Building Skills and Confidence: 13 Elizabeth Fry Kingston Participants Earn Standard First Aid Certification

Thirteen individuals supported by the Elizabeth Fry Society of Kingston have something new to celebrate: they are now certified in Intermediate First Aid—also known as Standard First Aid and CPR.

The group recently completed their training with Push For Life, developing practical skills that can make a meaningful difference at home, at work and throughout our community.

Learning more than what to do

First aid training is not simply about memorizing a series of steps. We want participants to understand why those steps matter, what is happening inside the body and how early action can change the outcome of an emergency.

Throughout the course, participants learned how to recognize and respond to emergencies, provide CPR, use an automated external defibrillator (AED), control life-threatening bleeding and provide care for a range of illnesses and injuries.

The course included plenty of hands-on skills practice, supported by real-world stories and examples. We love when participants share experiences or questions from their own lives. These conversations allow us to explore what happened, connect it to the course material and help everyone develop a deeper understanding of how first aid works.

Our goal is to create a welcoming learning environment where people feel comfortable asking questions, trying new skills and becoming genuinely interested in what they are capable of doing to help another person.

Skills that can create new possibilities

For someone pursuing employment, education, volunteer opportunities or greater independence, a current First Aid and CPR certificate can be a valuable addition to their qualifications.

Many workplaces require first aid certification, while others recognize it as evidence that an applicant is prepared to take responsibility and contribute to the safety of those around them.

Just as importantly, learning first aid can change the way someone sees their own abilities. Participants leave knowing that they have practical skills, that their actions can matter and that they may be able to help when someone needs them.

Supporting women in the Kingston community

The Elizabeth Fry Society of Kingston is a local nonprofit organization that works to improve the social, economic and political circumstances of women and others experiencing social and economic oppression.

Through housing, education, community outreach and social justice programs, the organization creates opportunities for people in Kingston and the surrounding area to develop their strengths, grow in confidence and work toward greater independence.

Providing access to First Aid and CPR training fits naturally within that work. It offers participants a practical, transferable qualification while reinforcing something equally important: the understanding that they are capable of learning, contributing and helping others.

Thirteen more people prepared to help

Every person who learns first aid adds another layer of support to our community. A trained bystander may be the person who recognizes that something is wrong, calls for help, begins CPR or provides care until emergency services arrive.

That is how safer, stronger and more resilient communities are built—one prepared person at a time.

Congratulations to all 13 newly certified participants. We hope each person leaves with not only a new certification, but also greater curiosity, practical knowledge and confidence in what they can do.

We also want to recognize the Elizabeth Fry Society of Kingston for continuing to invest in education, valuable qualifications and new possibilities for the people it supports.

To learn more about the organization and its programs, visit efrykingston.ca.

Images courtesy of Elizabeth Fry - enhanced by AI