In Australia, first aid and CPR training is regulated by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA). This ensures that students learn the latest medical procedures and your course certificates are recognised by employers right across Australia.
Each 12-24 months, the structure and content of these nationally recognised first aid courses is reviewed by ASQA, and the changes are incorporated by training providers, also known as RTOS (Registered Training Organisations).
This blog takes a quick look at the most recent changes to first aid and CPR training in Australia and answers the questions we get asked the most — how these changes impact your first aid skills, qualifications, and certificates. Let’s take a look.
The Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) reviewed and updated all the first aid and CPR courses at the end of 2020. RTOs including Vigil Training College began reviewing and rewriting their course content in early 2021, and by mid-2021 were already delivering the new materials and issuing updated statement of attainments.
PLEASE NOTE: first aid and CPR qualifications delivered by Vigil Training reflect the very latest (2021) course codes and requirements under the Australian Qualifications Framework. (AQF).
There were actually updates to about 10 different nationally recognised first aid and CPR courses including the two (2) certificates that are delivered here at Vigil Training College. These were:
When ASQA makes changes to a nationally recognised qualification the changes can occur in four (4) key areas:
In the latest review, no changes were made to what you actually learned, or to the course handbook you received. There were only changes to the course identifier codes and the way the trainer now assesses your skills. Here they are unpacked.
Changes to course codes
Changes to assessment methods
A few changes were made to the course assessment methods but the only real requirement that students may notice is the use of PPE during the assessment. Under the new guidelines, students must respond to a range of first aid and CPR scenarios that involve the use (and wearing) of personal protective equipment (PPE). PPE can include pocket masks, shields, gloves, gowns, and goggles.
Yes. Even though the course codes have been updated, your original statement of attainments will still be recognised for the full 12 months (CPR) and 36 months (first aid) from the date of your training.
Not until your course certificate expires.
To keep your First Aid skills up-to-date and ensure you learn CPR in line with the latest guideline from the Australian Resuscitation Council, you should complete your training as follows:
Still not sure if your NSW first aid or CPR certificate needs updating? Get in touch with the expert team here at Vigil Training College right away. We’ll be more than happy to ensure your skills and qualifications are up-to-date.
