PHECC First Aid Response Course (FAR)

PHECC First Aid Response is a 3-day course that will equip the attendee with the necessary practical skills, knowledge and confidence to;

• give effective life support (CPR);
• diagnose and treat injuries or illness;
• maintain care and comfort of a patient who has become suddenly ill or injured in the workplace or community until the arrival of emergency medical services;
• use an Automated External Defibrillator (AED);
• administer aspirin for cases of a suspected heart attack.

The Health & Safety Authority (HSA) now recognises the PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) training course as meeting the needs of Occupational First Aid Training. The FAR Standard was developed by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), an independent statutory body that sets the standards for education and training for pre-hospital emergency care in Ireland.

Webinar/Classroom Option

On completion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Recognise and Assess the causes and effects of sudden illness and/or injury.
• Call for emergency medical services and provide adequate cover until handover.
• React to emergencies and respond in a safe, effective and appropriate manner.
• Record and report actions and interventions.
• Retain a caring attitude in your role as a First Aid Responder.

• Patient Assessment
• Incident Procedures
• Cardiac First Response (CFR) Community
• Common Medical Emergencies
• Injury Management & Shock
• Care of an Unconscious Patient
• Burns & Electrical Injury Care
• Hypothermia & Hyperthermia
• Information management
• Communications
• Well-Being of a First Aid Responder

MCQ Exam + Skills Assessment 
On successful completion of this course, participants will receive a PHECC certificate valid for two years from the date of completion of the course.

Webinar/Classroom Option

This is a three-day comprehensive course. Days 1 and 2 are delivered via webinar with Day 3 in a traditional classroom setting for practical exercises and assessments.

Traditional Classroom Option 

This PHECC First Aid Response course is comprised of 3 days of traditional classroom sessions covering theory, practical exercises and assessments. 

Who is a First Aid Responder?

A First Aid Responder may be a healthcare practitioner or a member of the public who has undertaken the education and training of a First Aid Response course incorporating the Cardiac First Response (CFR) standard. In addition to CFR skills, the First Aid Responder possesses defined practical skills in the further management of a patient who has become suddenly ill or injured in the pre-hospital environment until the arrival of emergency medical services (EMS). The First Aid Responder can assess and manage these patients in accordance with PHECC Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs). The First Aid Response Standard adopts a uniform approach to interacting with patients and other emergency medical services in the pre-hospital setting. FAR Education and Training Standards 

How long is an occupational first aid training course?

The PHECC FAR training course is a 3-day course, averaging 6 hours of instruction per day excluding breaks.

What type of a certificate does a first aider receive?

Successful candidates will receive a PHECC first aid response (FAR) certificate.

How long is the certification valid for?

PHECC first aid response(FAR) certificate is valid for 2 years after which recertification is needed. The PHECC FAR Refresher Course will be two days in duration.

How many first aiders should be present in a workplace?

Please click on the link from the Health & Safety Authority to find the typical number of first aiders needed for your workplace. HSA First Aiders at Workplace.