First Aid Training

Course Description

This NZQA-approved Foundational First Aid (Level 1) course provides participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to respond confidently to common workplace and everyday emergencies. Participants will learn how to provide immediate first aid assistance, perform basic life support (CPR), and manage life-threatening situations until professional medical help arrives.

The course covers critical emergency response skills including managing airway obstruction (choking), controlling severe bleeding, treating burns and fractures, recognising and managing shock, and responding to common medical emergencies such as heart attacks, asthma attacks, strokes, seizures, and diabetic events. Participants will also learn how to assess a collapsed person, perform the primary survey using the DRSABCD approach, and safely use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).

This training aligns with NZQA Unit Standards 6401 and 6402 and focuses on practical, scenario-based learning so participants can apply their knowledge in realistic emergency situations at work, at home, or in the community.

Duty to have First Aid Compliance
Under the Health and Safety at Work (General Risk and Workplace Management) Regulations 2016 – Section 13, a PCBU must ensure that an adequate number of workers are trained to administer first aid in the workplace.

WorkSafe New Zealand recommends determining the number of trained first aiders based on workplace risk and accessibility to emergency services. For example:

• A construction company employing eight workers in a high-risk environment may require at least two trained first aiders.
• A large vineyard located approximately 30 minutes from medical or ambulance services may require two first aiders for every 10 workers.

Ensuring workers are trained in first aid helps workplaces meet their legal obligations while improving emergency preparedness and protecting worker wellbeing.

Key Learning Outcomes

• Provide immediate bystander first aid in the workplace or home.
• Perform basic life support (CPR) for adults, children, and infants.
• Assist a person experiencing airway obstruction (choking).
• Demonstrate the safe use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
• Assess and manage a collapsed person’s condition.
• Apply the primary survey using the DRSABCD emergency response algorithm.
• Understand how to safely approach and manage an accident scene.
• Recognise and manage shock.
• Provide first aid for trauma injuries such as bleeding, burns, fractures, sprains, and dislocations.
• Respond to common medical emergencies including heart attack, stroke, asthma, seizures, and diabetes.
• Understand emergency rescue procedures and response planning.

• Each participant is required to bring photographic identification (e.g. passport, driver’s licence, or 18+ card) for proof of ID.
• Please arrive before or at the course start time for a prompt start. Late arrivals after the course time will be unable to attend and will need to rebook.

There are no prerequisites to complete this course for the first time or to revalidate an expired certificate. For First Aid Refresher training, participants must hold a current certificate.

Physical requirements: Participants must be able to kneel on the floor to perform CPR.

Language requirements: Participants must be able to complete the assessment in English.