Are you a recently certified first aider? If so, it’s natural to wonder how long your qualification will last before you need to renew it.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about first aid certificates. We’ll explore how long they last and why you should refresh your training every once in a while. We’ll also reveal where you can find the best first aid courses to keep your knowledge fresh and skills sharp.
Do first aid certificates really ‘expire’?
So, the reason you clicked on this article. Does your first aid certificate actually expire?
In short, first aid certificates don’t have an official expiry date. This means they won’t become ‘invalid’ over time.
That said, workplaces must adhere to rigorous government standards for health and safety. Employers need to ensure their staff and clients are safe at all times. This means they must have licensed first aiders that can act fast to provide treatment in emergency situations.
With this in mind, most workplaces require their certified first aiders to complete refresher courses at set intervals. This ensures their knowledge stays up-to-date. It also means first aiders are prepared to act confidently without hesitation in the worst-case scenario.
To sum up, you aren’t required by law to refresh your first aid certificate, but your employer may still require you to do so.
How long should I wait before refreshing my first aid certificate?
The maximum amount of time you can wait before renewing your training will depend on your employer.
As a general guideline, the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) recommends renewing your first aid certificate every three years. If you’re a workplace first aider, your certificate will usually expire around this time.
Please note that you don’t need to wait until your employer requires it to take a first-aid refresher course. There are many other reasons you should consider updating your knowledge. Let’s explore some of the reasons you should consider consolidating your experience with a first-aid refresher course sooner rather than later.
What are the benefits of refreshing first aid training?
If you’ve recently completed your first aid training, it might be frustrating to learn that your certificate doesn’t last a lifetime. But there are good reasons for this.
In this section, we’ll explore some of the main reasons you should consider regularly updating your first aid training.
Knowledge fades over time
The biggest issue with first aid training is that, if all goes well, you’ll rarely need to use your expertise.
The less you put your training into practice, the more likely it is you’ll forget important details. And, when it comes time to perform life-saving first aid, details count.
Periodically updating your knowledge with a refresher course ensures your knowledge is always fresh in your mind. It keeps your skills sharp and makes it more likely you’ll remember minute details when the need arises. Refresher courses allow you to act without hesitation when it matters. They could even help you save a life.
Confidence is essential
Effective first aid is all about confidence. Time is often of the essence. You must be able to act quickly, even when you’re feeling pressure in an emergency situation.
The more you refresh your knowledge, the more innate your skills become, and the easier you’ll find it to remain calm in high-pressure situations. A refresher course will ensure you’re ready to put your skills to work whenever they’re required.
Best practices evolve
First aid protocols are constantly evolving. As we make new discoveries and find better ways to handle situations, first-aid best practices change, as do the way we approach first-aid courses.
Regular refresher courses ensure you always stay on the cusp of new developments. You’ll learn all of the recent advancements that allow you to provide a moder14nised standard of care. You’ll also discover new ways to make your work more efficient.
How long does a first aid refresher take to complete?
The length of time required to complete a first aid refresher course will largely depend on your chosen registered training organisation (RTO).
Under most circumstances, a refresher course should take about 7 hours to complete. Some courses, such as Sage’s HLTAID009 (Provide CPR), can be completed in as little as 2-3 hours.
In all cases, a refresher course should never take more than a day of learning.
What will I learn on a first aid refresher course?
A first-aid refresher course will cover everything you learned in your previous courses. As the knowledge is simply being recapped, your instructor may deliver the program in a more streamlined style.
However, if your workplace requires it, you may need to complete the original course you completed from start to finish.
Your first aid refresher course will inform you of any recent changes to first aid best practices. You may discover new methods to ensure you can provide a high standard of care. You’ll also learn of any changes to legislation that you should be aware of.
Where can I find a first aid certificate to complete?
Sage Education is a nationally recognised provider of accredited first aid courses in Australia. Since our launch in 1998, we’ve helped thousands of enrollees graduate from our courses with essential first-aid knowledge they can immediately use in the workplace.
Each of our first aid courses is divided into two sections. You’ll complete your initial studies at home. Then, you’ll come to one of our face-to-face seminars to put your knowledge into practice.
Once you’ve completed your training, you’ll have the qualifications to become a licensed first aider. Along the way, we’ll help you build confidence, make new connections, and expand your knowledge base to become a more well-rounded care practitioner.
Which first aid courses does Sage offer?
We currently offer three specialised first aid 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
Each of our courses offers something unique. Let’s explore all three programs in more detail.
HLTAID009 – Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
The HLTAID009 course will teach you everything you need to know to perform CPR in a first-aid emergency.
In our streamlined one-day class, you’ll learn how to assess medical situations, use a defibrillator and provide essential emergency life support until further help arrives.
The Australian resuscitation council (ARC) guidelines recommend that you revise your CPR knowledge with a refresher course every 12 months.
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
The HLTAID011 course is an all-in-one program designed to teach you all the fundamental first-aid knowledge you need to succeed in care-based roles. You’ll learn everything included in the HLTAID009 course and much, much more.
Our first aid course is jam-packed and fast-paced. Most of our enrolees complete the content in as little as 6-10 hours.
The ARC recommends refreshing your HLTAID011 course every three years. In addition, they suggest that you review the CPR module of the course every twelve months.
HLTAID012 – Provide an emergency first aid response in an education and care setting
Sage’s HLTAID012 program is specifically tailored to those working in the childcare sector. You’ll learn everything included in the HLTAID009 and HLTAID010 courses. You’ll also build an understanding of the specialist skills you need to handle emergencies in education and care settings.
Due to the specialist nature of the course, the HLTAID012 program usually takes around 8-12 hours to complete. The ARC recommends that you refresh this course every three years.
Enrol with Sage today
If you’re looking to enrol in a first aid course, choose Sage. We’re one of Australia’s leading providers of accredited, nationally recognised courses in the aged care, disability care and childcare sectors.
Since our launch in 1998, we’ve helped thousands of individuals graduate from our courses. Each leaves with the experiential skills and hands-on expertise they need to succeed in their chosen career.
When you enrol with us, you enrol with a team that cares about your education. Our courses will give you practical knowledge that you can immediately apply to real-world situations. Whether you’re looking to start your new career or simply need a refresher to touch up your expertise, we’ll make it our priority to give you the skills you need to succeed.
Want to learn more? Browse our range of accredited first-aid courses here. Or, if you’d like to learn more about Sage, get in touch today.
