The Cardiac First Response Advanced (CFR-A) course is a one-day programme designed to provide students with the ability to recognise and treat immediately life-threatening conditions such as Heart Attack, Cardiac Arrest, Stroke or Choking using advanced techniques. This comprehensive course builds upon the skills learned at CFR Community level, equipping participants with enhanced competencies for managing critical emergencies until advanced medical personnel arrive.

Developed by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), this nationally recognised standard ensures that those who suffer cardiac arrest receive the best possible chance of survival through advanced intervention. The course combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical hands-on training, preparing participants to respond effectively in high-pressure situations.

Who Should Attend?

Entry to the Cardiac First Response Advanced level is aimed at persons who may be working in the emergency medical services, fire and rescue services or a healthcare professional working in healthcare facilities or in the community. This course is suitable for:

• Emergency Medical Services Personnel – those working in ambulance services or pre-hospital care

• Fire and Rescue Services – firefighters and rescue personnel who may be first responders

• Healthcare Professionals – nurses, doctors, and allied health professionals working in hospitals or community settings

• Security Personnel – those working in high-risk environments

• Gardaí – police officers who may encounter medical emergencies

• Sports and Athletic Trainers – those responsible for athlete welfare

• Those progressing to higher qualifications – CFR Advanced level is the pre or co-requisite for entry to PHECC’s Emergency First Response, EMT and paramedic courses

Prerequisites: While no formal qualifications are required, participants should have a basic understanding of first aid principles. The course is designed for those with a professional need for advanced cardiac response skills.

Course Content

In addition to the competencies taught at CFR Community level, the Advanced level course teaches advanced airway management and enhanced assessment skills. Our CFR-A training covers:

Advanced Airway Management

• Airway suctioning techniques

• Use of an oropharyngeal airway (OPA)

• Supraglottic airway (SGA) uncuffed devices

• Bag valve mask (BVM) ventilation techniques

• Oxygen administration procedures

Enhanced Cardiac Life Support

• Pulse checks and circulation assessment

• Advanced CPR techniques and modifications

• Roles in team resuscitation and leadership

• Team-based response and decision-making

Emergency Recognition and Management

• Recognition and treatment of heart attack (includes aspirin administration where applicable)

• Recognition and treatment of stroke using FAST assessment

• Management of choking in adults, children, and infants

• Care for opioid overdose emergencies

Core Life Support Skills

• The Chain of Survival and its application in emergency care

• Recognising the signs of a life-threatening emergency

• High-quality CPR for adults, children, and infants

• Safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

• Recovery position and ongoing care

• Critical Incident Stress Management

• Infection prevention and control

• Handover and documentation procedures

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Recognise the signs of a life-threatening emergency and take appropriate immediate action

• Respond in an effective, safe and appropriate manner to a life-threatening emergency, utilising advanced life support skills including airway management and oxygen administration

• Retrieve and appropriately use an automated external defibrillator during a cardiac arrest

• Demonstrate correct use of advanced airway devices including oropharyngeal and supraglottic airways

• Perform bag valve mask ventilation effectively

• Work confidently as part of a team during multi-rescuer resuscitation efforts

• Report and record their actions and interventions appropriately and handover to emergency medical services

Assessment and Certification

Participants are assessed through:

• Continuous observation – practical skills are assessed throughout the course by the trainer

• Theory assessment – multiple-choice knowledge test (minimum 80% pass mark required)

Successful candidates will receive a joint PHECC/recognised institution Cardiac First Response Advanced certificate. This certification is valid for 2 years.

PHECC Cardiac First Response courses are recognised by the Irish College of General Practitioners (ICGP) and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) for continuing professional development and continuing education units.

Course Duration and Delivery

• Duration: 1 day (full day)

• Delivery: Classroom-based with practical, hands-on skills sessions

• Class size: Small groups to ensure individual attention and adequate practice time

What’s Included

Each participant will receive the following items:

• Cardiac First Response Advanced handbook/manual

• Pocket face mask

• Key-ring face shield (where applicable)

• Request Emergency Dispatch (RED) Card

• PHECC certificate and wallet-sized certification card

Why Train with Safety Response Training?

• PHECC-approved training – meeting the highest national standards

• Expert instructors with real-world emergency response and healthcare experience

• Comprehensive training – covering advanced techniques beyond standard first aid

• Hands-on practical focus – extensive practice time with advanced airway devices and equipment

• Small class sizes for personalised instruction and feedback

• Nationwide coverage – we can deliver training at your premises for group bookings

• Recognised certification – valid for 2 years and accepted across Ireland for professional development