PHECC First Aid Response

The Health & Safety Authority (HSA) now recognises the PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) training course as meeting the needs of occupational first aid. The FAR Standard was developed by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) an independent statutory body who set the standards for education and training for pre-hospital emergency care in Ireland. See our Frequently Asked Questions

On completion of this 3-day course, the First Aid Responder will be equipped with the necessary practical skills, knowledge and confidence to give effective life support, diagnose and treat injuries or illness, and maintain care and comfort of a patient who has become suddenly ill or injured in the workplace or elsewhere until the arrival of emergency medical services. Also included is training in the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and the administration of aspirin for cases of a suspected heart attack.

The First Aid Response course covers all of the occupational first-aid requirements for places of work as outlined by the Health and Safety Authority. Under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, there is a requirement on employers, based on a risk assessment, to have a sufficient number of adequately trained first-aiders in the workplace. The specific requirements for first aid provision at work depends on several factors including the size of the workplace, the numbers employed, the hazards arising, dispersal of employees and access to medical services.

Following the FAR course participants should be able to:

Deal with life-threatening or potentially life-threatening conditions until the arrival of emergency medical services
Provide an adequate response for conditions not thought to be life-threatening but are necessary to prevent further harm before the emergency medical services arrive
Provide first-aid in a wide range of environments including the workplace, home and recreational settings
Display the requisite personal skills including composure, competence and self-confidence while understanding their limitations