Frequently Asked Questions
- Is First Aid Courses Sydney’s first aid course nationally recognised and accredited?
Yes. First Aid Courses Sydney is operated by Sharon McCulloch, trading as FirstAidPro, a Nationally Recognised Registered Training Organisation (RTO No. 40407) that provides nationally accredited first aid training that meets the ASQA guidelines for Training and Assessment in Australia. The course content is based on guidelines from the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC), and our courses are equivalent to and are usually exceed comparable courses. Upon successful completion, you are awarded a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment certification which shows the course name and national codes for the unit/s completed.
- Is Prior Learning from other first aid training providers, regardless of state or territory it was completed in also recognised by FirstAidPro?
Yes. FirstAidPro as an RTO is required to offer students the opportunity to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) toward units of competence or qualification for courses enrolled in. While an application for RPL may be made anytime, you are encouraged to do so before the start of the training program when you enrol. For more details on Recognition Guidelines and the process of applying for RPL, please read Booking Terms & Conditions.
- Are there age restrictions when taking first aid courses?
Whilst there are some restrictions, we believe everyone should have the skills to save a life. At FirstAidPro, children are accepted from as young as 14 years old if without a guardian present. Students under the age of 18 must submit a signed parental consent form at least 48 hours before commencing their course.
Adults of any age may enrol as long as they can physically meet the course practical task requirement to perform CPR for 2 minutes in a kneeling position on the floor.
- How will the new Approved Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace effective 10th December 2010 affect my responsibility as an employer?
The Act places responsibility on the employer and self-employed to ensure that any person, not only employees, is safe from injury and risks to health.
Therefore, the level of risk in your workplace and the type of work will determine the number of designated first aid staff members required to be on duty to provide first aid. Designated first aiders will be required to hold a current statement of attainment or will need to obtain a nationally recognized qualification under the new code of practice.
- Does my employer need to train us in first aid?
The Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986 sets out the essential aspects of First Aid that employers have to address. Employers have a legal duty to make arrangements to ensure their employees receive immediate attention.
- What if my employer says I need Apply First Aid HLTFA311A, HLTFA301B, HLTFA301C, LEVEL 2 Or Senior First Aid. Is ‘Provide First Aid’ the correct course for me?
Yes. Previously, the standard workplace approved first aid course was called Apply First Aid or senior first aid. These courses have now been superseded, and the national standard is HLTAID011 Provide First Aid. Attendance at this course also includes CPR, code HLTAID009 and Basic Emergency Life Support (BELS), which has the national code HLTAID010.
- What if I work in Child Care or as a Teacher, will HLTAID003 or HLTAID004 be accepted by ACECQA and DECD?
Yes. These courses are suitable for anyone working in schools, long daycare, family daycare, and preschool and outside of school hours (OOSH) care services. We are a registered training organization RTO: 40407 and are accredited to deliver this course which is accepted by ACECQA and DECD
- Is the new Apply First Aid the same as completing Senior First Aid?
Yes. In March 2008 the new National Health Training Package HLT07 was released and Apply First Aid now replaces Senior First Aid. Each participant is awarded a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment upon successful completion. This accreditation is current for three years, at which time it must be renewed. The CPR module of the course is current for 12 months and is required to be updated annually.
- Is there also a first aid course for asthma-related cases?
Yes. First aid for asthma is fully covered by completing Child Care First Aid or HLTAID012 course.
- Are your CPR courses and Provide First Aid courses the same as Red Cross and St. John’s?
Yes. We deliver the government-approved nationally accredited courses in our public setting, or we come and deliver to the workplace. We are a registered training organization RTO: 40407 with ASQA, and our courses comply with the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines relating to the provision of first aid. FirstAidPro is 100% South Australian owned and operated and provides quality training. All our trainers are qualified professionals supported by our compliance team, who ensure the course content is always up to date.
Getting Your First Aid Training Certificates
- When do I receive my first aid certificate?
After successfully completing the course, you will usually receive your Nationally Recognised Training first aid certificate the same day as your first aid course is completed. In some circumstances, this may be the next business day if a weekend course is attended. The certificate comes as a PDF emailed to you, provided your payment for your first aid course, and your USI details have been verified and paid prior to course commencement. Should you require a full-colour paper copy of your certificate posted to you, you can contact our office, and for a fee, it will be posted via Australia Post. Read more Certificate Terms & Conditions.
- What is a USI and how do I get one?
Your Unique Student Identifier (USI) will contain all your nationally recognised training records and results from January 1 2015. Think of it like your tax file number or CRN. This is a unique number you are allocated for life and is used to track your training and helps you find evidence of all training you completed since January 1 2015. You need to have a USI to be able to enrol in an accredited training course in Australia, including FirstAidPro courses. Ensuring you provide your USI information upon enrolment either over the phone or online will also ensure you receive your certificate on time.
Applying for your own USI number is relatively easy to complete and should only take a few minutes via the Australian Government website. Be aware this process is external to FirstAidPro and is a government-mandated requirement for anyone in Australia attending accredited training. This is not something FirstAidPro staff can complete. You can apply for your Unique Student Identifier here. You can download step by step instructions on gaining your USI number by clicking HERE or accessing video training HERE.
- How do I get a Wallet Card certificate and reprint for lost or damaged certificates?
Wallet cards are recognised on many worksites and are a convenient way to carry your certification at all times should you be asked to produce it. Wallet Cards can be purchased on the day of the class, and the cost is $5 per card. If you decide you require a Printed Certificate, these are also available for an extra $12, including postage. We ship our certificates/wallet cards through Australia Post, and this can take up to two weeks due to a number of factors out of our control. These can be purchased in the class, or you can phone 08 8382 4677 or email to arrange this.
- How long is my first aid certificate valid?
If you have completed a first aid course in the last few years with FirstAidPro, or another provider, there is a chance it may have now expired. See the course list below to see how long each certification lasts.
HLTAID011 Provide First Aid
Your Provide First Aid certificate (previously known as Apply First Aid or Senior First Aid) is valid for three (3) years.
Comprehensive First Aid – includes Provide First Aid & CPR.
Your Provide First Aid certificate is valid for three (3) years. However, the CPR component needs to be updated annually for you to keep your certification current.
HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Your Provide CPR certificate is valid for one (1) year as per Australian Resuscitation Council Guidelines.
HLTAID010 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support (BELS)
Your BELS certificate is valid for three (3) years.
HLTWHS005 Manual Handling
Your Manual Handling courses include CPR and BELS. An annual refresher course is required for healthcare workers.
Student Placement Packages
Student packages consist of CPR, BELS, and Manual Handling courses. An annual refresher course is required for healthcare workers.
HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid Course
Provide an Emergency First Aid Response in an Education and Care Setting needs to be renewed every three (3) years. Provide CPR should be renewed annually.
If in doubt, check your certificate.
Look for the certificate expiry date, which is required to be printed on your certificate.
If you have completed a course with FirstAidPro, we can verify your expiry date, and if it is still current, re-issue your certificate for you for a fee of $12, including postage. For more information, call us on 08 8382 4677 during normal office hours, or courses@firstaidpro.com.au.
When, Where & How First Aid Training is Conducted
- When do classes run?
First aid classes run in Sydney regularly on weekdays and weekends. We also deliver courses regularly on weekdays and weekends in Sydney. We can also provide Workplace training at your site or venue 7 days a week, subject to trainer availability and minimum number requirements of participants being met.
- Where are the trainings conducted and is there available parking?
Our central CBD training rooms in Sydney are located at Castlereagh Boutique Hotel, The Club Room, Level 1, 169 Castlereagh St, Sydney NSW 2000. All our training venues are in convenient suburban locations to provide easy access via public transport or private transport. Some of our sites have free onsite parking available, please check with our specific Sydney training locations for specific site information on access, public transport information and parking arrangements prior to securing your course booking.
- Is there any studying or online assessment required prior to attending my first aid course?
To ensure the integrity of our assessment process, there is no online assessment or prior theory workbook or testing required. All our training courses are competency-based, which means there will be a requirement to complete written and progressive assessments that will take place throughout the practical course session.
To provide a flexible course delivery option to suit busy people, we provide a theory-based reading booklet or Learner Guide. The participants must study this prior to the practical session in their own time. We anticipate the pre-learning required may take 4- 8 hours depending on a participant’s level of prior knowledge and experience. Studying the Learner Guide will also be required to assist with gaining the underpinning skills and knowledge for the written and progressive assessments provided during the practical session
- Can I have the first aid course conducted at my workplace?
Yes. On-site first aid training can be delivered to your office and tailored specifically to your workplace requirements. A First Aid Program can reflect the known and anticipated risks of the specific work site as it includes general instructions, workplace hazards, specific knowledge and skills, and injuries related to your work environment. If required, we are happy to contextualise our training materials to suit your workplace requirements.
- What are the necessary room requirements if first aid training is done at my choice venue?
There must be a generously-spaced room to accommodate a group and to provide an area for simulated scenarios that require, for instance, lying and kneeling on the floor. Ideally, we only require a level carpeted floor/ or mats, whiteboard, and suitable comfortable chairs. Heating/cooling, toilet, and kitchen amenities are desirable. We do have a minimum participant number requirement for some of our workplace site training. Please call us to discuss further on 08 8382 4677
- What are the things to bring and clothes to wear for my first aid training course?
On the training day, please bring a copy of your fully paid enrolment invoice, photo identification (Drivers Licence), USI number if you haven’t already provided it to us, a black pen. Also, a notebook is helpful for note-taking. Casual and comfortable clothes are also recommended as our practical training activities require lying, bending, and kneeling positions. Please ensure you wear covered footwear to training and keep all personal possessions secure at all times as we cannot be responsible for your personal property.
How To Book & Pay
- How do I enrol in first aid courses?
You may directly book online for any available courses from the First Aid Courses Sydney Training Calendar, which lists the specific course titles with the corresponding date schedule, time, location, and training price. For step-by-step instructions, please read our How to Make A First Aid Course Booking. If you prefer, you can call our office to book 08 8382 4677 during normal business hours.
- May I still undertake first aid training course when I possess special needs?
Yes. FirstAidPro is a learner-centred first aid training provider. To assist and support you on your special needs, you may email us your individual concerns when making your course booking at courses@firstaidpro.com.au or Contact and Send Us A Message.
- When and how do I make my payment?
Fees must be paid immediately upon enrolment, either online or over the phone. Our trainers at courses do not have the facility to accept payments. All payments may be made through credit card and are secured by EWAY when transacted online. Any rejected or not received payment will mean a delay in receiving your certificate as per our guidelines. For more questions and other concerns on bookings and payment options, you may contact the First Aid Courses Sydney administration office on 08 8382 4677.
- How do I go about making booking for group training or course for our employees?
Whether on-site or off-site, FirstAidPro can provide group training tailored to your workplace and industry requirements. Usually, 1 trainer is assigned for groups with a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 25 participants. For more on corporate or business group training with applied discounts, you may request a quote or more information from our Corporate Enquiries. For Workplace bookings by prior arrangement, we can provide your business with a 14-day trading account. Tax invoice or pre-payment is available either by bank deposit or online/phone credit card payment.
