Which First Aid Course?
What First Aid Course Should I Take?
Choosing the right first aid course depends on your role, industry, and compliance requirements. Use the guide below to help you decide which course is best for your needs.
HLTAID009 – Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) - Commonly required
A short course focused on performing CPR and using an AED. This unit is ideal for individuals needing an annual CPR update or basic life-saving knowledge.
Recommended for:
- Office Workers
- Gym and fitness instructor
- Retail staff
- Teachers and educators (CPR updates)
- General community members
- Anyone needing annual CPR refresher training (e.g. child care workers, aged care workers, NDIS workers, vegetation management workers, and electricians)
📘 See: HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation Guideline
HLTAID010 – Provide Basic Emergency Life Support (PBELS) - Less commonly required
This course covers essential first aid responses for life-threatening situations, including CPR, Asthma, Anaphylaxis, chocking, shock, bleeding and managing unconscious casualties. It’s a step up from CPR-only training. (This course does not meet the standard defined in the code of practice for First Aid in the workplace in Tasmania, which states that the Provide First Aid Course is the workplace standard in First Aid.) Click here to find out more. see page 17 – 3.5. First aiders
Recommended for:
- Teachers and education support staff
- Aged care workers
- Disability support workers
- Community service staff
- Hospitality workers
- Volunteers in public-facing roles
See: HLTAID010 Provide basic emergency life support Guideline
HLTAID011 – Provide First Aid including CPR (PFA) - Commonly required
The most widely required course. Covers CPR plus treatment of bleeding, burns, fractures, allergic reactions, asthma, seizures, and more. Meets most workplace compliance needs. (The code of practice for First Aid in the workplace in Tasmania states that the Provide First Aid Course is the workplace standard in First Aid.) Click here to find out more. see page 17 – 3.5. First aiders
Recommended for:
- Construction and tradespeople
- Corporate and office employees
- Hospitality and retail workers
- School teachers
- Sports coaches and referees
- Electrical workers
- Mining workers
- Security guards
- General workplace health & safety compliance
HLTAID012 – Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting (PFAEC) - Less commonly required
This comprehensive course includes all elements of HLTAID011, plus additional training in managing asthma, anaphylaxis, and other emergencies relevant to children. Meets ACECQA requirements for First Aid, Asthma, and Anaphylaxis (Annual Asthma and Anaphylaxis updates are no longer required).
Recommended for:
- Early childhood educators
- Childcare workers
- Kindergarten and preschool staff
- Out-of-school hours (OSHC) staff
- Nannies and babysitters
- Family day care providers
Book HLTAID012 Childcare First Aid Course
See: HLTAID012 Provide First Aid in an education and care setting Guideline
According to ACECQA, educators in early childhood education and care services must hold current, approved first aid, anaphylaxis, and emergency asthma management qualifications. These qualifications need to be renewed every three years, with a refresher course in CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) required annually. See policy
Still Not Sure? (First Aid Course Guide)
We’re here to help! If you’re uncertain which course suits your role or organisation’s compliance needs, contact us and our team will guide you.