First aid training courses are available from registered training organisations (RTOs) and accreditation schools. The number of training hours required for each course varies.
There are courses available for health professions, including GP’s and Nurses, as well as for safety personnel, non-emergency professionals, and the general public. Some courses also lead to credit at specific colleges and universities. While on-site training in a classroom setting is the most common, online learning may be an option for some training courses.
Anyone can complete a first aid training course. With the growing incidence of cardiac arrests, along with other medical health emergencies –first aid is the best way to avoid unnecessary deaths and long-term complications.
The National First Aid Advisory Board defines first aid as making an assessment and implementing interventions in a medical emergency. These can be performed by a bystander or the victim with minimal or no medical equipment. However, first aid assessment and intervention require certain levels of both knowledge and training.
First aid training is necessary as it provides you with knowledge and skills to give basic life support and other emergency care. It also helps in developing awareness that promotes safety and precaution.
Every year, injuries from violence or accidents claim more than 5.8 million lives, accounting for 10% of global fatalities. Necessary intervention at early stages after an injury or any sudden emergency avoids “death by delay.” This is pending upon the arrival of the emergency medical services.
With that said, everyone needs to learn lifesaving skills to be capable of dealing with any emergency. The bystander or the person giving first aid care needs to be in control of the situation. Their first aider differentiates between life and death for the victim.
Despite the proven importance of first aid, Australia still has one of the lowest rates of first aid training globally. Less than 5 per cent of the Australian population are trained on how to handle an emergency. This is according to the recent statement from the Australian Red Cross.
A first aid training course prepares you to deal with a range of medical emergencies, from common injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and burns to major injuries such as trauma to the head and cardiac arrest.
Emergency responders can enrol in a course that teaches them to deal with traumatic injuries, use CPR and manage airways. Coaches and trainers can undergo a course to prevent and handle sports injuries. GPs and Nurses can also take for their continuing professional development (CPD) requirement. Employees can enrol to know how to respond to emergencies that occur in remote locations and the wilderness.
Upon completion of most training programs, participants will earn first aid certification valid for 3 years (36 months). Participants must comply with the recertification requirements of the RTO of their choice. Renewal often involves retaking shorter courses for component updates annually. While recertification requires you to take another course in years to ensure a high level of competence in delivering first aid.
The topics covered in a first course include:
- Management of conscious or unconscious patient
- Adult, Child, and Infant CPR
- The DRSABCD action plan
- The use of a defibrillator (AED)
- Emergency response strategies
- Preventive care
- Assessment of the Scene
- Checking of airways
- Monitor the victim’s condition
- Follow relevant procedures for recording first aid
- Detail the casualty’s condition & the techniques applied
- Calling Emergency Services (000)
List of First Aid Courses
First Aid for the General Public
Provide first aid or HLTAID011 (formerly HLTAID003) is a course for the general public. Meaning, anyone who wants to gain certification and learn the very basics of first aid can enrol. This course will teach a wide range of skills in assessing and treating a variety of injuries, illnesses, and medical issues. It explores how to treat everyday injuries such as scrapes, burns and cuts, and even the major ones. This course covers the management of heart attack and first aid for cardiac arrest.
It also discusses methods used in the first vital moments after a medical emergency. The skills you will have in this course will help you keep the victim in optimal condition until more advanced medical professionals can take charge.
You will gain practical experience in:
- Emergency assessment
- Manikin CPR
- Use of AED
- Airway management
- How to handle trauma
- and other emergency medical conditions.
Provide First Aid online is available for those who want to take their theory learning online and complete practical assessment on site.
First Aid for Childcare Workers
HLTAID012 (formerly HLTAID004) is Provide First Aid in an education and care setting. This Child Care First Aid course is suitable for people in the education and childcare industry. These include educators, support staff, long daycare, family daycare, and outside of school hours (OOSH) workers. Basically, anyone who is required to respond to First Aid and CPR emergencies involving children.
First Aid for Construction Workers
White Card Training or prepare to work safely in the construction industry, is a mandatory requirement for construction workers in Australia. CPCCWHS1001 is a general introduction to construction hazards and risk control measures. It focuses on specialised training regarding workplace health and safety in the construction industry.
This course is ideal for people working in construction, mining, renovation, or any labour work.
First Aid for Healthcare Workers
Manual Handling course or HLTWHS005 tackles the nature and type of injuries that occur from performing manual handling. It covers the key aspects of the risk assessment approach to manual handling tasks. This course features a strong practical component and focuses on safe manual handling practices for transferring patients using slide sheets and hoists.
First Aid for Remote Workers
Provide first aid in remote situations (HLTAID005) caters to workers that spend most of their time in remote environments and locations. This course includes first responder techniques in the wilderness to treat problems like hypothermia, anaphylactic shock, and altitude-related illnesses. Learn how to manage burns and wound infection techniques. First aid for spinal injuries is included as it is one of the most common injuries when working in a remote location.
