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Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act - Customer Service Standard

This e-learning course will improve the quality of your customer service, help you better serve customers with different disabilities and help meet legal obligations under the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service. First Heatlh Care is working towards compliance for January 2012. New courses and specific policies will be made available. Click on the link below to learn Customer Service Standards of the AODA 2005.
Serve-Ability: Transforming Ontario's Customer Service

Alzheimer's Society of Canada

The Alzheimer's Society of Canada provides information on Alzheimer's Disease and provides educational resources to individuals, family members and caregivers who are dealing with the disease. Click on the link below to learn more:
Alzheimer's Society of Canada

Basic Rescuer CPR (Level C or HCP) Providers

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada sets the Canadian Guidelines for CPR, defibrillation and other aspects of emergency cardiovascular care in Canada. HSFC offers a comprehensive range of CPR training programs that are based on these guidelines – the most current resuscitation and educational science. Click on the link below to learn more about the courses offered through the Heart and Stroke Foundation:
Heart and Stroke Foundation

Certified Personal Support Worker

First Health Care does not offer this course. This information has been prepared to assist you in learning more about the Personal Support Worker program in Ontario. Personal Support Workers are essential in making Ontario's health care system function. Personal Support Workers should be recognized for the outstanding contributions they make every day in supporting clients at home, in long term care homes and other settings. Personal Support Workers are recognized by the Personal Support Network of Ontario (PSNO) and membership with the National Association of Certified Caregivers/Personal Support Workers (NACPSW) is encouraged. The PSW program is offered by Community and and Private Colleges. The decision to go to a private career college is a very important one. Students need to do their homework before they enrol. A private career college is an independent business that prepares students for a specific job, or gives them specific skills, such as computer skills. There are more than 500 registered private career colleges in Ontario. Private career colleges operating in Ontario must be registered and must have their programs approved by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities. The act that governs private career colleges is called the Private Career Colleges Act. This act ensures that private career colleges meet certain standards for the programs they offer, as well as advertising, refund policies, and instructor qualifications. If a private career college is not registered and it is offering an unapproved program, it is breaking the law. If you enrol in an unregistered college or an unapproved program, you won't be protected by the Private Career Colleges Act. Private career colleges often work with small groups of students rather than large classes, and offer: Flexible learning schedules Enrolment at many different times during the year Compressed programs that deliver training over a short time. If you have a certain Private Career College in mind but are not sure if they are recognized by the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities, click on the link below. You will see course costs and requirements.
Private Career College Search Service

Client Handling and Ergonomics

This information has been prepared by the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. and reviews musculoskeletal Injuries and disorders, assessments, prevention and rules for safe lifting, transfers and repositioning. Click on the link below to learn more about Client Handling and Ergonomics.
Health Care Workers Patient Handling

College of Nurses Learning Modules

These Learning Modules are provided by the College of Nurses of Ontario. Participation in learning modules is self-directed. View learning modules on Consent, Documentation, Ethics, Infection Prevention & Control, Medication, Nurse Practitioners, Professional Standards, Quality Assurance Program: Self Assessment, Restraints, Therapeutic Nurse-Client Relationships and Utilization of RNs and RPNs. You can also download free College of Nurses Practice Standards. Each self-study module contains an introduction, learning objectives, content chapters, additional resources and a quiz. These modules are supported by an email link to a Practice Consultant who will answer any of your questions. Modules are confidential and the College will not collect individual quiz scores. Click on the link below to access this valuable information which allows you to work through specific practice standards and guidelines:
College of Nurses - Online Learning Moduels

Critical Care Nursing E-Learning graduate certificate program from Durham College


Critical Care Nursing E-Learning Graduate Certificate Program

Emergency Preparedness for Home and Workplace

In everyday life, a large-scale emergency or disaster seems like a remote possibility, but experience tells us that here in York Region, we could experience hazardous chemical spills or releases, power outages, infectious disease outbreaks, severe weather, or flooding. An emergency can occur without warning, leaving little or no time for you to plan what to do next. It can confine you to your home or workplace, or force you to evacuate your neighbourhood. The following link will provide you with valuable information on Emergency Preparedness and will help you and your family plan for safety.
York Region Emergency Managment

English as a Second Language (ESL) COSTI Immigrant Services

COSTI is a multicultural non-profit organization providing educational, social and employment services to the immigrant community. COSTI is committed to providing learning opportunities to individuals for their successful integration and employment in Canadian Society. COSTI has offices accross Toronto and the GTA. Click on the link below to find a location near you or call COSTI directly at 416.658.1600.
COSTI Immigration Services - English Language Training

Ethical Decision-Making Guide

The information has been provided by the Community Ethics Network. Ethical dilemmas are frequently encountered by community health and support workers, including case managers, nurses, personal support workers, physicians, allied health professionals, and others. Acknowledging the lack of adequate resources within the community sector to support staff in dealing with such complex issues, a common approach for ethical decision-making was developed and trialed across 12 community organizations. The goal of the common approach was to enhance practice around ethical decision-making in the community health sector. This would mean that all members of the community health care team, regardless of their discipline or the organization in which they are employed, would have access to the same resources and would approach ethical dilemmas in a similar manner. This, in turn, would facilitate collaboration in delivering client-centered care, improve worker satisfaction, and achieve greater consistency in practice across the sector.
Ethical Decision-Making Toolkit

Fight the Flu

You can take steps to protect yourself from one of winter's worst "side effects" - influenza, or the flu. These simple steps include frequent handwashing, coughing and sneezing into you arm/sleeve, getting an annual flu vaccination and staying home when sick. Click on the link below to learn more. Provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
How to Fight the Flu

Food Handlers Certificate

First Health Care recognizes the importance of the added knowledge of safe food handling. The York Region Health Services Department offers a five year certification program to help improve the safety of our clients. Topics include: inspection and legislation, hazard analysis critical control points, basic microbiology, safe food sources and storage, personal hygiene and hand washing, cross-contamination issues, and time/temperature abuse. This program is aimed to reduce the incidence of food-borne illnesses. This is a mandatory course for all PSWs and will be a requirement for continued employment. Please click on the link below to learn more:
York Regions' Proton - Safe Food Handling Certification Program

Hand Washing (MOHLTC)


Hand washing, when done correctly, is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Good hand washing technique is easy to learn and can significantly reduce the spread of infectious diseases among both children and adults. Click on the link below to learn more:
Hand Washing

How to Use a Portable Fire Extinguisher (FEMA)


This video was created by the Fire Equipment Manufacture's Association to train viewers to learn how to assess potential fire situation and use a portable fire extinguisher in the event of a fire emergency. For more information about the Fire Equipment Manufacturers' Association, visit http://www.femalifesafety.org

Just Clean Your Hands (MOHLTC)

Health Care Associated Infections cause significant morbidity and mortality. At least 30% of health care associated infections can be prevented by following prevention strategies. Each health care provider plays a vital role in infection prevention and control strategies which are designed to protect patients, staff and the community. Click on the interactive link below to learn how you can make a difference.
Infection Prevention and Control - Core Competencies for Hand Hygiene

Just Clean Your Hands - How to Hand Rub your Hands (MOHLTC)

Provided by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care click on the video below to learn how you can make a difference.
How to Hand Rub Your Hands

Just Clean Your Hands - How to Hand Wash (MOHLTC)

Provided by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, click on the video below to see how you can make a difference.
How to Hand Wash

Just Clean Your Hands for Family and Friends (MOHLTC)

Provided by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. Click on the link below to view the video on how you can make a difference.
Family and Friends

Just Clean Your Hands for Personal Support Workers (MOHLTC)

Provided by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, click on the video below to see how you can make a difference.
Personal Support Workers

Mechanical Lift


This video shows the safe lifting of the individual as the person is transferred from a wheelchair to a bed. The video also shows the Lexa sling that is used to cradle, or hold, the individual.

Ministry of Labour - Pains and Strains in the Workplace

Every day we use our muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints to lift, carry, sit, stand, walk, move and work in a variety of ways. However, sometimes these tasks or the way we do them can put too much demand on our bodies, causing pain and discomfort. In addition, it may lead to a more serious injury called a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). Click on the link below to learn more. Use the Pains & Strains in the Workplace tool to learn more about musculoskeletal disorders and what you can do to prevent them.
Musculoskeletal Disorders / Ergonomics

Ministry of Labour - Prevent Slips and Falls

We all have the right to work in a safe and healthy environment. A compliant health and safety culture requires all workplace parties to adhere to occupational health and safety requirements and to pay constant, appropriate attention to workplace health and safety. To help workplace parties stay safe, the Ministry of Labour has created tools to help identify hazards in various sectors. his tool presents some common hazards that can lead to falls at health care facilities; not all potential hazards and potential precautions are illustrated or highlighted in the tool. Some of the precautions described are legal requirements, while others are best practices. Click on the link below to learn more.
Spot the Fall Hazards: Health Care

One is One Too Many

This session is provided by the College of Nurses of Ontario. It offers valuable lessons and tools that health care professionals need to stop abuse. Such topics include dealing with challenging situations, recognizing and responding to abuse plus many other valuable abuse prevention practices. Click on the link below to view short videos on neglect, financial abuse, verbal abuse, physical abuse and sexual abuse:
College of Nurses of Ontario - One is One Too Many

Ontario Human Rights Commission - Human Rights 101

The Ontario Human Rights Commission has launched Human Rights 101 a new elearning tool to provide information on the history, principles, legislation and policies that fall under the OHRC. Click on the link below to learn more.
Human Rights 101

Patient Safety (MOHLTC)

Patient safety is about managing and reducing risk to ensure that the care patients receive is as safe as possible. Improving patient safety is about creating an environment that is transparent and committed to change. This is the mandate of the government’s Patient Safety Initiative. Click on this link below to learn more. This site provides information for patients, health care professionals and the public on patient safety issues.
Patient Safety

Patient Safety, Risk Management and Incident Reporting

This session provides the basis of ensuring patient safety practices; requirements to identify and report significant events which may cause actual harm or risk to a client, a caregiver or an employee including ethical situations. This session is supported by our Risk Management and Continuous Quality Improvements Committees/Plans.This session is currently under construction.

Personal Protective Equipment

The quiz has been provide by Outpatient Surgery Magazine. Take their quiz and promote compliance with rules of barrier protection.
Personal Protective Equipment Quiz

Routine Practices Resource Package

This Routine Practices Staff Resource Package is intended to provide staff working in Acute, Personal Care Homes and Community Settings with the core, or "basic" information ALL staff need to know about Routine Practices regardless of work setting. Routine Practices (developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada - PHAC) include previous precautions against bloodborne pathogens and universal precautions. Click on the link below to view this learning package.
Routine Practices Resource Package

Ruth Ruttan's Advanced Nursing Footcare Program

Designed for RNs and RPNs. Provides basic to advanced theoretical and practical instruction in non-invasive footcare. A holistic approach is taken in assessing the client & relating their general health to that of their feet. For course enrollment information call Ruth Ruttan at (905) 478-1977 or click on the link below:
Ruth Ruttan and Associates

Safety Engineered Medical Sharps

First Health Care is committed to providing a safe and healthy working environment for all staff and clients. We provide financial, physical and human resources to reduce the risks of injury from sharp medical devices and exposure to blood and body fluid. We have implemented the use of safety engineered medical sharps and other safe work practices aimed at reducing the risks of injury from sharp objects wherever possible. The following educational material has been provided by the Public Services Health & Safety Association. Click on the link below:
Safety Engineered Medical Sharps Presentation

Sharps Injury Prevention

This booklet has been prepared by the Public Services Health & Safety Association to provide you with facts about Sharps Injury Prevention. This information provides you with an understanding about sharps, who is at risk, risk factors, the impact, prevention and treatment. Click on the link below:
Sharps Injury Prevention

Toronto Police Services

Access Crime Statistics, Police Stations and Community Alerts specific to your area. For questions about the content in the following pages, please contact Crime Information Analysis Unit.
Crime Statistics, Police Stations and Community Alerts

Toronto Public Health - What to do if you have Bed Bugs

Click on the link below to learn about what you can do if you have bed bugs in your home. Information provided by the Toronto Public Health Department.
Bed Bugs Fact Sheet - What you need to know!

Universal Precautions for Health Care Practice (Free Online Quiz)

Write your contact information below very clearly as this helps us to properly register your credits to your board and communicate with you. Read the questions carefully and answer them True or False. This test is intended to support the learning process, so feel free to re-read the text while you answer the questions; the review helps to reinforce your learning experience. The passing score on this test is 70 %.
Universal Precautions for Health Care Practice

Victim Services Toronto

Victime Services Toronto is unique in that they are the only agency in Toronto providing immediate on- site crisis, trauma, safety & support services to victims of crime and sudden tragedies. They can help victims cope in the following situations: Domestic Violence Sexual Assault Assault Homicide Suicide Elder Abuse Workplace or Motor Vehicle Fatalities/Accidents Gun Violence Hostage Situations Sudden Deaths Disasters or Crises Affecting Entire Communities Home Invasions Robbery/Fraud Abduction Hate Crime
Victim Services Toronto

Violence in the Workplace - Awareness (CCOHS)

Workplace violence is a serious issue that affects all business sectors and occupations and the safety and security of every employee and employer. This course is offered FREE of charge by CCOHS to promote the awareness of this very important issue, and as a precursor to the other Workplace Violence e-courses: Recognize the Risk and Take Action, and Establish a Prevention Program. Topics include: What is workplace violence? Behaviours associated with workplace violence Sources of violent behaviour in the workplace Workplace violence prevention legislation. Click on the link below to get started.
Violence in the Workplace: Awareness

Workplace Violence Prevention

This session covers risk assessment, control measures, approaches to minimize client aggression, and sector specific modules for Acute, Community, Long Term Care. Also includes useful information on bullying and domestic violence in the workplace. Click the link below to access a Hazard Risk Assessment Tool provided by the Public Services Health & Safety Association:
Community Care Hazard Risk Assessment Tool

Workplace Violence Prevention - Bullying in the Workplace

It is important to distinguish between normal worker conflict and workplace bullying. Bullying is defined as repeated, persistent, continous behaviour as opposed to a single negative act and is generally associated with a power imbalance between the victim and the perpetrator, where the victim feels inferior. This could be a nurse to a student, senior nurse to a junior nurse or supervisor to employee. Bullying should not be confused with tough management styles. To learn more about bullying in work place, click on the link below to access the Bullying in the Workplace handbook as provided by the Public Services Health and Safety Association:
Bullying in the Workplace

Workplace Violence Prevention - Domestic Violence in the Workplace

Personal Relationship Violence (PRV) is workplace violence as soon as it enters the workplace and their are many actions that employers, supervisors and co-workers can take to prevent PRV from entering the workplace and to minimize negative effects. To learn more about this type of violence in the workplace click on the link below. The Public Services Health & Safety Association has provided a workplace booklet specific to PRV.
Personal Relationship Violence in the Workplace

For more information or to book yourself into any of these sessions call First Health Care at 905-305-9551 (ext. 2).

First Health Care is an accredited home care provider through Accreditation Canada