Marcel Green from First Aid Online, one of Canberra’s most recommended first aid training providers. Photos: Thomas Lucraft.
Whether you need first aid certification for work, are due for a refresher course or want to learn about infant first aid before the arrival of a new family member, you’ll need to find a first aid training provider.
Feeling confident to apply your first aid training in a real life scenario – whether that’s administering CPR to a stranger on the street or helping a colleague suffering a severe allergic reaction – could save someone’s life. So it’s important to choose your training provider and course carefully.
In this article, we’ll outline the qualities to consider when choosing a first aid training provider, and share where to find the best in Canberra.
What makes a great first aid training course?
A great first aid training course should give you the knowledge and skills to act quickly (and correctly!) in potentially life-threatening situations. We recommend keeping the following in mind when evaluating potential first aid training providers.
- Accreditation. If you’re completing first aid training for work purposes (i.e. you are being trained to administer first aid and need a nationally recognised statement of attainment issued by a registered training organisation), then the first aid course you choose must be Australian Skills Quality Authority compliant.
- Convenience and flexibility. Look for a training provider that makes training suitable for your needs. If you’re an employer, would you prefer a provider that comes to you, or would it be more convenient to send employees to a dedicated training venue? If you’re an individual, does your chosen provider offer courses at times that suit you, such as on weekends? Are you able to do it at your own pace, or do you have to do a full day of training in person? The best first aid training providers will tailor the course to suit your needs.
- A consistent approach to first aid training delivery. Some first aid training courses will spend more time on certain scenarios, especially if participants are from the same workplace or industry. For example, employees at a construction site may need to spend more time learning how to administer first aid for burns or crush injuries than people who work in an office. However, the content should be delivered and presented in the same way, regardless of who the audience is. This ensures that all first aid training participants know how to respond correctly to a given scenario.
- Expertise. If you’d like to be sure that you’re dealing with specialists who know first aid inside and out, you may wish to choose a first aid training provider that only offers first aid training, or that employs trainers with real-world experience (many first aid trainers are former nurses and other health professionals).
- Relevant courses. Some organisations and individuals have specific first aid training needs, while others are happy with a more broad approach. Do your research to ensure that you’re signing up for a course that covers everything you need to know – whether that’s general first aid, advanced resuscitation or basic emergency life support.
The best first aid training providers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
First Aid Online
First Aid Online delivers fully-accredited, online first-aid training courses. Launched by first-aid trainer Marcel Green—who has over 7 years in the industry—First Aid Online is a virtual way to learn how to help save lives.
This new format enables learners to pick up valuable skills and complete first aid and CPR assessments without leaving their home or office. First Aid Online participants do their online training courses, complete with instructor videos, before Zooming in for a practical assessment.
Once participants book a course, First Aid Online mails the first aid training equipment needed, including adult and child-sized inflatable mannequins, EpiPen, placebo asthma inhalers, bandages and slings.
Marcel Green, owner of First Aid Online. Photo: Thomas Lucraft.
Participants complete online pre-course training at their own pace. When all required modules are finished, Marcel conducts a 20-minute or 60-minute practical assessment (depending on the course) by way of a Zoom conference call. Participants who pass receive their certificate by mail.
First Aid Online currently offers three courses: Provide First Aid (HLTAID011); Provide Caprdiopulmonary Resusciation (HLTAID009); and Provide First Aid in an Education and Care Setting (HLTAID012).
Courses start at $90 and range from one to four hours of self-paced study.
Private bookings of large groups are available. This is done up to 5 at a time consecutively through out a day. While based in Canberra, First Aid Online is available to anyone in Australia.
ACTWell First Aid & Training Canberra
ACTWell is one of Canberra’s leading first aid training providers. It promises fun and engaging course material, highly experienced trainers with real-life expertise, hands-on experience with certain first aid techniques and competitive prices.
Training participant Tamryn shared her experience with ACTWell in a Facebook review: "Thankyou Phil and ACTWell for an excellent training day. Your courses and facilitators are of the highest quality. I have not experienced first aid training of this level or enjoyment. Phil ensures the training is thorough, but also enjoyable making time to engage positively and provide extra information where needed. I am confident that the children in my care are in even safer hands," she wrote.
Smartlink Training
Smartlink Training provides nationally recognised training in first aid, childcare first aid, CPR, emergency life support, asthma and anaphylaxis. Training is delivered by people with real-life experience in positions such as nurses, paramedics and pharmacists.
Smartlink Training's Canberra first aid course is for everyone: the general public, police officers, child care workers, primary/high school teachers, nurses, parents, students and more. It runs for five to seven hours depending on class size, and is held in Phillip.
If you need group training for more than ten people, the trainer will come to you.
Training participant Tate shared their experience with Smartlink Training's first aid training in a Facebook review: "It was awesome, hands on and practical. Everything we learnt was relevant to real life and was explained in easy ways. The staff member was excellent at his job and I highly recommend the first aid course," they wrote.
Canberra First Aid
Canberra First Aid is committed to ensuring the health and safety of the Canberra community with state-of-the-art learning facilities, a team of experienced trainers, and fast, flexible course options. In fact, more than 11,500 people have completed their first aid training with Canberra First Aid.
Canberra First Aid’s one-day training is carried out in a friendly, relaxed environment at the centrally-located Parklands Hotel in Dickson.
Participant Daniel shared his experience with Canberra First Aid in a website testimonial: "The first aid training I received with Canberra First Aid was excellent. The course went for just the right amount of time with the first aid theory and skills both worked on. I will always do my first aid training with Canberra First Aid. The trainer completed all of the expected first aid training points and also included some more I had not remembered from previous first aid training," he wrote.
St John Ambulance ACT
St John Ambulance ACT provides first aid courses including general first aid and CPR, as well as tailored courses for the education and care industries, remote areas, and commercial and injury. Its training courses give participants the skills, knowledge and confidence to treat common injuries and possibly save a life.
Many of St John's courses are nationally accredited, and all are delivered by qualified and professional first aid trainers.
Training participant Nathaneal shared his experience with St John Ambulance ACT on Google Reviews: "Professional and entertaining. Trainers have great knowledge and teach in a fun way that helped me learn more than I thought I would," he wrote.
Parentmedic
Parentmedic's first aid training courses teach practical baby and child first aid skills so you can keep your baby or child safe. Delivered by a nation-wide network of approved licensed first aid educators, Parentmedic training covers concerns including infant CPR, choking, fevers, rashes, allergies and anaphylaxis, breathing difficulties and safe sleep.
Most classes are two hours, and are available as group sessions (ideal for mothers' groups) or privately. Either way, you are welcome to bring your baby along. Parentmedic is "happily child-friendly".
Parent Candi shared her experience with Parentmedic in a Facebook review: "Amalie was an incredible instructor. She was so friendly, patient and so incredibly knowledgeable. I came out of our session feeling so much more at ease should I ever be faced with the unfortunate event of having to give CPR. I couldn’t recommend her highly enough," she wrote.
Your experience with first aid training providers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the first aid training providers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is anaphylaxis first aid training available in Canberra?
Anaphylaxis first aid training covers recognising and responding to an anaphylactic emergency and may include the use of adrenaline auto-injectors.
This training is usually delivered in addition to a general first aid or CPR course, and is offered by several Canberra first aid training providers.
How much does first aid training cost?
The price for first aid training in Canberra varies depending on class size, type of course, delivery method and training provider. Check with your chosen provider for a cost estimate.
How often do I need to complete first aid training?
As a general guide, you should complete a first aid refresher at least every three years. CPR courses should be completed yearly.
Are there any courses where I can just learn about infant and child first aid?
Yes. Many Canberra first aid training providers offer courses for parents that are specific to infants and children. These courses can be delivered in a classroom setting, or even in the comfort of your own home.
Can I complete my first aid training online?
There is a strong practical component to learning first aid. So even if some or all of your first aid training course material is available online, you may need to complete the practical components in person.
As a general guide, ASQA-accredited first aid courses need to be completed in person.
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