First aid is a life skill that can empower your life both at home and at work. But how often should you do the course? Is it really necessary to do first aid training every year? This blog provides detailed answers to all your questions in an easy-to-navigate Q&A format. Ready to get started?
First aid, like all skills and knowledge, needs to be practiced and reviewed. Even if you are a first aider on a massive worksite, it’s unlikely you’ll be performing CPR, treating burns, or applying compression bandages often enough to retain full competency.
According to the NSW Government Code of Practice for First Aid in the Workplace 2020, workplace first aiders should undertake first aid training as follows:
This ensures you retain your first aid competency, and your skills fall in-line with the latest guidelines from the Australian Resuscitation Council and other medical authorities.
Yes. If you need your first aid and CPR certificates for work your employer will expect it to be renewed at least every 3 years. Here’s how it works.
First aid and CPR certificates are currently based on the nationally recognised units:
Every 12-24 months the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) which oversees nationally recognised training in Australia will review these units, make changes that reflect the latest medical practices, and issue new unit codes.
The units (listed above) that are current in 2022 will eventually be superseded by new courses.
When you complete your training you will receive a nationally recognised Statement of Attainment (SOA) that will display the course code, date you did your training, and the expiry date.
First Aid Certificates aren’t like licences and competency cards, so they aren’t actually renewed. You basically do the training and receive a Statement of Attainment (SOA). Your SOA acts as your First Aid Certificate.
Once three years has passed (or 12 months for CPR) you should do the training course again. Your employer will need a copy of your new SOA for their WHS and training records.
There aren’t really any refresher courses for the full first aid certificate. To reinforce your skills and knowledge — as well as learn the latest first aid technologies and techniques — you need to do the full course each time.
Twelve (12) month Refresher courses are available for CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation). Be sure to check the expiry date on your Statement of Attainment (SOA) to ensure your skills are up-to-date.
It’s always best practice to do your CPR and First Aid Certificate before the end of 12 months (CPR) or 3 years (First Aid), but don’t panic if it’s been longer than that. There are loads of training opportunities out there. Your employer will usually alert you well before the due date.
Check your older emails before freaking out, but even if you have lost your training documents they can be easily replaced. You’ll need to contact the Registered Training Organisation (RTO) where you completed the course and request a replacement SOA. Most RTOs charge a fee for replacement documents.
Vigil Training College is here to help. We run first aid and CPR courses every week at our sophisticated training rooms in Parramatta, NSW. Our qualified trainers will help you develop the critical first aid skills you need to work as a first aider in a wide range of industries and community organisations. Call us today for more information.
