The First Aid Responder (FAR) course is the pre-hospital emergency care training standard for occupational first aiders in Ireland. This comprehensive three-day programme replaces the previous Occupational First Aid (OFA) qualification and is designed to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide immediate care to those suffering from illness or injury in the workplace or community.

Developed by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), this nationally recognised standard ensures that First Aid Responders can assess, recognise, and manage life-threatening emergencies while awaiting the arrival of emergency medical services. The course combines theoretical knowledge with extensive practical hands-on training, preparing participants to respond effectively to a wide range of incidents.

Who Should Attend?

This course is suitable for anyone who may be required to act as a designated First Aid Responder in their workplace. It is particularly relevant for:

• Designated First Aid Responders – those appointed to take charge of first aid in the workplace

• Health and Safety Officers – those with specific safety responsibilities

• Managers and Supervisors – those responsible for employee welfare

• Community Groups – those involved in local events or activities

• Sports Clubs and Coaches – those responsible for athlete welfare

• Teachers and Childcare Professionals – those working with children

• General Public – anyone who wants comprehensive first aid skills

Prerequisites: While no formal qualifications are required, participants should have a basic understanding of reading and writing in English, as the course includes a written assessment. Participants must also be physically able to perform CPR on the floor.

Course Content

Our First Aid Responder training covers all essential skills and knowledge areas aligned with PHECC standards:

Module 1: Patient Assessment

• Scene safety assessment and management

• Infection prevention and control procedures

• Primary survey – assessing airway, breathing, and circulation

• Secondary survey – head-to-toe examination

• Vital signs measurement – pulse, breathing rate, and level of response

• Taking a patient history

• Accurate record keeping and handover procedures

Module 2: Cardiac First Response Advanced

• The Chain of Survival

• Recognition of cardiac arrest

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

• Safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

• Advanced airway management – oropharyngeal airways (OPA)

• Use of pocket masks and bag-valve-mask (BVM) devices

• Choking management for adults, children, and infants

Module 3: Common Medical Emergencies

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

• Recognition and treatment of stroke (FAST assessment)

• Asthma and difficulty breathing

• Diabetes and hypoglycaemia management

• Seizures and epilepsy

• Fainting and altered levels of consciousness

Module 4: Injury Management and Shock

• Bleeding and wound management

• Internal bleeding recognition

• Management of shock

• Burn and scald injuries

• Head and spinal injuries

• Fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries

• Crush injuries

Module 5: Care for the Unconscious Patient

• Recovery position technique

• Ongoing monitoring of unconscious patients

• Protecting the airway

Module 6: Wellbeing and Incident Management

• Critical Incident Stress Management

• First Responder wellbeing and self-care

• Handover to emergency medical services

• Documentation and reporting procedures

Learning Outcomes

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

• Assess and manage a scene of an incident safely and effectively

• Conduct a systematic patient assessment to identify life-threatening conditions

• Perform high-quality CPR and use an AED on adults, children, and infants

• Administer aspirin for suspected heart attack

• Manage choking incidents effectively across all age groups

• Recognise and provide appropriate care for common medical emergencies including stroke, asthma, diabetes, and seizures

• Control bleeding and manage wounds, burns, and fractures

• Place unconscious patients in the recovery position and monitor their condition

• Maintain accurate records and provide effective handover to emergency services

• Understand the psychological impact of emergency response and practice self-care

Assessment and Certification

Participants are assessed through:

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

• Practical assessment – observed demonstration of CPR, AED use, and patient assessment skills

• MCQ examination – multiple-choice knowledge test (minimum 60% pass mark required)

Successful candidates will receive a PHECC First Aid Responder certificate, valid for 2 years.

Re-certification: To maintain certification, participants must complete a two-day refresher course every two years. Certification lapses if not renewed within six months of expiry.