First aid course

If you are required or want to complete first aid training, read on. We will cover everything you need to know about this qualification and how to choose a provider to complete your training with.

Jump to the first aid training providers to book your course

What is first aid?

First aid is the steps taken to immediately assist a person suffering from an illness or injury with the goal to preserve life, prevent worsening of the condition or to promote recovery.

First aid ranges from performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to applying bandages or plasters to a cut.

Who needs to do a first aid course?

Employers in Australia have an obligation to give their workers access to trained first aid officers and first aid equipment. Safe Work Australia recommends the following:

• One first aid officer for every 50 workers in low-risk workplaces (for example, an office)
• One first aid officer for every 25 workers in high-risk workplaces (for example, a construction site)
• One first aid officer for every 10 workers in remote high-risk workplaces (for example, a mine).

This means that the majority of businesses need first aid trained personnel. Even if you work as an administrator in an office, you might be asked (or volunteer!) to complete first aid training (unit of competency HLTAID011 - Provide first aid).

First aid is nationally recognised training and your qualification will be accepted anywhere in Australia.

How to complete a first aid course

In Australia, first aid courses are delivered by registered training organisations (RTOs). Here are a few things to consider when choosing an RTO to complete your training with:

• Price of the course
• Location
• Parking
• Reviews

Parking can quickly add up, especially around the CBD, as the course can take anywhere between 4 to 8 hours.

We have compiled a list of first aid course providers located in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast with the criteria listed above to help you choose a suitable organisation to complete your training with.

Brisbane First Aid training providers

Gold Coast First Aid training providers

First aid training - general information

Can I do the first aid course online?

No, first aid courses must be completed face to face (classroom-based training). The main reason for this is the practical aspects of the training: Learners are required to demonstrate the use of automated external defibrillators (AED), perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on mannequins etc.

Some first aid courses will have a self-paced online component (theory) followed by a classroom-based component (practical assessment).

How long does a first aid certificate last?

First aid certificates last for three (3) years in Australia, after which it will need to be renewed. There is however a CPR component as part of the first aid course that needs to be renewed every year (1) in order for your first aid certificate to stay valid. As a result, many training providers will offer CPR as a stand-alone course, typically taking just 1-2 hours.

How do I renew my first aid certificate?

Once your first aid certificate expires, you'll need to sit the course again in order to be issued with a new certificate. There is no way to simply renew the certificate as you would a drivers license for example.

What you must bring to complete the first aid course

Training providers are required to provide all the resources to complete the training. You must however bring identification and your unique student identifier (USI).

USIs can be created for free using the Government USI portal. They were introduced in 2016 and are mandatory for all Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses such as the first aid course, construction White Card course etc.

We recommend that you wear comfortable, casual clothing. The training provider will provide everything required to complete the training.

What are the responsibilities of a First Aid Officer?

First aid officers have responsibilities in addition to providing first aid. They are also responsible for the following:

• Know the location of medical resources in the local area such as defibrillators, epipens or emergency medical assistance if required
• Make sure that first aid kits are kept up-to-date and are operational. This includes maintaining a list of kit content and a list of trained first aid officers
• Assist the Workplace Health & Safety (WHS) Site Officer (where the WHS Site Officer is not also the First Aid Officer) to carry out quarterly site inspections and respond to WHS enquiries
• Assist with any incident investigations and unresolved issues connected with the use of first aid supplies, or action by the WHS Site Officer at the site
• Promote good WHS practice within the site

What should your first-aid kit have?

First-aid kits can be purchased off-the-shelf, however you might want to customise it further for your needs (eg. adding vinegar for treating strings at the beach or when boating).

Here is a list of what basic first-aid kits should contain and handy tips on how to customise your kit: What should you have in your first aid kit?

First aid course subjects

The course content is outlined by the unit of competency HLTAID011 - Provide first aid. When completing the Provide first aid unit of competency you will also be issued a Statement of Attainment for the following:

• HLTAID009 - Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
• HLTAID010 - Provide basic emergency life support (BELS)

Respond to an emergency situation

• Recognise an emergency situation
• Identify, assess and manage immediate hazards to health and safety of self and others
• Assess the casualty and recognise the need for first aid response
• Assess the situation and seek assistance from emergency response services

Apply appropriate first aid procedures

• Perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in accordance with Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines
• Provide first aid in accordance with established first aid principles
• Display respectful behaviour towards casualty
• Obtain consent from casualty where possible
• Use available resources and equipment to make the casualty as comfortable as possible
• Operate first aid equipment according to manufacturer’s instructions
• Monitor the casualty’s condition and respond in accordance with first aid principles

Communicate details of the incident

• Accurately convey incident details to emergency response services
• Report details of incident to workplace supervisor as appropriate
• Maintain confidentiality of records and information in line with statutory and/or organisational policies

Evaluate the incident and own performance

• Recognise the possible psychological impacts on self and other rescuers involved in critical incidents
• Participate in debriefing to address individual needs

Other first aid courses

If you are looking to gain additional skills around first aid training, here are a few options:

• HLTAID012 - Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting (also commonly referred to as Childcare First Aid)
• HLTAID012 - Provide first aid in remote situations
• HLTAID013 - Provide advanced first aid
• HLTAID014 - Provide advanced resuscitation
• HLTAID015 - Manage first aid services and resources