Article posted on April 23, 2026
High performance CPR continues to expand through MFR program
High performance CPR continues to be rolled out among MFR agencies throughout Alberta. In total, 316 members representing 124 services have been provided the train-the-trainer session.
“It’s so rewarding to see folks bring their new skills back to their home departments so that all members learn these valuable skills,” said Marissa Crane, MFR senior staff development officer. “At our March session in Wainwright, someone borrowed equipment that very day to immediately train their members. That type of enthusiasm is the norm within the fire departments and agencies we work with, and we are grateful for it.”
EHS Alberta adopted high performance CPR training as a standard for all frontline EMS practitioners as a part of annual training as of the 2023-24 training cycle. High performance CPR originated in Seattle, Washington at the fire department level when Captain Craig Aman led its development after recording metrics such as compression rate, depth and chest recoil. Through this collection of data, he realized that there were too many pauses by members when performing CPR and sought to develop a training program that minimized time off the chest.
The training focuses on refining the delivery of CPR through optimizing existing skills. There are no formal certifications for this course, but many services throughout the world have begun to blend it into their standard teachings. Standard, current CPR certification is the only pre-requisite - trainers do not have to be CPR instructors.
The MFR team has travelled to 16 communities to offer the training and has provided an additional four virtual sessions.
“We absolutely couldn’t hold these training opportunities without the support of the fire departments who have generously hosted us, allowing us to use their space and opening their doors everyone in attendance,” said MFR strategist Sheri Monk.
High performance CPR equipment has been purchased by the MFR program and has been strategically placed in equipment hubs located in the following communities: Falher, Manning, Leduc, Daysland, Bentley, Calgary, the MD of Taber, and Medicine Hat. Agencies who have access to high performance CPR trainers can borrow the equipment to train their own members. To access the equipment request form, please log into the MFR portal.
The most recent train-the-trainer session on April 21 was hosted by O’Chiese First Nation Fire Department.
Above: Chief Steve Makinaw delivers lunch for the day's attendees at a high performance CPR train-the-trainer event hosted by O'Chiese First Nation Fire Department on April 21.
“We are deeply grateful to the O’Chiese First Nation Fire Department for hosting this course. Their generosity, from welcoming members of surrounding communities to sharing a wonderful meal, created a space of learning, connection, and mutual respect,” said Brigitte Calder, MFR strategist. “Opportunities like this reflect the power of working together and strengthening relationships in the spirit of reconciliation.”
Above: MFR members practice their new skills during a session in March held at O'Chiese First Nation Fire Department.
Equipment must be picked up and dropped off by the agency borrowing it, and times must be coordinated with the hub site. Each training pod ideally consists of between four and six people. All hub sites have everything required to run HPCPR training including manikins, feedback devices, bag valve masks, i-gels, bag valve masks, generic AED trainers and cleaning wipes.
Agencies interested in taking or hosting the training can email the MFR program. Some agencies may have already received high performance CPR training by other agencies or partners. If so, please advise the MFR program by emailing mfr@emergencyhealthserivces.ca. This will help us understand where further training in the province needs to occur.
Above: MFR members practice their new skills during a session in March held at Wainwright Fire Department.
All photo credits to Alberta MFR.
Last Updated: Thursday, April 23, 2026