Breaking Barriers: Calgary Here We Come
Ready Or Not
In the fall of 2024, Life Start First Aid Training made a bold decision—one that wasn’t just about geographic expansion, but about proving what we already knew to be true: that our mission to elevate first aid training is one that can resonate across Canada. So, we opened a head office in Calgary, Alberta.
For months, we had received inquiries from people in Western Canada who were genuinely excited about the idea of opening a Life Start franchise. They loved our training model, believed in our mission, and saw the potential for change. However, they also had concerns. They asked:
- “Will it work here?”
- “How do we know your approach will resonate with people in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba?”
- “How do we know Life Start will succeed beyond the Maritimes?”
These were valid questions, and we welcomed them. But here’s the thing—we don’t just sell first aid training. We create change.
Passion, Knowledge, and Grit Overcome Doubt
When we decided to expand into Calgary, it wasn’t a decision made lightly. We knew that hesitation is a natural part of any major transition. Whenever something new is introduced, especially in a place where it’s not yet known, doubts will inevitably arise. But the truth is—we weren’t new to first aid. We weren’t new to teaching. And we weren’t new to building an incredible team of franchise owners who are passionate about making a difference in their communities.
We knew that if we stayed true to our core mission—offering engaging, high-quality, hands-on first aid training—people would feel the impact. Our approach is rooted in experience and commitment, and this is something that can transcend geographic boundaries. What’s more, the impact we’re creating is tangible. We’ve seen how our method sticks with students, and that’s what makes us confident in our ability to succeed in Western Canada.
Why Calgary?
Choosing Calgary as the location for our new head office was both exciting and nerve racking. Western Canada, while home to millions of people, represented an unknown for us. Yes, people need first aid everywhere. But the culture, the businesses, and even the expectations around training may differ from what we were used to. Ultimately the decision was made through gut intuition.
We decided to take the first step ourselves. By planting our roots in Calgary, we’re sending a message to potential franchisees that Life Start is built on something bigger than geography. It’s built on passion, knowledge, and grit. And these qualities are universal—no matter where you are.
When we say our approach can work anywhere, we mean it. Whether you’re in the heart of the Maritimes, the bustling cities of Ontario, or the beautiful landscapes of Western Canada, our mission remains unchanged: to offer engaging, life-saving first aid education to everyone, everywhere.
Changing the First Aid Training Landscape
At Life Start, we believe first aid training should be more than just a box to check off. We know that many organizations provide decent equipment and offer interactive experiences. Some may even do a great job of delivering the basics of mock wound care. And if you’re happy with your current training provider, we’re truly happy for you. Confidence in your training is what matters most.
But, if you’re looking for something more—something that really makes a difference when every second counts—then Life Start is the place for you.
We’ve seen the other side of first aid training. Too often, people walk away from a class feeling underprepared. Worse yet, many don’t even realize how little they know until they’re thrown into an emergency situation. The status quo shouldn’t be good enough. People’s lives are on the line, and we believe that first aid training should be nothing less than exceptional.
At Life Start, we focus on preparing individuals in a way that makes first aid a natural, instinctual response during an emergency. Our goal is simple: we want to save more lives. To achieve this, we’re training instructors who go beyond the basics and are committed to creating impactful, unforgettable learning experiences. We don’t want you to sit through a class and forget it the moment you walk out the door. Instead, we want you to experience first aid in a way that sticks with you, long after the training is over.
Our classes are designed to be immersive and interactive. We want you to feel the stress of an emergency simulation. We want to equip you with the confidence to act when every second counts.
Making an Impact Across Canada
Now that we’re set to open our doors in Calgary, the West will no longer an unknown. We’re here, and we’re excited to show Calgary—and all of Canada—the Life Start difference. Whether you’re an individual taking one of our courses or someone who’s considering opening a franchise, we want you to know that we’re all in.
Our goal isn’t just to bring Life Start to Western Canada—it’s to bring better first aid education to every corner of the country. By opening our new head office in Calgary, we’re demonstrating our commitment to national growth. We’re proving that no matter where you are in Canada, you should have access to the best training available.
At the end of the day, we don’t want you to just take a first aid class. We want you to leave feeling confident, prepared, and ready to act in an emergency. Because, at Life Start, we’re not just teaching first aid; we’re saving lives.