day of your training. Also, it is highly recommended that you give yourself at least one day after your course is over before you leave – in the event that you are unsuccessful on your assessment, this will give time for us to make a practice plan, and for you to make another assessment attempt.
I know there are a lot of people who want EMR in my community – can you send instructors to teach a local EMR for us?
Oh, you bet we can. We have a full set of gear just for out-of-town courses, and our instructors love to travel! Contact us to discuss logistics!
Why Train At Coast?
How can I expect to be treated as a student at Coast?
Coast Medical Training is a smaller training provider. We have chosen to focus our efforts on providing instruction that includes a higher level of student support than any of our competitors. These supports include,
- Collaborative learning environments, where slides and lectures are minimized in favor of discussions, interactive practice, and creative learning approaches.
- Individual, ongoing support, with unlimited career, licensing and learning support that starts with your online pre-study and continues after your course until you meet your EMR goals.
- A resource with a wide range of free resources to help keep your skills and knowledge sharp.
- Flexible assessment options: If you have testing anxieties, or if you need a bit of time and space after your classroom portion, you can delay your practical assessments by up to 30 days from the end of your in-class learning. You have three attempts, with unlimited practice sessions to help you prepare.
- Free evening and weekend practice sessions during your course, and while preparing for your EMALB exam. These open classroom sessions will let you practice with a variety of people, and get the support you need to identify and work on areas where you aren’t confident.
I heard that Coast Medical Training is a community more than a school. What does this mean?
Yes, this actually is a frequently asked question!
We take pride in establishing ongoing, two-way relationships based on mutual respect and good communication. We genuinely care about your experience, and will go out of our way to make sure you feel listened to and included, and that any difficulties you are facing are addressed quickly and compassionately. All of this sounds like the sort of thing you can find on any website – but I promise that you will find we take this very seriously.
How do you maintain best practices in paramedic education at Coast?
Coast Wilderness Medical Training is a Red Cross Training Partner. This means that you get a course curriculum founded on current best practices as defined by the International Liaison Council on Resuscitation (ILCOR) and the Paramedic Association of Canada (PAC).
BC specific regional adaptations are based on guidelines of the British Columbia Emergency Health Services and the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board, ensuring that your training prepares you for your licensing exam, and to competently perform the fullest extent of the EMR scope of practice.
Training is delivered by experienced practitioners licensed and working as Primary Care Paramedic or higher, who have undergone significant instructing and coaching training and have demonstrated an enthusiasm for education, and of continuous learning, that will ensure classes not only deliver high quality training, but are supportive, engaging, and fun.
For International Students
I am an international student. Are there any additional course fees?
No – we do not charge any additional international student fees. We would love to have you join us!
I am not a native English speaker, and I am concerned about my English level.
Learning something new in a foreign language is challenging. However, we have a number of options that might make this easier for you, including,
- By accessing the EMR pre-study, you can get a good idea of the level of vocabulary involved in this course.
- You can also divide up your course over a longer period, giving you more time to study and practice as you work through the EMR material.
- Finally, we can give you all of the material early, so you can study it at your own speed before your course begins.
I have previous training and experience as a nurse, health care aide, paramedic or physician outside of Canada. Is this experience recognized for equivalence as an EMR, or to miss some of the training?
Unfortunately, no. The EMALB does not allow transfer of medical credentials – including physicians, nurses and paramedics – to pre-hospital medicine. A full program must be completed.
We do promise, however, to respect your training and education when you are in our class.
All 2025-2026 EMR Dates
Courses are open for registration up to 6 months in advance. To register for courses scheduled beyond that timeframe, please contact our office.
All 2026 EMR Dates
- Saturday, January 3rd – Sunday, February 22nd (Part-Time)
- Monday, January 5th – Thursday, January 22nd (Full-Time)
- Monday, January 26th – Thursday, February 12th (Full-Time)
- Tuesday, February 17th – Friday, March 6th (Full-Time)
- Saturday, February 28th – Sunday, April 19th (Part-Time)
- Monday, March 9th – Thursday, March 26th (Full-Time)
- Monday, March 30th – Friday, April 17th (Full-Time)
- Monday, April 20th – Thursday, May 7th (Full-Time)
- Saturday, April 25th – Sunday, June 14th (Part-Time)
- Monday, May 11th – Friday, May 29th (Full-Time)
- Monday, June 1st – Thursday, June 18th (Full-Time)
- Saturday, June 20th – Sunday, August 9th (Part-Time)
- Monday, June 22nd – Friday, July 10th (Full-Time)
- Monday, July 13th – Thursday, July 30th (Full-Time)
- Tuesday, August 4th – Friday, August 21st (Full-Time)
- Saturday, August 15th – Sunday, October 4th (Part-Time)
- Monday, August 24th – Friday, September 11th (Full-Time)
- Monday, September 14th – Friday, October 2nd (Full-Time)
- Monday, October 5th – Friday, October 23rd (Full-Time)
- Saturday, October 10th – Sunday, November 29th (Part-Time)
- Monday, October 26th – Friday, November 13th (Full-Time)
- Monday, November 16th – Thursday, December 3rd (Full-Time)
- Monday, December 7th – Thursday, December 24th (Full-Time)
All 2027 EMR Dates
2027 Dates Coming Soon