Why there is a need for Ottawa First Aid? Food safety should be a number one priority for all food establishments in the world. With more than two million people dying each year because of diarrheal complications – a major symptom of foodborne illness – safe food handling is essential when running a facility that (in any way) handles food. Ottawa is governed by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care’s Health Protection and Promotion Act, a law that required all food establishments to have certified staff members on duty during all operating hours.
Signing up on the Ottawa First Aid website
We, at Ottawa First Aid, want to make the application process very easy for our prospective trainees – hence we have made an online application form accessible 24/7 on our website. The form is not one you download and have to print out and mail/fax to us; it is an interactive form filled out on the website itself. Once you click the submit, we will receive your request immediately but will only be able to process it during regular business hours.
Likewise, we have also made other application options available. You may apply for our food safety classes through e-mail, over telephone call, or in person (the last two available during business hours).
What will you learn from a training program?
The food safety and sanitation training course at Ottawa First Aid covers basic topics such as microbiology, pathogenesis of foodborne illness, facility housekeeping and sanitation, and general infection control skills. Our course has two levels – the first being a basic program and the second an advanced food safety program. The basic program (the first level) introduces students to basic concepts in food safety and sanitation, with a big emphasis on skills and techniques in proper food handling.
The advanced program targets managerial staff and food facility supervisors; however, students with a valid basic food safety and sanitation training are encouraged to apply for this level as well. The advanced course focuses on management skills and concepts – basically everything a person needs to know when running a food facility. The curriculum is quite extensive, making this program longer than the basic course (which is usually finished in one day).
Why study food safety in the first place?
If you work as a food handler, learning and becoming certified in food safety and sanitation is a must – more so if you directly come into contact with food. However, we advise that anyone who handles food, especially people who are in charge of cooking for themselves and other people be aware of the concepts and skills involved in food safety. You don’t even have to take the certification exam if you don’t work in health care; just sign up for our course and educate yourself about the dangers of foodborne illness (FBI).
FBIs are notorious for causing vomiting and diarrhea – symptoms that can cause dehydration. While most FBI cases resolve in as a short as three days, dehydration is dangerous for very young and very old victims. When the symptoms become prolonged and/or severe, seeking medical attention should be done.