St John Ambulance Australia (VIC) Inc

St John’s First Aid Course 

As much as we don’t like to think about it — accidents and emergencies happen to people every day. These may be common injuries or serious events that can occur in the workplace, at home or during recreation. If and when they happen, it’s vital that advanced first aid is available.

In many workplaces, employees need to be able to give first aid to anyone who is in need of immediate medical assistance. The types of instances that may require assistance can range from minor cuts, headaches and non-urgent insect bites to life-threatening events like heart attacks, strokes or anaphylaxis.  

Often, new parents or caregivers want to ensure that if an unfortunate incident happens at home, they are prepared to treat their child or loved one effectively and in a timely manner.

If your workplace requires you to have a first aid certificate, you wish to bolster your skills, or you are responsible for ensuring staff have the proper first aid training, St John’s First Aid Courses are highly regarded. They are a comprehensive, nationally recognised range of courses that offer a wide breadth of first aid knowledge and skills.

What is a St John’s first aid course?

Most workplaces require a specific number of people to be trained in first aid to meet The Safe Work Australia First Aid in the Workplace Model Code of Practice.

A St John Ambulance first aid accredited training course covers the units required to meet the Code of Practice. It prepares you to confidently manage a broad range of first aid situations by providing first aid response to casualties — from infants through to adults — and is recommended for use in the workplace, in the home or in public settings where immediate assistance may be required.

The Code of Practice also recommends that CPR refresher courses are completed yearly, and full first aid training is taken every three years. 

What are the first aid courses available at St John Ambulance?

As a registered training organisation, St John Ambulance has a vast range of first aid training courses available, from traditional and broad first aid certificates to mental health support and caring for babies and kids. Here are a few of the most popular courses and units provided:

HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

Previously known as HLTAID003, this thorough first aid qualification covers the skills and knowledge needed to respond to life-threatening situations, including (CPR), burns, asthma, anaphylaxis and more.

On completion of this course, you will hold all of the following certifications:

• HLTAID009 Provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• HLTAID010 Provide basic emergency life support
• HLTAID011 Provide First Aid

Duration

This course can be completed as a day course, over four hours (with pre-learning work required), and virtually. 

HLTAID010 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support 

This first aid course provides the skills and knowledge to respond to such emergencies as wounds, drowning, burns and choking.

Duration

This course is taught face-to-face and takes approximately five and a half hours to complete.

HLTAID009 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation 

This course teaches the lifesaving skills to perform CPR effectively and meets the Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) guidelines.

You will learn to provide CPR to adults, children and infants, to use alternative methods for rescue breaths and how to assist a victim of drowning. 

The course covers the DRSABCD action plan and how to respond to emergencies, manage unconscious casualties, and use a defibrillator (AED).

Duration

This course takes approximately two hours to complete and can be taken as an online class. 

For a complete list of first aid courses, visit the Australian St John website.

What does a St John’s first aid course cover?

A HLTAID011 Provide First Aid course with St John Ambulance covers a massive list of vital and potential life-saving procedures (beyond the fist aid kit) that may be required in many contexts. 

Some of the course content covers:

• The DRSABCD action plan and responding to emergencies
• Managing unconscious casualties
• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Using a defibrillator
• Infection control
• Heart attack support 
• Asthma support 
• Anaphylaxis support 
• Wound and bleeding management
• Burn care
• Fractures and dislocations support
• Sprains and strains care
• Head and facial injuries
• Spinal injuries
• Choking response 
• Poisoning management
• Bites and stings care
• Stroke management 

Who needs to have a St John’s first aid certification?

First aid training is required in many workplace settings but not mandatory for all. These can span from high-risk roles to occupations that deal with members of the public frequently, Here is a list of professions that are likely to need you to be first aid certified:

• Childcare worker
• Teacher
• Lifeguard
• Carer
• Security guard
• Retail Assistant
• Medical centre administrator
• Electrician 
• Personal trainer
• Police officer 
• Flight attendant 
• Bartender 
• Wait staff 
• Factory worker 

And many more.

Parents or caregivers of small children often take first aid courses to ensure they know exactly what to do if an emergency arises, for example, choking or drowning.

FAQ 

How long does St John Ambulance first aid certificate last?

The Safe Work Australia First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice recommends that CPR courses be refreshed every 12 months and that a complete first aid course is taken every three years. This ensures that you have fresh skills and knowledge and that any new procedures or changes to the units covered are available to you. 

How much is St John’s first aid course?

The cost of a St John Ambulance Australia first aid course will vary depending on the course taken and the state you live in. The St John website has links to individual state websites where you can view the cost of each course. 

Often a comprehensive first aid course is provided on-site by your employer free of charge.

What are the benefits of completing a first aid course?

A full first aid course prepares you for any unexpected medical emergency you may face at work, at home or in the community. It can also boost your resume and make you an attractive prospect for potential employers.

Having a first aid certification allows you to:

• Identify an emergency or medical incident quickly 
• Have confidence in a first aid emergency situation
• Use first aid skills to act efficiently and effectively 
• Be a valuable employee in the workplace
• Potentially save a life 

Are first aid courses tax deductible?

You are eligible for a tax deduction on the cost of a first aid course if you are a designated first aider who is required to hold first aid certification for your job.

You cannot claim a tax deduction if your employer has already paid for the course on your behalf.