Award in Basic First Aid
Course Description
This Basic First Aid award is designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and practical skills needed to provide immediate and effective assistance in a wide range of medical emergencies. The course emphasises rapid assessment, critical thinking, and prompt action to preserve life, prevent worsening, and promote recovery.
Students will learn to respond confidently to common injuries and medical conditions such as bleeding, burns, fractures, choking, cardiac arrest, and shock. The course also covers the use of life-saving equipment such as Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and includes basic CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) training.
Entry Requirements
- If English is not the first language of the applicants, they are required to demonstrate proficiency in the language through formats such as IELTS (recommended score of 5.5) and the OET, amongst others.
Target Audience
- This award targets individuals who would like to advance their knowledge and skills in basic first aid.
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Career Paths
-This award aims to equip learners with a basic knowledge in first aid.
-This first aid award prepares students for a wide range of occupations, especially those where safety, health, and emergency preparedness are important.
-The following details a list of occupations where first aid training is either essential or highly beneficial: Caregiver, Home Health Aid, Nurse, Teacher, Child Care Provider, Early Childhood Educator, Police Officer, Security Guard, Life Guard.
Modules
You are required to complete 1 compulsory module (1 ECTS) to fulfil the requirements of this Award.
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Award in Basic First Aid
Assessment
Practical Skill Assessment:
- Purpose: To assess hands-on ability when performing life-saving procedures.
- Method: Learners need to demonstrate key skills such as: CPR, use of an AED, placing a casualty in a recovery position, managing choking incidents, etc.
- Assessment tool: Skill checklist or rubric scored by the instructor.
Written Test:
- Purpose: To evaluate understanding of first aid principles, procedures and decision making
- Format: Multiple Choice Questions
- Topics Covered: Emergency Steps, Signs and symptoms, legal responsibilities, appropriate first aid responses.
Course Intake Dates
March/April 2026
Learning Outcomes
For Knowledge:
- Outline the principles of first aid (aims, priorities, and responsibilities).
- Explain the principles of emergency scene management (safety, assessment, and response).
- Identify basic human anatomy and vital signs.
- List common medical emergencies (e.g., heart attacks, strokes, seizures, allergic reactions).
- Discuss elements of trauma care – fractures, bleeding, burns, head injuries.
- Explain when and how to use Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).
- Describe the appropriate use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED).
- Discuss the importance of infection control and good hygiene, including the use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
- List specific legal aspects of first aid, such as consent, liability, and record-keeping.
Competences:
- Follow established procedures to assist in emergency situations.
- Effectively assess and manage emergency situations.
- Make informed decisions under pressure.
- Prioritise actions based on severity of injury or illness.
- Communicate clearly with casualties and emergency services.
- Act responsibly within the legal and ethical boundaries of a first aider.
- Ensure personal and bystander safety during emergencies.
- Support the continuity of care until professional help arrives.
- Act according to safety protocols.
Skills:
- Perform CPR on adults.
- Use AED correctly and confidently.
- Control bleeding using pressure, dressings, and bandages.
- Treat burns and scalds with appropriate techniques.
- Immobilise fractures and support injured limbs.
- Place a casualty in a recovery position.
- Manage choking (back blows and abdominal thrusts).
- Assist in breathing difficulties (e.g., asthma, anaphylaxis).
- Conduct a primary and secondary survey.