If your workplace already has a first aid officer or registered nurse, you may wonder whether first aid training is necessary.
In short, the law doesn’t always require you to take first aid training, but there’s never a bad time to learn. Enrolling in a first aid course is a great way to deliver a better standard of service to your clients and colleagues. It also makes you more employable in care-based roles.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about first aid training. You’ll learn why your employers may expect you to take a first aid course, the benefits of gaining certification and what you should expect to learn on a first aid course. We’ll also explore the different accredited first aid courses on offer and how you can improve your career prospects by partnering with Sage Education.
Do support workers need first aid training?
In short, whether you’ll require first aid training in the workplace depends on your employer’s requirements.
Employers have a duty of care to their staff. The Work Health and Safety Act (WHS Act) dictates that all employers must have protocols in place to handle workplace emergencies. This means they must provide all workers access to first aid equipment and facilities. It also means they require several trained individuals capable of administering first aid when needed.
It is beyond reasonable expectation for a single first aider to always be available during an emergency. Therefore, most employers need multiple fully-trained first aiders. This ensures there’s always someone on hand when an accident happens.
With this in mind, your employer may still need you to undertake training even if it isn’t a requirement by law. Many employers for support work positions will either require or prefer that you have some level of first-aid training. Understanding first aid makes you a more attractive candidate when applying for new roles. It also comes with several other benefits. Let’s explore some reasons you should consider becoming a first aider today.
What are the benefits of becoming a first aider?
Employability isn’t the only benefit of becoming a first aider. There are dozens of other reasons to gain your licence. Let’s explore a few core benefits of enrolling in a first aid certificate with Sage Education.
Improved emergency response times
Understanding first aid allows you to respond to emergencies quickly and confidently. You’ll have the skills to provide essential care until professional help arrives. First aid can be critical in saving lives and preventing serious injuries.
Confidence and morale
Support work is all about providing holistic assistance to those that need it. When you learn first aid, you learn how to provide effective support in various situations. Knowing you’re prepared to handle every eventuality improves your morale, builds your confidence, and increases your job satisfaction.
Improved client support
Knowing how to perform first aid makes you a better, more well-rounded care worker. You’ll have the expertise to deal with cuts and scrapes, assist with infection control, and provide basic emergency life support to vulnerable people. This builds trust with your clients and reassures them that you’ll be able to support them effectively whenever they require it.
Community and personal benefits
An accredited first aid course is more than just a workplace qualification. You can apply your skills in everyday life and make a positive difference in your community. Whether it’s a family member, friend, or stranger needing support, knowing first aid lets you respond to emergencies immediately, whenever required.
How do I become a licensed first aider?
To gain your licence to give first aid in the workplace, you must have a nationally recognised first aid qualification.
Nationally accredited training shows employers that your first aid training is of a high standard. This means employers trust your expertise and are more likely to employ you for a role that requires first aid knowledge.
The first step to finding an accredited first aid course is choosing the right registered training organisation (RTO). Sage Education is an industry-leading RTO based in Australia. We specialise in providing support workers with the skills they need to succeed in care-based roles.
As part of our diverse course selection, we offer three nationally recognised first aid courses. Let’s explore each in more detail, discuss what you’ll learn, and reveal why you should enrol today with Sage.
What will I learn on a first aid course with Sage?
Sage currently offers three First Aid training courses. These are:
- HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
- HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
- HLTAID012 – Provide an Emergency First Aid Response in an Education and Care Setting
Let’s explore each of the courses in more detail.
HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
This course will teach you everything you need to know about CPR. You’ll learn to handle emergencies, use a defibrillator, and provide life-saving resuscitation until help arrives.
Our HLTAID009 training program usually only takes 3-5 hours to complete. This means you can typically start and finish the course in under a day.
In addition, we deliver our CPR course in a blended learning setting. You’ll have the opportunity to complete the first part of your course online. Following this, you’ll attend an in-person class. Our hands-on seminar will give you the opportunity to apply your skills and build your confidence in a real-world setting.
Sage’s CPR course is open to anyone over the age of 14, regardless of their prior experience. If you’d like to learn about the program, click here to find out more.
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
Consider the HLTAID011 course your fundamental introduction to first aid. This training program encompasses all of the course content covered in our HLTAID009 course. It also teaches several other critical skills.
You’ll learn how to respond to anaphylaxis, treat asthma and deal with allergic reactions. You’ll also build an understanding of the various types of workplace first aid equipment and how to use them.
Much like our HLTAID009 program, we deliver our HLTAID011 Provide First Aid course in a blended learning setting. You can expect to complete your training in 6-12 hours, depending on the speed at which you work through assessments.
If you’re looking for an all-in-one program to give you an extensive understanding of first aid, this is the course for you. Click here to find out more.
HLTAID012 – Provide an Emergency First Aid Response in an Education and Care Setting
The HLTAID012 course is a unique training program tailored to those working in the childcare sector. If you’re interested in starting a career in childcare or want to open new opportunities for promotion, this is the course for you.
During the program, you’ll learn everything included in HLTAID011 (First Aid) and HLTAID009 (CPR) courses. In addition, you’ll build an understanding of how to ensure children’s safety, recognise the need for first aid responses, and communicate details of incidents to families.
We deliver our HLTAID012 course in a blended learning setting. Due to the advanced nature of the program, it typically takes at least 10 hours to complete. Click here to learn more about this course.
Why should I enrol with Sage Education?
Sage Education is one of Australia’s leading providers of accredited childcare, aged care, disability care and first aid courses. We’ve helped over 4000 graduates complete our courses since our launch in 1998, and help new enrolees build lifelong skills each and every day.
Our courses are nationally recognised. This means every first aid course you complete with us is an accredited qualification you can use on your CV.
Sage is committed to your employment. That’s why we also offer job support to all our students once they finish their training. Whether it’s putting you in touch with employers, helping you land an interview, or advising you on securing a promotion, Sage is on hand to help you progress your career with confidence.
Want to learn more about our accredited First Aid courses? Click here. If you’re not sure where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out. A team member will be on hand to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have.
