Should First Aid Training Be Mandatory in Quebec?

After two choking incidents in Quebec City within just 24 hours—one resulting in a successful rescue and the other ending in death—there is renewed discussion about making first aid training mandatory across Quebec.

According to a report by CBC News, advocates believe people in public places should know how to respond during medical emergencies. Jocelyn Bergeron, director of RCR Secourisme Québec, says early intervention can save lives.

“In a public place, people should be able to intervene and know what to do,” Bergeron said.

Why First Aid Training Is Important

Quebec currently has first aid training requirements for certain workplaces and encourages the public to take CPR courses. However, many experts believe this does not go far enough. In the United States, CPR training is mandatory for high school graduation in many states. Countries such as Germany also require first aid training before issuing a driver’s licence.

Bergeron explained that in choking emergencies, a simple abdominal thrust—commonly known as the Heimlich manoeuvre—can save a person’s life within seconds.

Two Incidents, Two Different Outcomes

The importance of first aid training was clearly demonstrated at a Tim Hortons in Quebec City. A man began choking inside the restaurant, and former professional boxer Éric Martel-Bahoéli quickly recognized the signs. He performed the Heimlich manoeuvre and saved the man’s life.

Martel-Bahoéli works at a youth centre and must renew his first aid certification every three years. He credits this training for allowing him to respond calmly and correctly.

“I think the whole population should be taking this course,” he said.

Tragically, another choking incident the following day ended differently. A 70-year-old man choked while eating at Chez Jules restaurant. Although bystanders dislodged the food, the man became unconscious. Paramedics performed CPR while transporting him to the hospital, but he did not survive.

Current Rules and the Ongoing Debate

In Quebec, businesses are required to have at least one first aid–trained employee for every 50 workers. The province also promotes CPR awareness through short programs offered with the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

However, advocates believe first aid training should be mandatory for everyone. Paramedic instructor Martin Bernier described first aid knowledge as a social responsibility.

“The chance of survival is in the first minute,” he said. “The faster people react, the better the outcome.”

The Quebec Restaurant Association supports first aid awareness but says training every employee would be too expensive due to high staff turnover. The association maintains that the current one-in-50 rule is sufficient.

Be Prepared to Save a Life

Medical emergencies can happen anywhere, and the first few moments are critical. Learning CPR, AED use, and choking response techniques gives people the confidence to act when it matters most.

For Canadians who want to be prepared, recognized training programs—such as those available through Winnipeg First Aid—provide essential, life-saving skills in CPR, AED use, and first aid response.

👉 Read the full original CBC article here: Should first aid training be mandatory in Quebec?

Learn More About First Aid and CPR

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About The Author

Mark Kascha

Certified First Aid Instructor Trainer with 30+ years of real-world experience, including lifeguarding, workplace emergency response, and first aid program development across Canada. Has worked with WorkSafeBC, WSIB, and Manitoba Health.

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Last reviewed: March 2026

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