About the First Aid Response
Achieving the PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) qualification is an excellent way to gain a nationally recognised first aid certification in Ireland while developing comprehensive lifesaving and casualty care skills. This course goes beyond cardiac response and equips participants to manage a wide range of workplace and community emergencies, including injuries, medical conditions, and life-threatening incidents.
The programme builds confidence, practical competence, and the ability to assess, treat, and monitor a casualty until emergency medical services arrive. It is ideal for designated workplace first aiders, leisure industry professionals, childcare staff, sports coaches, construction workers, and anyone responsible for health and safety within an organisation.
đź“Ť Courses Available
PHECC First Aid Response courses are delivered in Dublin and nationwide across Ireland. Training combines structured theory sessions with extensive practical, scenario-based learning to ensure participants can respond effectively in real-life emergencies.
The course covers CPR and AED use, management of unconscious casualties, bleeding control, fractures, burns, shock, medical emergencies, and incident reporting procedures.
Upon successful completion, participants receive a PHECC First Aid Response certificate, providing a recognised qualification that meets Irish workplace first aid requirements and demonstrates a high standard of emergency preparedness.
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Dublin & Nationwide Ireland
What is the PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) Course?
The PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) course is a nationally recognised qualification designed for individuals who have responsibility for providing first aid in the workplace or community setting. It equips participants with the knowledge and practical skills to assess, manage, and monitor a wide range of medical emergencies and injuries until emergency medical services arrive.
The course covers essential lifesaving interventions including CPR and AED use, along with the treatment of unconscious casualties, bleeding control, fractures, burns, shock, medical conditions such as asthma and seizures, and incident management procedures. It develops confidence, structured decision-making, and the ability to provide safe and effective care in real-life emergency situations.
Unlike Cardiac First Response, which focuses specifically on cardiac emergencies and AED use, the First Aid Response qualification provides a broader scope of pre-hospital emergency care suitable for designated workplace first aiders and those with a duty of care.
For organisations that must meet Irish workplace first aid requirements, the PHECC First Aid Response course is the appropriate standard, ensuring compliance while building practical, hands-on emergency response capability.
Who Can Complete PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) Training?
The PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) course is suitable for individuals who may be responsible for providing first aid in a workplace, organisation, or community environment. It is designed for those who need a comprehensive first aid qualification that enables them to respond to a wide range of emergencies.
This includes, for example:
- Designated workplace first aiders
- Supervisors and managers
- Teachers and childcare staff
- Sports coaches and fitness professionals
- Construction and site workers
- Hospitality and retail staff
- Leisure centre and pool staff
- Community volunteers
- Security personnel
No previous first aid experience is required. The course is suitable for beginners as well as those renewing or upgrading an existing first aid qualification, and it provides the practical skills and confidence needed to respond effectively in real emergency situations.
Pre-Requisites
To enrol on the PHECC Cardiac First Response course, participants must:
- Be at least 16 years of age.
- Be physically able to perform CPR on the floor.
- Have a basic understanding of spoken and written English.
There are no swimming or prior qualification requirements.
What Does The Course Involve?
The PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) course is typically delivered over three days and combines structured theory sessions with extensive hands-on practical training. The programme is designed to ensure participants can confidently assess and manage real-life emergencies in workplace and community settings.
Topics covered include:
Patient Assessment and Incident Management
- Scene safety and risk assessment.
- Primary and secondary surveys.
- Activating emergency medical services.
- Monitoring and recording casualty condition.
CPR and AED Skills
- Adult CPR.
- Child CPR.
- Safe and effective AED use.
- Recovery position.
Medical Emergencies
- Heart attack and cardiac arrest.
- Stroke recognition.
- Asthma and breathing difficulties.
- Seizures and epilepsy.
- Diabetes emergencies.
- Allergic reactions and anaphylaxis.
Injury Management
- Bleeding control and shock management.
- Burns and scalds.
- Fractures, sprains, and strains.
- Head and spinal injuries.
Additional First Aid Skills
- Choking management for adults and children.
- Infection prevention and control.
- Incident reporting and documentation.
Assessment is continuous throughout the course and includes practical skills demonstrations and knowledge checks in line with PHECC standards.
Upon successful completion, participants receive a PHECC First Aid Response certificate, which is valid for two years and meets Irish workplace first aid requirements.
Course Cost / Bookings
To enquire about the course cost and how to book, please email us at info@swim21training.com. Delivery of our courses can be a combination of online / in person. We can bring a trainer to you and deliver our courses at your facility.
What is the PHECC First Aid Response?
It is a nationally recognised first aid qualification in Ireland that teaches participants how to assess and manage a wide range of medical emergencies and injuries until emergency medical services arrive.
Is this qualification recognised in Ireland?
Yes. The course follows the standards set by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), Ireland’s regulatory body for pre-hospital emergency care training.
How long is the qualification valid for?
The qualification is valid for 2 years, we will get in touch 6 months prior to chat you through renewal options.
Can employers book a private course?
Yes employers can book the CFR course as a private course for their team, we recommend this as we can chat through site specific training too!
More Information on this Qualification
Check out the PHECC website by clicking on learn more.