COURSE OVERVIEW:
Welcome to the Provide Safe First Aid & CPR Procedures course. This comprehensive program is ideal for NDIS support workers, aged-care staff, VET trainers, childcare educators, carers, disability support professionals, healthcare and allied health assistants, hospitality staff, fitness and recreation personnel, construction and trade workers, transport and logistics employees, and general workplace staff across all industries, who have previously completed accredited First Aid and CPR training and wish to refresh their knowledge, align with current best-practice standards, or meet ongoing/continuing professional development requirements.
It provides an in-depth refresher of essential skills, current legislation, ethical standards, and practical First Aid and CPR procedures that reflect the latest Australian frameworks and industry guidelines.
This course is divided into two main components:
- Part 1 – Theory: Legal and ethical considerations governing safe and compliant First Aid and CPR practice in Australia.
- Part 2 – Practical Guide: Applied techniques, step-by-step procedures and instructions with visual demonstrations, including practical safety protocols in delivering First Aid and CPR.
Part 1: Legal & Ethical Considerations in Safe First Aid & CPR
Understanding the legal and ethical framework surrounding First Aid and CPR is fundamental to ensuring safe, professional, and accountable practice. This section introduces the purpose and scope of lawful First Aid delivery in Australia, setting out the standards that safeguard both the responder and the casualty. It provides clarity on professional obligations and highlights the importance of acting within recognised boundaries of competence, training, and workplace policy.
The course explores the relevant Commonwealth legislation that shapes First Aid responsibilities in Australia, including:
- The Fair Work Act 2009, which governs workplace obligations and employee welfare.
- The Privacy Act 1988, which protects the confidentiality of personal and health information obtained during emergencies.
- The Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Australian Consumer Law), which upholds service quality and product safety in First Aid equipment and training.
- The Therapeutic Goods Act 1989, which regulates medical devices, resuscitation aids, and other First Aid-related goods used in workplaces.
Each Australian state and territory also enforces specific Work Health and Safety (WHS) or Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Acts, ensuring that organisations maintain adequate First Aid systems. Learners will explore these legislative frameworks, including:
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW, QLD, ACT, NT)
- Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA, TAS)
- Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (VIC)
In addition, the course examines WHS Regulations and Codes of Practice that provide detailed operational guidance for implementing First Aid provisions. Key references include the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (QLD), Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW), Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (VIC), and Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (WA). The First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice issued by Safe Work Australia provides essential recommendations on First Aid facilities, equipment, and procedures.
Industry alignment is maintained through the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines and the HLTAID011 Provide First Aid and HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation national units of competency. Learners will be reminded of current ARC updates, performance benchmarks, and evidence-based recommendations that define modern best practice.
Ethical considerations underpin the responsible delivery of First Aid. This section explores key principles, including:
- Duty of care to provide timely and reasonable assistance.
- Informed consent, ensuring that aid is provided respectfully and with permission.
- Confidentiality, safeguarding all private information gathered during assistance.
- Cultural sensitivity, adapting responses to meet the beliefs and values of individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Maintaining currency of skills, through regular updates and continuing professional development.
- Working within one’s scope of training, avoiding actions that exceed competency or qualification levels.
- Accurate documentation, ensuring transparency, accountability, and legal protection.
- Non-discrimination, ensuring equal and respectful assistance for all casualties.
Through this foundation, participants will strengthen their understanding of legal compliance, professional ethics, and the high standards expected of anyone delivering First Aid or CPR in an Australian context.
Part 2: Safe and Effective First Aid & CPR Application
This part provides a structured, step-by-step guide to applying First Aid and CPR techniques safely, confidently, and in accordance with current Australian standards. It emphasises methodical assessment, situational awareness, and adherence to risk-management principles to protect both the responder and the casualty.
Participants will first learn how to assess emergency situations, recognising the limits of their training, expertise, and physical ability. They will revisit legal obligations including consent, duty of care, cultural awareness, negligence, privacy, and debriefing, all of which govern safe and lawful First Aid intervention. Learners will apply dynamic risk assessments to identify, control, and minimise hazards while maintaining safety throughout the response process.
Preparation is the cornerstone of effective First Aid. Learners will explore the core principles of First Aid, supported by an overview of human anatomy and physiology, including the integumentary, respiratory, circulatory, skeletal, nervous, digestive, urinary, and lymphatic systems. The course provides detailed guidance on conducting initial assessments, primary and secondary surveys, performing triage, and coordinating medical assistance.
Maintaining casualty comfort, communication, and reassurance is essential for safe practice. This section outlines how to reassure casualties, manage pain appropriately, and use culturally respectful communication techniques. Learners will also review correct infection control and hygiene procedures, including hand hygiene, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the safe disposal of medical waste.
Practical sessions then progress to the core emergency sequence — the DRSABCD Action Plan:
- D – Danger: Identify hazards and ensure scene safety.
- R – Response: Assess the casualty’s level of responsiveness.
- S – Send for help: Contact emergency services promptly.
- A – Airway: Check and clear the airway.
- B – Breathing: Assess breathing and provide rescue breaths if required.
- C – Compressions/CPR: Deliver chest compressions at the correct rate and depth.
- D – Defibrillator: Apply and operate an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) safely.
Additional First Aid treatment topics include shock management, chest pain and cardiac emergencies, poisoning, altered consciousness, diabetic events, seizures, asthma attacks, and severe allergic reactions. Each scenario is addressed using practical demonstrations and evidence-based techniques, ensuring alignment with ARC and Safe Work Australia guidance.
Following an emergency response, accurate post-incident procedures are vital. This section covers incident reporting, documentation, equipment restocking, waste management, and debriefing processes. Learners will gain confidence in preparing reports, maintaining communication with emergency services, and handing over care to qualified health professionals such as paramedics or registered nurses.
By the end of this course, participants will have refreshed their understanding of the legal and ethical foundations of First Aid and CPR, strengthened their technical competence in practical emergency response, and enhanced their confidence in providing safe, compliant, and effective care. Through both theoretical and applied learning, they will be well-equipped to uphold professional standards and contribute to a safer, more responsive workplace and community environment.
Each section is complemented with images and examples to illustrate the concepts and techniques discussed.
(This is a non-accredited course, intended solely for refresher and awareness purposes. It does not replace accredited competency-based training but enhances participants’ understanding, confidence, and compliance readiness within workplace and community settings.)
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, you will be able to understand the following topics:
1. Introduction to Legal & Ethical Considerations in Safe First Aid & CPR
· Purpose
· Scope
2. Commonwealth (National) Legislation
- Fair Work Act 2009
- Privacy Act 1988
- Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Australian Consumer Law)
- Therapeutic Goods Act 1989
3. State and Territory Work Health & Safety Acts
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW, QLD, ACT, NT)
- Work Health and Safety Act 2012 (SA, TAS)
- Work Health and Safety Act 2020 (WA)
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (VIC)
4. Work Health & Safety Regulations (First Aid Provisions)
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (QLD)
- Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW)
- Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (VIC)
- Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 (WA)
5. Industry Codes & Standards
- First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice (Safe Work Australia)
- Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) Guidelines
- HLTAID011 Provide First Aid (Training Package Requirement)
- HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (Training Package Requirement)
6. Ethical Considerations
- Duty of care to provide first aid assistance
- Consent for treatment
- Privacy and confidentiality
- Cultural sensitivity
- Maintaining skills currency
- Working within scope of training
- Accurate documentation
- Non-discrimination in providing assistance
PART 2: PRACTICAL GUIDE
1. Assess the situation
· Understand the limits of your expertise, training and ability
· Legal obligations
o Consent
o Cultural awareness
o Duty of care
o Negligence and litigation
o Recording
o Privacy and confidentiality
o Debriefing
· Risk management
o Identify hazards
o Conduct a dynamic risk assessment
o Minimise risk
o Isolate hazards
2. Prepare to apply first aid to casualty
· Principles of first aid
· Assess the casualty
· Systems of the body and basic anatomy and physiology
o Integumentary system
o Respiratory system
o Circulatory system
o Skeletal system
o Nervous system
o Digestive system
o Urinary system
o Lymphatic system
· Initial assessment
· Primary survey
· Secondary survey
o Triage
o Request medical assistance if required
o Proceed with first aid treatment
o Position the incident area (1–2 metres from danger)
o Use the recovery position if the casualty is unconscious
o Provide assistance if required pending arrival of medical assistance
· Reassure the casualty
o Make the casualty as comfortable as possible
o Pain management
o Assist with self-medication
o Be culturally aware and respectful
o Provide information
o Seek consent before you act
· Maintain hygiene
o Wash hands
o Use personal protective equipment (PPE)
o Manage cytotoxic waste
o Workplace hygiene
· Manual handling techniques
o Emergency moves
o One person
o Two or more people
o Planned moves
o Two-handed seat carry
o Four-handed seat carry
o Chair lift
o Wheelchair lift
o Blanket lift
o Stretchers
3. First aid treatment techniques
· Provide first aid management to the casualty
o Correctly operate first aid equipment
· DRS ABCD action plan
o D – Danger
o R – Response
o S – Send for help
o A – Airway
o B – Breathing
o C – Compressions/CPR
o D – Defibrillator
· Shock
· Chest pain
o Sudden cardiac arrest
o Heart attack
o Angina
o Congestive heart failure
· Poisoning
· Altered conscious states (illnesses)
o Diabetic conditions
o Stroke
o Seizures and convulsions
o Febrile convulsion
o Fainting
· Respiratory distress/conditions
o Asthma attack
o Severe allergic reactions
4. Post-incident procedures and handover
· Post-injury impacts
· Report the incident
o Provide information
o Provide assistance as required
· Clean and restock first aid items
· Dispose of medical waste properly
· Maintain comprehensive notes of incident and first aid treatment
o Prepare reports of incident and first aid treatment
· Treatment documentation
· Communication
· Facilitate handover to relieving personnel
o Health professionals and workers
o Emergency personnel/workers — paramedics
COURSE DURATION:
The typical duration of this course is approximately 3-4 hours to complete. Your enrolment is Valid for 12 Months. Start anytime and study at your own pace.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
You must have access to a computer or any mobile device with Adobe Acrobat Reader (free PDF Viewer) installed, to complete this course.
COURSE DELIVERY:
Purchase and download course content.
ASSESSMENT:
A simple 10-question true or false quiz with Unlimited Submission Attempts.
CERTIFICATION:
Upon course completion, you will receive a customised digital “Certificate of Completion”.