Association History
The Society was founded on September 11, 1931, as The First Aid Attendants Association, by a dedicated group of first aid professionals desiring more advanced training for use in isolated mining and logging camps. The Association provided this advanced training until the W.C.B. assumed the responsibilities some years later. As well as the welfare of Attendants across the province, educational work and the raising of standards of first aid service in the Province of British Columbia have been among the objectives of the Association since its inception.
The Society was incorporated under the Societies Act of B.C. on April 13, 1935; on June 14, 1939 the name was changed to First Aid Attendants B.C. A few years later, by resolution of the members on June 28, 1944, the name was changed to The Industrial First Aid Attendants Association of British Columbia. Our last name change was approved on January 22, 1994, to The Occupational First Aid Attendants Association of British Columbia, duly registered with the Registrar of Companies at Victoria, B.C. on April 17, 1994.
Occupational First Aid Attendants are now considered "health care professionals". Unique to this is that they are the first responders at occupational worksites, and are an integral and vital link in the chain of care that sees patients through to the highest level of treatment necessary. The Association, primarily through the efforts of its dedicated volunteers, continues to seek ways in which its members can perfect the practice of pre-hospital care.
Each year, the Association honours one competitor in each zone of the province-wide WCB First Aid Competitions, chosen by independent judges, to receive the Gus Porcher Award for "Best Performance by an Individual not on a Winning Team". Winners are given their own plaque and their names are engraved on the large plaques in our office. The late Mr. Porcher was a former President of the Association, first aid teacher, and benefactor for this fund donated by his family. As a member of the Association, you are a part of this expanding process! Visit our premises, browse through the memorabilia or peruse our library --members may borrow books.