Why cutting training and assessment time could cost lives…
As First Aid Industry experts, we are often asked about the varying durations of courses from provider to provider. For example, some first aid providers will quote an hour or less duration for a first aid course using the blended option of online learning and face to face assessment. Some of the short timeframes being offered in the market are highly questionable. Every unit of first aid has a volume of learning that must be met and required skills that must be demonstrated by each student for the assessor.
The unit HLTAID011 Provide first aid has many performance requirements.
Each student must complete the following tasks:
- manage the unconscious, breathing casualty including appropriate positioning to reduce the risk of airway compromise
- manage the unconscious, non-breathing adult, including:
- performing at least 2 minutes of uninterrupted single rescuer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) (5 cycles of both compressions and ventilations) on an adult resuscitation manikin placed on the floor
- following the prompts of an automated external defibrillator (AED) to deliver at least one shock
- demonstrating a rotation of single rescuer operators with minimal interruptions to compressions
- responding appropriately in the event of regurgitation or vomiting
- manage the unconscious, non-breathing infant, including:
- performing at least 2 minutes of uninterrupted single rescuer CPR (5 cycles both compressions and ventilations) on an infant resuscitation manikin placed on a firm surface
- manage casualties, with the following:
- anaphylaxis
- asthma
- non-life-threatening bleeding
- choking
- envenomation, using pressure immobilisation
- fractures, dislocations, sprains and strains, using appropriate immobilisation techniques
- minor wound cleaning and dressing
- nosebleed
- shock
- respond to at least one simulated first aid incident contextualised to the candidate’s workplace or community setting, where the candidate has no knowledge of the casualty’s condition prior to starting treatment, including:
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- identifying the casualty’s illness or injury through history, signs and symptoms
- using personal protective equipment (PPE) as required
- providing appropriate first aid treatment
- conveying incident details to emergency services or advising casualty on any required post incident action
- providing an accurate verbal and written report of the incident
- reviewing the incident.
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How to ensure you are buying quality training
As a proven Registered Training Organisation, with over 30 years’ experience, it is not possible for ALL of the practical requirements to be demonstrated under 3 hours. Where providers are offering shorter face-to-face assessment workshops, something is being missed.
Why is our First Aid longer than others in the market?
Commercially, if we could deliver our courses in a shorter timeframe without comprising quality, we wouldn’t hesitate. However, to be a quality provider we cannot reduce the required volume of learning or assessment time required. We can offer you assurance that by choosing us we mitigate the risk of you being required to stand at an inquest or court and defend poor quality first aid training, where the workplace first aiders were not actually competent. A Statement of Attainment from Premium Health means competence has been achieved in every element of the course.