
Red Cross CPR Training for Security Personnel
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Security personnel are a major factor in maintaining venue safety and responding to emergencies. There’s no end to the scenarios a security guard may face on the job, which is why it’s important to be prepared and ready to act in any emergency situation.
One of the best ways to perfect your security team’s emergency response is through Red Cross training, which teaches people how to respond in an emergency and how to perform CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). This type of training enhances your security team’s ability to respond effectively in critical moments, making them capable of life-saving care if needed.
Do I Need CPR Training to Be a Security Guard in Ontario?
Yes, you are required to have certification in first-aid and CPR in order to receive a security guard license in Ontario. Luckily, you can become certified within 6-16 hours with Pathways’ Red Cross training.
Why Security Personnel Need CPR Training
As security personnel, you’ll often find yourself in the center of critical and unexpected situations. In these high-pressure situations, not everyone will know how to react, but immediate action can be crucial.
Learning CPR and emergency responsiveness from Red Cross training is one of the best ways to prepare you and your team for an endless variety of emergency situations. Below are some examples of real-world scenarios security guards commonly face.
Real-World Scenarios Security Guards May Face
- Medical Emergencies: Cardiac arrest, choking, or severe bleeding can occur at any public venue. A trained security guard is able to step in and provide CPR or first aid until EMS arrives.
- Crowd Control Events: At concerts, festivals, and sporting events, large crowds can quickly become rowdy. In the event of a sudden medical emergency, having security trained in CPR will make a huge difference.
- Workplace Accidents: In an industrial or commercial workplace, accidents are a major risk. If someone collapses due to a medical issue or suffers an injury, security personnel must be prepared to administer CPR to help prevent serious complications.
- Active Shooter or Violent Incidents: While not ideal, violent interactions are a serious concern for any venue or workplace. Security personnel are there to deescalate in hostile situations, but being trained in first-aid is extremely impactful in a worst case scenario.
- Community Events: When participants may experience heat exhaustion, dehydration, or other medical conditions, prompt medical intervention is essential. Red Cross training equips security personnel with the skills they need to administer first-aid.

Where to Get Red Cross CPR Training in Kitchener-Waterloo
As a certified Red Cross training partner in Kitchener-Waterloo, Pathways is able to get you and your team certified in first-aid and CPR within 6-16 hours of in-person training and online coursework. If your security team is located in Kitchener or Guelph, our Pathways education centre locations are not far!
Our training sessions are led by certified instructors who offer hands-on practice in a supportive environment. Participants are given the opportunity to engage in realistic scenarios and simulations, ensuring they can effectively apply what they learn in real-life situations.
Below are some of what you’ll learn in our Red Cross training course:
- Recognition of emergencies
- The importance of personal safety and scene safety
- Step-by-step CPR instructions for adults, children, and infants
- Use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
- First aid techniques and how to handle choking incidents
Take a look at our affordable Red Cross training courses: https://pathways4u.com/pages/red-cross-courses