Article posted on June 8, 2026
MFR program recognized by the Canadian Red Cross
For the 3rd year in a row, the Medical First Response (MFR) program has received the Canadian Red Cross award for 'Top 3 National Training Provider - In House Training'. With 2,800 first aid/CPR provider and instructor certifications supported by the training partnership in 2025, it continues to be well utilized by MFR parters in all regions.
“It's such an honour to be recognized three years in a row for providing quality instructor and student training to MFR groups throughout Alberta,” said John Hein, paramedic strategist for the MFR program. "Our goal has been to develop a pool of instructors within the MFR agencies themselves, to provide just in time training for both new and estabilished members of each service. Some of our instructors are teaching over 12 courses per year, not only to their Fire Department but often the County or community as well."
The MFR program has participated in various ways throughout the years to increase access to medical training to all corners of the province.
Some of those instructors trained in the early days of the MFR program have gone on to achieve higher levels of instructor certification, and are now teaching advanced first aid, basic life support and health care provider-level courses. The program has evolved over the years, and today the MFR program supports training in many ways.
“To assist with the cost of training delivery, the MFR program directly covers the certification cost per student for Red Cross First Aid and CPR courses taught by instructors in our network. We also assist the instructors with their renewal training and registration costs,” said Hein.
The MFR program also administers annual funding which can be used to cover the cost of developing new instructors and other medical training.
“This recognition from the Canadian Red Cross highlights one of the training supports available to MFR partners and prepares first responders to provide basic life-saving interventions. We are grateful for the opportunity to share this prestigious award with our partners across the province,” said Blaine Barody, MFR Program Manager.
A presentation event was held in Edmonton on June 2, 2026, where John Hein accepted the award on behalf of ALTA Paramedic Health. Accompanying John was Firefighter/PCP Miranda Lefort, a Red Cross First Aid & CPR instructor in the MFR network from the Stony Plain Fire Department.
Image courtesy of Miranda Lefort
Last Updated: Monday, June 08, 2026