Scope Update EMR
Schedule 1 + Schedule 2 + Schedule 2 Part B
ALL FIRST RESPONDERS MUST UPDATE BY SEPTEMBER 2025
Scope Update
3 Year Certificate
Canadian Red Cross
2 Days 8:30 am to 4:30 pm In-Class
Price $375
4-8 Hours Online
+Scope Update Online Portion
BC EMR Scope of Practice Update – Course Overview
This comprehensive Scope of Practice Update is designed explicitly for licensed Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) working within British Columbia. It fulfills the mandatory requirements set by the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB) for current license holders to align their practice with legal and procedural updates that came into effect on September 23, 2022.
EMALB has approved this course and ensures that EMRs are up to date with current clinical standards and authorized interventions.
Course Completion Requirements
To complete the BC EMR Scope of Practice Update, participants must:
✅Provide proof of a current EMR license and EMR course certificate
✅Complete all online learning modules prior to attending the in-person session
✅Attend 100% of the in-person training
✅Demonstrate competence through hands-on skill stations and scenario-based evaluations
Blended
2 DAYS
IN CLASS
+ 4-8 Hours Online
What’s Included in the Updated Scope of Practice?
The updated Scope of Practice reflects significant changes approved by the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB). These updates apply to both First Responders and Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs) and came into effect on September 23, 2022.
First Responder – Schedule 1: Core Services
As part of the core First Responder role, you are now expected to demonstrate competency in:
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Inserting nasopharyngeal airways (NPA)
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Performing wound management that doesn’t involve tissue perforation (includes wound packing) -
Fracture management and immobilization, including pelvic binding -
Lifting, loading, extrication, and evacuation techniques
First Responder – Schedule 2: Vital Signs Endorsement
New vital sign monitoring skills have been added, including:
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Use and interpretation of pulse oximetry (SpO₂)
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Use and interpretation of CO oximetry. -
Use and interpretation of non-invasive blood pressure (NIBP) devices. -
Use and interpretation of glucometers.
First Responder – Schedule 2: Medications Endorsement
Under medical endorsement, First Responders may now:
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Assist patients with their prescribed medications.
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Administer epinephrine using an auto-injector, intranasally, or sublingually.
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Give Naloxone (opioid antagonist) via intramuscular (IM) or intranasal (IN) route. -
Administer Glucagon (anti-hypoglycemic) IM or IN. -
Provide oral analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen or ibuprofen) -
Administer Acetylsalicylic Acid (ASA) orally. -
Apply topical pro-coagulants or anti-fibrinolytics as needed.
EMR Scope of Practice Updates
EMR – Schedule 1: Core Services
As an Emergency Medical Responder, all of the above First Responder core services and endorsements are now considered **core components** of the EMR level. This means you're expected to be already proficient in those areas.
EMR – Schedule 2: Medications Endorsement
In addition to the First Responder medication skills, EMRs are now authorized to:
Administer **epinephrine intramuscularly
Deliver bronchodilators by inhaler or nebulization (e.g., Salbutamol)
Important: To register for and complete the Scope of Practice Update, you must have a current and valid EMR license issued by the Emergency Medical Assistants Licensing Board (EMALB).
Holding a course certificate alone is not enough; you must be fully licensed with EMALB at the EMR level.
