Table of Contents
What You Will Learn
- • CPR Techniques: Learn the essential CPR techniques for adults, children, and infants, including chest compressions and rescue breaths.
- • First Aid for Choking: Understand how to assist someone who is choking, including proper back blows and abdominal thrusts.
- • Emergency Response: Gain knowledge on how to handle different emergency situations effectively, from severe bleeding to burns.
- • Legal and Ethical Considerations: Learn about the legal responsibilities and ethical concerns when providing first aid and CPR.
- • Using AEDs: Understand the proper use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to save lives during cardiac emergencies.
- • Responding to Medical Emergencies: Learn how to handle medical emergencies such as heart attacks, strokes, and seizures.
Did You Know?
Only 1 in 20 Australians survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
That’s just a five percent survival rate.
And it’s not because help isn’t available — it’s because too often, people nearby don’t know what to do in those critical first few minutes.
According to the Heart Foundation, more than 24,000 Australians die each year from sudden cardiac arrest.
Many of those deaths happen in everyday places — homes, parks, schools, and worksites.
The difference between life and death often comes down to whether a bystander can step in and perform CPR or use a defibrillator.
“Those crucial minutes before an ambulance arrives are when CPR and an AED need to be used to dramatically increase a person’s chance of survival.”
— Greg Page, CEO of Heart of the Nation (and the original Yellow Wiggle!)
That’s exactly why first aid training matters. It gives you the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to stay calm, take control, and potentially save a life.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what you’ll actually learn in a first aid course.
We’ll cover the three most popular and widely-recognised options:
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
HLTAID009 – Provide CPR
HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting (Childcare First Aid)
We’ll also explain how these skills apply in real-life situations, what makes each course different, and how to choose the right one for you or your workplace.
Provide First Aid Course
Units of Competency:
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HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
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HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
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HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support (BELS)
This nationally recognised First Aid course gives you the skills and knowledge to respond to the most common emergencies — whether it’s at work, at home, or out in the community.
It’s the most popular, full-coverage first aid qualification required by many Australian industries.
What You’ll Learn:
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Assess emergency situations using the DRSABCD action plan
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Manage hazards to keep yourself and others safe
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Provide first aid for:
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Bleeding (minor cuts to serious wounds)
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Fractures, sprains, and dislocations
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Burns (thermal, chemical, electrical)
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Choking incidents across all age groups
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Medical emergencies like asthma attacks, seizures, diabetic collapses
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Anaphylaxis and severe allergic reactions
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Heatstroke, hypothermia, bites and stings
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Head, spinal, and eye injuries
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Perform CPR on adults, children, and infants
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Use an AED quickly and correctly in a cardiac emergency
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Apply safe manual handling to prevent further harm
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Document incidents accurately for workplace reporting and legal compliance
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Maintain and use a first aid kit properly in line with Australian Standards
Ideal for:
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Workplaces:
Required under Australian Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws — especially in industries like construction, hospitality, childcare, fitness, and retail. Employers often need staff with up-to-date first aid certification to meet legal obligations. -
Parents and Carers:
Knowing how to respond fast to accidents at home (falls, burns, choking) can make a critical difference before professional help arrives. -
Community Volunteers and Sports Coaches:
Essential for anyone working in community groups, clubs, or sports teams where emergencies like fractures, sprains, or heat exhaustion are common. -
Everyday Australians:
A vital life skill for anyone — first aid knowledge could save a friend, family member, or stranger in a real-world emergency.
CPR Course (Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Units of Competency:
-
HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
This nationally recognised CPR course focuses specifically on how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies. It meets Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines and is often required for annual workplace compliance.
It’s a short but critical training that refreshes and sharpens your life-saving skills.
What You’ll Learn:
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Recognise the signs of cardiac arrest and breathing emergencies
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Follow the DRSABCD action plan for a structured response
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Perform effective CPR on adults, children, and infants
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Use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) safely and quickly
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Handle situations involving unconscious but breathing patients
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Understand legal considerations, consent, and duty of care when performing CPR
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Accurately report incidents for workplace or legal documentation
Ideal for:
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Workplaces:
Many Australian workplaces require staff to complete CPR training every 12 months to stay compliant with WHS regulations — especially in health, fitness, childcare, construction, and aged care sectors. -
Health and Fitness Professionals:
Gym staff, personal trainers, and coaches often need current CPR certification for employment and insurance purposes. -
Aged Care and Support Workers:
CPR knowledge is critical when working with elderly or vulnerable people who may experience breathing or cardiac emergencies. -
Schools and Childcare Centres:
Staff need to maintain CPR currency to meet government and licensing requirements for working with children. -
General Public:
Anyone who wants a fast, practical course to confidently perform CPR and use a defibrillator — you don’t need prior experience.
Childcare First Aid Course (Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting)
Units of Competency:
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HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting
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HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid
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HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
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HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Often referred to as the Childcare First Aid Course, this is the most in-depth option for anyone working with children or infants. It covers all the requirements of HLTAID011 (full first aid) and includes additional training specific to early childhood environments.
It’s nationally recognised and approved for educators and carers under the Education and Care Services National Law and Regulations.
What You’ll Learn:
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Respond to emergencies involving children and infants
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Recognise signs of illness, injury, or distress in children
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Manage asthma and anaphylaxis, including the use of auto-injectors (e.g. EpiPens)
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Apply child-specific CPR and choking procedures
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Provide first aid for common childhood incidents, like fevers, seizures, allergic reactions, bumps, and bruises
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Use a first aid kit appropriately in a care setting
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Understand legal responsibilities, including reporting, duty of care, and parental notification
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Practice real-world childcare scenarios in a safe, hands-on environment
Ideal for:
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Childcare Workers and Early Educators:
This course is mandatory for those working in early education services across Australia. It ensures staff can respond quickly and appropriately to emergencies involving children in their care. -
Teachers and School Staff:
Schools and education departments often require this certification as part of their duty of care responsibilities. -
OSHC and Vacation Care Programs:
Staff supervising outside school hours or holiday programs must be trained in child-focused first aid. -
Parents and Carers:
Offers peace of mind and practical skills for managing emergencies at home, including asthma attacks, fevers, and choking. -
Foster Carers and Nannies:
This qualification is strongly recommended (and sometimes required) by agencies and services for those in private or at-home care roles.
Real-World Scenarios: When First Aid Training Matters Most
In an emergency, you either know what to do — or you don’t.
There’s no time to hesitate or search Google for answers when someone’s life is on the line.
That’s why first aid training is so crucial.
It equips you with the confidence and skills to act quickly and effectively, whether you’re at home, at work, or out in public.
Let’s look at a few real-life situations (that occur more often than you think) where your First Aid training could make all the difference.
Scenario 1: A Toddler Choking at Home
Response: You notice a toddler suddenly stop breathing and clutch their throat. You calmly perform back blows and chest thrusts, clearing the airway.
Impact: The child starts breathing again. Your swift action prevents a potentially fatal situation, allowing them to recover safely.
Scenario 2: A Worker Collapsing at a Construction Site
Response: A colleague collapses from heatstroke. You assess their condition, move them to a shaded area, give them water, and cool them down with damp cloths while waiting for emergency services.
Impact: Your quick thinking prevents the situation from worsening. The worker is stabilised and transported to hospital without permanent damage.
Scenario 3: An Allergic Reaction at a Restaurant
Response: A diner suddenly develops swelling, hives, and difficulty breathing after eating a meal. You immediately recognise the signs of an allergic reaction, administer the EpiPen, and call for emergency help while reassuring the diner.
Impact: The symptoms subside, and paramedics arrive quickly to monitor the situation. The diner fully recovers, avoiding a severe allergic reaction that could have been fatal.
Scenario 4: A Car Accident on the Road
Response: You come across a car accident. A passenger is unconscious and not breathing. You start CPR while directing bystanders to call for help and secure the area.
Impact: Your fast response keeps the person alive until paramedics arrive. Later, they’re transferred to the hospital in stable condition.
Scenario 5: A Heart Attack at the Gym
Response: A gym member suddenly collapses, clutching their chest. You recognise the signs of a heart attack, start CPR immediately, and use the AED on-site.
Impact: The AED shocks their heart into rhythm, and your early intervention saves their life. The person later thanks you for your quick action in preventing a tragedy.
How to Choose the Right First Aid Course
Choosing the right first aid course depends on your specific needs.
Here’s a guide to help you decide:
| Scenario | Course | What You’ll Learn | Ideal For | Duration | Renewal Period | Cost (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Do you need this for work? | HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid | Comprehensive first aid for various situations (CPR, bleeding, etc.) | Workplaces, parents, carers, community volunteers | 1 day | 3 years | $90+ |
| Want general life skills? | HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid | CPR, basic first aid, bleeding, fractures, burns, shock, anaphylaxis | Anyone looking for well-rounded first aid skills | 1 day | 3 years | $90+ |
| Working with kids? | HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting | First aid for kids, asthma, anaphylaxis, child CPR | Childcare workers, teachers, parents, carers | 1 day | 3 years | $110+ |
| Already trained or need CPR skills? | HLTAID009 – Provide CPR | CPR, AED use, managing cardiac arrest | Workplaces, schools, fitness professionals | 4 hours | 12 months | $50+ |
Quick Tips:
For work? Double-check which unit is required by your employer.
Looking for general life skills? HLTAID011 is the go-to.
Working with children? HLTAID012 is likely essential for you.
Already trained? Consider a CPR refresher (HLTAID009), which is valid for 12 months.
First Aid Certification: Empower Yourself with Life-Saving Skills and New Opportunities
First aid training is more than just obtaining a qualification — it’s a powerful investment in your future.
It’s about confidence in critical moments and growth in both your personal and professional life.
In your personal life, these skills can make all the difference in an emergency, whether you’re helping a family member, a friend, or a stranger.
In the workplace, having first aid certification makes you an asset to your team, enhances your employability, and can even open doors to new job opportunities or career advancement.
Whether you’re looking to boost your career prospects, gain essential skills for your current role, or simply be more confident in everyday situations, first aid training offers benefits that go far beyond the certificate.
Get Your First Aid Certificate at a Training Location Near You!
Ready to gain the essential skills and knowledge to enhance your resume and advance your career?
Look no further than National First Aid Courses — Australia’s leading First Aid Course provider.
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO 41072), we guarantee you will receive the highest standard of training.
We offer official, accredited, nationally recognised First Aid training at affordable prices.
Our comprehensive First Aid Courses are designed to equip you with the knowledge and certifications needed to provide life-saving assistance in emergency situations.
With face-to-face instruction, same-day certificates, and convenient locations across New South Wales and Queensland (including Sydney, Brisbane and the Gold Coast) we make it easy for you to become a certified First Aider.
Enrol in one of our upcoming First Aid courses and secure your spot today!
Author Bio:
Jacqueline Lisa
Manager and Accredited First Aid Trainer at National First Aid Courses (NFAC)
With over a decade of experience in the childcare and aged care industries, Jacqueline has dedicated her career to applying her First Aid knowledge in real-world settings. As an accredited First Aid trainer and manager at National Courses PTY LTD, Jacqueline is committed to delivering nationally recognised First Aid and CPR courses across Australia. She combines her hands-on experience with a passion for teaching, empowering others with the critical skills needed to make a difference in emergency situations.
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