First Aid Training FAQ

In Australia, validity periods depend on the qualification type:

Standard first aid certificates are valid for 36 months (3 years) from the date of issue. The CPR component however expires after 12 months. These periods are consistent across all ASQA-registered RTOs in Australia.

Some workplaces or high-risk industries may require more frequent updates — always check with your employer or industry body.

Yes, all first aid certificates have expiry dates. This ensures skills stay sharp and aligned with the latest guidelines.

• Skills remain current and practised
• Knowledge reflects updated protocols
• Compliance with workplace and legal requirements is maintained

• Annual: CPR component (HLTAID009) — every 12 months
• Three-yearly: Full first aid certificate — every 3 years
• Best practice: Many organisations recommend annual first aid refreshers even when not strictly required

• Ideal: 4–6 weeks before expiry
• Maximum early renewal: Up to 3 months before expiry (some RTOs allow this)
• Minimum notice: At least 2 weeks to guarantee course availability

Renewing after expiry may mean completing the full course again rather than a refresher — costing more time and money.

• General workplace: HLTAID011 — Provide First Aid
• Education & childcare: HLTAID012 — Provide First Aid in Education and Care Setting
• Remote areas: HLTAID013 — Provide First Aid in Remote or Isolated Site
• Advanced roles: HLTAID014 — Provide Advanced First Aid
• CPR only: HLTAID009 — Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

• CPR only (HLTAID009): 2–3 hours face-to-face
• Provide First Aid (HLTAID011): 1 day (7.5 hrs) with pre-learning
• Education & Care (HLTAID012): 1 day (7.5–8 hrs) with pre-learning
• Advanced First Aid (HLTAID014): 2–3 days depending on units

Most courses include 2–4 hours of online pre-learning to reduce face-to-face time.

No — they're different but related qualifications:

• CPR (HLTAID009): Focuses solely on cardiopulmonary resuscitation — chest compressions and rescue breathing
• First Aid (HLTAID011): Comprehensive training including CPR plus wound care, fractures, burns, anaphylaxis, and other medical emergencies

No — ASQA requires a mandatory face-to-face practical component because CPR and first aid skills must be physically demonstrated and assessed.

• What can be online: Theory learning, knowledge assessments, and instructional videos
• Must be in person: Practical demonstrations, CPR on mannequins, and formal assessment

Workplace first aid requirements depend on your industry and workplace size:

• WHS Regulations: Require adequate first aiders based on workplace risk
• Construction, mining, childcare: Have specific mandatory requirements
• Duty of care roles: Teachers, coaches, fitness instructors often required by employer policy

• Education & Childcare: HLTAID012 required for all educators
• Construction: First aiders required on all sites
• Mining: Often requires Advanced First Aid
• Healthcare: Annual CPR minimum
• Fitness: Required for personal trainers and instructors
• Hospitality: Recommended for duty managers
• Transport: Recommended for commercial drivers and operators

• Basic supplies: Adhesive bandages, gauze pads, tape, scissors
• Wound care: Antiseptic wipes, saline solution, non-stick dressings
• PPE: Disposable gloves, CPR face shield
• Bandages: Triangular, crepe, and elastic bandages
• Tools: Tweezers, thermometer, torch, emergency blanket
• Records: First aid booklet, incident report forms

• Monthly: Quick visual check for obvious issues
• Quarterly: Detailed inventory and expiry date check
• After every use: Immediate replacement of used items
• Annually: Complete review and full restock

Assign a designated person to maintain kits and keep a signed checklist record.

• USI: Your Unique Student Identifier
• ID: Photo identification (licence or passport)
• Comfortable clothing: You'll be practising on the floor
• Closed shoes: Required for safety during practicals
• Lunch: Some venues have limited nearby food options
• Completed pre-work: If attending a one-day course

• One-day course: Requires 2–4 hrs of online pre-learning before attending
• Two-day course: All learning done face-to-face; no pre-work required
• Same outcome: Both produce identical nationally recognised certification

• 24+ hours notice: Free transfer to another date
• Less than 24 hours: $20 rebooking fee applies
• No show: May forfeit course fee or pay rebooking charge

Always contact the provider as soon as you know you can't attend.

• Same day: Digital certificate emailed upon successful completion
• Hard copy: Provided on-site or mailed within a few days
• Prerequisite: Must pass all assessments and have a valid USI

Yes, if any of the following apply:

• The course directly relates to your current job
• It helps maintain or improve skills needed for your work
• Your employer requires the certification

Failure is rare — trainers want you to succeed. If you don't pass on the first attempt:

• Immediate re-assessment: Often allowed on the same day
• Extra guidance: Trainer provides additional support and practice
• Second attempt: Usually included in the course fee

Yes — it qualifies as CPD for many professions including healthcare workers, teachers, fitness professionals, and construction personnel.

Yes — childcare and education workers need HLTAID012:

• Infant CPR, childhood illnesses, anaphylaxis
• ACECQA-approved; meets national education standards
• Legally required for childcare centre compliance

• HLTAID013 — Provide First Aid in Remote or Isolated Site
• Extended patient care and delayed ambulance response planning
• Satellite communications and EPIRB use
• Commonly required for mining, forestry, and offshore workers

• Workplaces: WHS laws require adequate first aiders based on risk
• Specific industries: Construction, mining, childcare have mandatory requirements
• General public: Not legally required but strongly recommended

Protection applies when you're acting in good faith, within your training, and not recklessly or negligently.

Yes. IRFA (Immediate Response First Aid) is RTO 32154, registered with and regulated by ASQA. All certificates are:

• Nationally recognised across all Australian states and territories
• Accepted by all employers and regulatory bodies
• Fully compliant with ASQA standards

• Contact IRFA directly — replacement fee of $16.50
• Check your USI account at usi.gov.au for digital records
• Replacement certificates are emailed same day

• Email records: Search for the RTO name or "Statement of Attainment"
• USI account: Log in at usi.gov.au to view all qualifications
• Contact the RTO: Call the training provider who issued your certificate
• Employer records: Check with HR if your employer organised the training

NSW follows national standards: HLTAID011 is valid for 3 years, CPR (HLTAID009) for 12 months. NSW SafeWork recommends annual CPR updates even within the 3-year period.

Queensland follows the same national standards: 3 years for first aid, 12 months for CPR. Mining industry roles may require annual renewal. Education Queensland requires HLTAID012 with annual CPR updates.

• R — Rest: Stop activity and rest the injured area
• I — Ice: Apply for 20 minutes every 2 hours for 48–72 hours
• C — Compression: Use elastic bandage to reduce swelling
• E — Elevation: Raise injured area above heart level
• R — Referral: Seek medical assessment for proper diagnosis

1. Early Recognition: Recognise cardiac arrest and call 000
2. Early CPR: Start chest compressions immediately
3. Early Defibrillation: Use an AED as soon as available
4. Early Advanced Care: Paramedics provide advanced life support
5. Post-Cardiac Arrest Care: Hospital treatment and recovery

First aiders strengthen the first three links in this chain.

An AED (Automated External Defibrillator) analyses heart rhythm and delivers an electric shock to restore normal rhythm. It provides voice prompts and is designed for use by anyone, with or without training.

• Use as soon as available for an unconscious, non-breathing person
• Continue CPR between AED analysis cycles
• AEDs will not shock unless a shockable rhythm is detected — they are safe

• Saves lives: Immediate response prevents death in emergencies
• Reduces recovery time: Proper initial care improves long-term outcomes
• Prevents worsening: Quick action stops minor injuries becoming critical
• Builds confidence: Training prepares you to act calmly under pressure
• Legal compliance: Meets workplace WHS requirements