Cardiac First Response

Course description

This comprehensive, practically-based half-day course was developed by the Pre Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) as a national standard to ensure that those who suffer cardiac arrest in the community are given the best possible chance of survival. The course is suited to those who may be required to respond to a sudden cardiac arrest, heart attack, choking, stroke or unconsciousness in the workplace, at a sports facility, in the home or in their community. Also, ideal training for personnel in a premises or public building where an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) has been installed.

Participants will learn the basic techniques of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), how to use an AED and the action to take in the event of choking for adults and children. The programme ensures that the all-important chain of survival is intact and that patients receive basic life support before the arrival of the emergency services, without which advanced life support will not succeed.

PHECC Cardiac First Response Courses – Community and Advanced are recognised by the Irish College of General Practitioner (ICGP) and the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI) for continuing professional development and continuing education units for the respective professions of general medical practitioners, registered nurses and registered midwives.

Course Content/Topics Covered

• CPR for adults, children and infants
• Safe operation of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED)
• Choking in adults, children and infants
• Administration of Aspirin
• Assessment for Stroke (FAST Assessment)
• Recovery position
• Heart Attacks and Cardiac arrest