St. John Ambulance is pleased to announce the integration of mental health awareness content in its Standard and Emergency First Aid courses. The new content will be integrated in multiple chapters aiming to help participants define mental health, recognize and respond to a mental health emergency, and refer participants to mental health resources; the program will be gradually rolled out across Canada in the next few months.

 “Mental health problems and illnesses affect 1 in 5 Canadians in a given year,” says Jerry Rankin, CEO of St. John Ambulance. “As an industry leader in First Aid, adding a focus on mental health will further St. John Ambulance’s mission to improve the health, safety and quality of life of Canadians at work, home and play.”

 This program will provide a short introduction to the Mental Health First Aid program from the Mental Health Commission of Canada, also offered at St. John Ambulance training centres. The MHFA program aims to improve mental health literacy and provide the skills and knowledge to help people better manage potential or developing mental health problems in themselves, family members, friends or colleagues.

RVDA of Canada members receive preferential pricing for First Aid CEP Certification with AED. RVDA of Canada members also receive a 10% discount on all First Aid products and supplies, where applicable. For complete details, please go to RVDA of Canada member site, summary of member benefits tab, member discount programs link.