PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) Course
The only HSA approved course for First Aid in the workplace.
Course Overview
At O'Hanlon Health and Safety, our PHECC First Aid Response (FAR) course is delivered by highly qualified paramedics with real-world experience. This comprehensive course equips participants with the skills necessary to recognize and manage life-threatening injuries before the arrival of emergency medical professionals. It is ideal for individuals seeking first aid certification for the workplace, as well as for non-healthcare personnel such as sports coaches, teachers, parents, and others.
Who Should Attend
This course is open to all individuals, with no prerequisites required. However, participants should be physically capable of performing essential first aid tasks, such as CPR, managing choking incidents, placing someone in the recovery position, and bandaging injuries.
Course Requirements
The FAR course, developed by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), replaces the former Occupational First Aid course and complies with Health and Safety Authority (HSA) legislation on workplace first aid. This standardized syllabus ensures participants receive HSA-approved training, including Cardiac First Response (CFR) at the Community level.
Course Content
Participants will be trained in the following areas:
- First Aid in the Workplace (HSA Compliant)
- Patient Assessment
- Incident Procedure
- Cardiac First Response - Community Level
- Common Medical Emergencies (e.g., asthma, diabetes, seizures, poisoning, fainting)
- Injury Management & Shock
- Care of the Unconscious Patient
- Burns and Electrical Injury Care
- Hypothermia and Hyperthermia
- Information Management
- Communication Skills
- Well-being of the First Aider
Delivery Method
The FAR course is led by our expert paramedic instructors, using a mix of engaging PowerPoint presentations, instructional videos, and hands-on practical exercises. All training is conducted in English.
Course Duration & Assessment
This course spans a minimum of 18 hours, which can be scheduled as three 6-hour days or spread over successive weekends. Assessments include practical demonstrations of skills and a written examination, ensuring participants are competent in all areas of first aid.
Certification
Upon successful completion, participants will receive a Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC) certification, valid for two years. In addition, each student will receive:
- A comprehensive First Aid Responder Manual
- A RED Card (Request Emergency Dispatch)
- A Pocket Face Mask for resuscitation
- Study Aids to support ongoing learning
- First Aid Responder Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)
Certification Renewal
To maintain certification beyond the two-year validity period, participants must complete a refresher course. The refresher consists of a two-day training session designed to update your knowledge and skills. A valid FAR certificate is required to enroll in the refresher course.
