First Aid Essentials – Basic First Aid

A PHECC-recognised one-day first aid course for the general public and workplaces.

First Aid Essentials – Basic First Aid is a one-day (6.5 hours) course developed to the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) standard STN044. It gives you the practical skills and knowledge to respond confidently to someone who becomes suddenly ill or injured until the emergency services arrive.

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On successful completion you receive a joint PHECC / recognised-institution electronic certificate

valid for two years.

The course combines a core module of Cardiac First Response – Community (CFR-C) with essential first aid training, so you leave able to manage everything from choking and serious bleeding to medical emergencies and cardiac arrest. All treatment is taught in line with PHECC Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), and skills apply across home, recreational and workplace settings.

The Basic First Aid stream is aimed at the general population but can be adapted for specific groups (for example, sport, or working in remote or austere environments) through approved non-core modules.

PHECC Accrediation

Who Should Attend

There are no formal entry requirements and no minimum age, though participants should be mature enough to understand the skills and implications of defibrillation and to complete the assessment. The course suits:

Workplace first aiders

Employees & employers

Members of the public

Sports coaches & leaders

Remote & outdoor workers*

Anyone interested in this field

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course you will be able to:

Introduction to First Aid

understand the first aider's role, scene safety, effective communication, consent and capacity, relevant legislation (including the Good Samaritan provision), recognising signs of abuse or neglect, and managing your own wellbeing and critical incident stress.

Patient Assessment

Perform primary and secondary surveys, assess vital signs (work of breathing, circulation/capillary refill, skin colour and temperature, and level of consciousness using AVPU), take a patient history using SAMPLE, and identify risk factors for spinal injury.

Injury Management

Manage serious and external bleeding, nosebleeds, musculoskeletal injuries, suspected spinal injuries, and burns.

Common Medical Emergencies

Recognise and respond to diabetic emergencies, asthma, seizures, poisoning, anaphylaxis, sepsis, fainting, and altered levels of consciousness.

Course Content

Cardiac First Response – Community (mandatory core module) CPR and use of an AED, and management of choking and other life-threatening emergencies.
Introduction to first aid The continuum of care, scene safety, communication, consent, legal considerations, recognising abuse or neglect, and responder wellbeing.
Patient assessment Primary and secondary surveys, vital signs, AVPU, SAMPLE history, and spinal-injury risk factors.
Injury management Serious and external bleeding, nosebleeds, musculoskeletal and limb injuries, suspected spinal injuries and burns – including hands-on practice controlling blood loss, immobilising limbs and treating burns.
Common medical emergencies Diabetic emergencies, asthma, seizures, poisons, anaphylaxis, sepsis and fainting, plus managing a patient with an altered level of consciousness.

Optional Non-Core Modules

For specific groups (such as sport or remote/austere environments), the course can be extended with PHECC-approved non-core modules. Where these are delivered, additional teaching time is added to the core hours and the instructor must be appropriately qualified. Available non-core topics include:

Advanced bleeding management – indirect pressure, tourniquets and haemostatic dressings for external haemorrhage control.

Head injury – recognising concussion and compression, and managing a patient with a head injury.

Environmental injuries – assessment and management of cold and heat injuries.

Duration

A minimum of 6.5 contact hours. This may be delivered in one day or spread over a reasonable extended period (for example, several weeks or weekends). Where non-core modules are added, extra teaching time is included.

Class size

The instructor-to-student ratio does not exceed 1:8 for practical skills sessions, ensuring plenty of hands-on time.

Teaching approach

A balance of presentations, small-group work, demonstrations, practical practice and self-directed learning. Electronic and blended learning approaches may be used.

Assessment

Skills are formally assessed throughout or at the end of the course using the PHECC CFR Community and First Aid Essentials skills assessment sheets. Assessment is continuous and practical rather than exam-based, and supportive remediation is available where needed.

Certification

Successful participants receive a joint PHECC / recognised-institution electronic certificate titled First Aid Essentials – Basic First Aid, valid for two years.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the course?

It runs for a minimum of 6.5 contact hours. It can be completed in a single day or delivered over a longer period such as several weeks or weekends. Adding non-core modules extends the time.

Is there a minimum age or entry requirement?

No. There is no minimum age or formal prerequisite, but participants should be mature enough to understand the skills involved (including defibrillation) and to complete the assessment.

What certificate do I receive and how long is it valid?

A joint PHECC / recognised-institution electronic certificate for First Aid Essentials – Basic First Aid, valid for two years.

Does the course include CPR and AED training?

Yes. Cardiac First Response – Community is a mandatory core module covering CPR, AED use and choking.

Is there a written exam?

No. Assessment is practical and continuous, carried out using PHECC skills assessment sheets throughout the course.

Can the course be tailored to my group or workplace?

Yes. The Basic First Aid stream can be adapted for specific groups (e.g. sport, remote or austere environments) using PHECC-approved non-core modules such as advanced bleeding management, head injury and environmental injuries. These require additional teaching time and a suitably qualified instructor.

I already hold a CFR Community certificate – do I still complete that part?

Recognition of prior learning may apply, but because CFR skills fade over time it is recommended you take part fully in the CFR component. If you hold CFR Advanced, you must attend a separate CFR Advanced course to recertify at that level.

What happens if I don't pass a skill first time?

You will be supported with remediation in line with the training provider's assessment policy.

How do I renew my certificate?

Recertification is required every two years and is based on identifying your training needs, followed by CFR and first aid skills practice and assessment, plus any clinical updates. If your certificate has lapsed, providers may allow a short grace period (PHECC considers up to 30 days appropriate), decided case by case.

Can this certificate be used for anything else?

Yes. A First Aid Essentials certificate can serve as evidence of completing a CFR course for entry to certain other recognised courses, such as CFR Instructor (Community only).