It was very difficult for organizations to provide First Aid training in the 2 years of pandemic restrictions in Ontario and VPL’s First Aid training largely expired. Staff were unable to respond to emergencies involving the public or colleagues, and VPL did not meet statutory First Aid standards requirements.

Our partners in Recreation had one of the few sources of First Aid training through lifeguards and were hoping to reconnect with VPL while providing a meaningful leadership opportunity for their young employees.

Previously VPL staff were trained in First Aid through the City’s HR department, but on an individual basis that could not meet the need for mass training after the pandemic. VPL partnered with Recreation to have their lifeguards visit the library and run dedicated session to train library staff in Standard First Aid and CPR. VPL also has one joint location with the YMCA and reached a similar partnership there. We also reviewed and updated First Aid Kits at all locations and updated procedures for tracking accidents.

40 staff members were trained in first aid, giving coverage across all 12 branches. After the training was implemented, the achieved outcomes could be seen clearly in the system:

• Ensured emergency readiness
• Help prevent injuries
• Staff more confident when handling emergencies

Staff have had numerous opportunities to use the training, including helping to save an unconscious infant.

The partnership also reopened connections between VPL and Recreation, as pandemic regulations had forced us to operate separately.