Executive Summary
Sharalife First Aid Inc., based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is proud to introduce the newly expanded Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) 320 Program. Officially approved by the Saskatchewan College of Paramedics (SCoP) for delivery starting in August 2026, this comprehensive program is designed to meet the evolving and rigorous demands of the modern healthcare system.
The program spans a total of 320 hours, evenly divided between online modules and in-person practical training, and includes a minimum of 24 hours of clinical practicum. The tuition cost of $4,800.00 plus tax may be supported by substantial funding opportunities such as the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) training bursary of $3,500.00 or more.
About Sharalife First Aid Inc.
Founded in 2001 by Chris Becker, Sharalife First Aid Inc. was established following a near-fatal incident involving his daughter, Shara. This profound personal experience highlighted the critical need for widespread, accessible, and high-quality first aid and emergency response training.
"Be prepared! Someday you may need to help a stranger, or someone you care the world about."
As a valued Training Partner with the Canadian Red Cross, Sharalife has consistently expanded its services across the Saskatoon area and beyond. In June 2026, the organization relocated to a new facility encompassing over 5,500 square feet of training space, equipped with the latest CPR feedback technology, high-fidelity simulation, a stocked ambulance, and a dedicated scenario suite.
Program Overview and Structure
The EMR 320 program is structured to exceed the minimum requirements established by the SCoP for 2025 and 2026. The curriculum is aligned with the Canadian Organization of Paramedic Regulators (COPR) Canadian Paramedic Competency Framework (CPCF).
The program utilizes a blended learning format that alternates between self-paced online modules and mandatory in-person training sessions, allowing students to absorb theoretical knowledge before applying it in practical, simulated environments.
| Phase | Format | Duration | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | Online | 2 Weeks | Self-paced didactic modules covering foundational medical knowledge and protocols. |
| Phase 2 | In-Class | 2 Weeks | Intensive practical training, skills labs, and high-fidelity case-based scenarios. |
| Phase 3 | Online | 2 Weeks | Advanced theoretical concepts and preparation for clinical application. |
| Phase 4 | In-Class | 2 Weeks | Final practical assessments, summative exams, and advanced simulations. |
| Phase 5 | Clinical | Min. 24 Hours | Supervised shifts at approved sites (ambulance, hospital, or clinic) to gain real-world experience. |
Admission Requirements
To ensure that candidates are adequately prepared for the rigors of the program and the responsibilities of the profession, Sharalife enforces strict admission criteria in accordance with SCoP standards.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18 years (exceptions require SCoP consultation) |
| Education | Grade 12 diploma or equivalent |
| First Aid Certification | Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C AED |
| Criminal Record Check | Current within 12 months of program start |
| Physical Fitness | Must meet emergency services physical requirements |
Note: Clinical sites may deny placements based on CRC results. Positive CRCs are subject to review and consultation with SCoP regarding suitability for registration.
Curriculum, Evaluation, and Certification
The curriculum is comprehensive, encompassing a minimum of 320 contact hours that blend didactic instruction, simulation, and clinical experience. Students are exposed to lectures, subject matter expert presentations, and task-based skills stations.
Evaluation is continuous and rigorous. Students are assessed on their ability to demonstrate proficiency across five key principles:
| Assessment Type | Methodology | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Formative (Online) | Quizzes and written tests | Ensure comprehension of theoretical concepts prior to practical application. |
| Formative (In-Class) | Skills demonstrations and scenarios | Assess technical execution and critical thinking in simulated environments. |
| Clinical Evaluation | Preceptor feedback and review | Evaluate patient interaction and protocol adherence in real-world settings. |
| Summative (Final) | Written exam and practical assessment | Verify comprehensive competency for graduation and licensure eligibility. |
Student Support and Resources
Sharalife is committed to the success and well-being of its students. The program provides all necessary equipment for the duration of the training, which students retain upon graduation. This includes:
Financial Information and Funding Opportunities
The financial structure of the EMR 320 program is designed to be transparent, with significant funding opportunities available to assist students. This information is vital for government grant agencies, Employment Insurance representatives, and prospective employers considering educational sponsorships.
The total tuition is $4,800.00 plus applicable taxes. A pre-registration fee of $800.00 plus tax secures your seat and is deducted from the total. The remaining balance of $4,000.00 is due on August 21, 2026. Sharalife offers a payment plan with the balance payable on or before the last day of classes.
| Fee Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Program Tuition | $4,800.00 + tax |
| Pre-Registration Deposit (deducted from total) | $800.00 + tax |
| SHA Training Bursary (available to eligible students) | $3,500.00 (potentially more after July 2026) |
| Estimated Net Cost After Bursary | Approximately $1,300.00 + tax |
Note: The SHA bursary has been in place for several years; however, Sharalife does not guarantee its continued availability or dollar amount.
Employment Outcomes and Industry Need
The expansion of the EMR program to 320 hours is a direct response to the increasing demands placed on the healthcare system. EMRs are now frequently required to provide a higher level of independent care in situations where advanced medical personnel are unavailable.
Graduates of the Sharalife EMR 320 program are highly sought after across various sectors. Multiple EMS organizations actively attend Sharalife's EMR programs to recruit new graduates directly for their operations โ a testament to the high industry demand and employer confidence in our program.
| Employment Sector | Examples |
|---|---|
| Emergency Medical Services | Ambulance services, first response teams |
| Industrial and Resource Sector | Mine sites, oil and gas operations, construction |
| Healthcare Facilities | Hospitals, health clinics, nursing homes |
| Community and Remote Settings | Remote communities, event medical coverage |
All working and volunteering EMRs in Saskatchewan are required to hold SCoP licensure, regardless of employment context.
Program Faculty and Leadership
The Sharalife EMR 320 program is led by a team of experienced and credentialed professionals. All paramedicine-specific content is delivered by individuals registered with SCoP or the provincial regulator, in good standing with their respective regulatory body.
| Name | Role | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Chris Becker | Program Director | Founder of Sharalife; former EMT and law enforcement professional; Instructor Trainer in Professional Responder, EMR Instructor and Licensed EMR. |
| Evan Craig | Lead Instructor | Licensed Primary Care Paramedic with extensive field experience; lead instructor for the EMR program. |
| Shara Becker | Head of Faculty | Full-time Advanced Care Paramedic with Medavie Health Services Saskatoon; EMR Instructor and Student Support. |
| Ben McIntyre | Head of Faculty | Advanced Care Paramedic with the Saskatoon Fire Department; EMR Instructor; Clinical Coordinator. |
| Janet Palendat | Head of Faculty | Advanced Care Paramedic with Medavie Health Services Saskatoon; EMR Instructor. |
Quality Assurance
Sharalife is committed to continuous improvement and program excellence. The EMR 320 program undergoes an annual quality assurance and quality improvement (QA/QI) review aligned with SCoP standards. This process incorporates feedback from students, preceptors, and clinical partners to refine curriculum delivery and faculty performance.
Graduate success rates on the COPR national licensing examination are monitored as a key performance indicator. The faculty-to-student ratio during scenario and skill performance sessions is maintained at no more than 1:8, ensuring adequate supervision and individualized feedback for every student.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the most common questions we receive from prospective students, Employment Insurance representatives, and government funding agencies.
Contact & Registration
For further information regarding the EMR 320 program, admissions, or funding, please contact Sharalife First Aid Inc. through the channels below โ or fill out the inquiry form and we will get back to you promptly.
EMR 320 Registration Inquiry
Complete the form below and our team will follow up within one business day.
