Wondering how to become an accredited first aid trainer? In this guide, we look at the skills, qualifications and supplies you need to start training others in first aid.
How to become an accredited first aid trainer
To work as an accredited first aid trainer, you will first need to gain the relevant qualifications in first aid and training and assessment, and you might need to gain experience in a teaching environment too.
Step 1. Get the relevant qualifications
To become an accredited first aid trainer in Australia, you will need to receive a certificate iv or higher in training and assessment as well as hold a current Provide First Aid certificate.
Step 2. Gain experience
Most employers will look favourably on you as a potential candidate if you have experience with first aid or experience in a teaching setting.
Step 3. Apply for a job
First aid trainers may work at a training centre, for a training business or registered training organisations. You can find work opportunities by searching on a jobs board, or by looking directly on company websites.
What skills do I need to be a first aid trainer?
Effective first aid instructors should have in depth first aid knowledge, strong communication skills and the ability to lead a group of people.
First aid knowledge
First aid skills, including CPR skills and life saving skills, can be gained through nationally accredited training. See the section below for more information about the training courses and first aid qualifications you will need.
Good communication skills
As a teacher, you will need to have solid communication skills and be able to clearly instruct the members of your class.
Teaching and assessment skills
In addition to good communication skills, you will need to develop other teaching and assessment skills. For example, you will need to learn how to read the class and adapt your delivery and assessment methods to suit the class. Many of these skills can be gained through an accredited trainer qualification (see the next section for more information).
Ability to work as a team
As well as leading a class of people, as a trainer, you will likely be part of a larger team. Knowing how to work together with others towards a common set of goals is an important skill for training roles.
What qualifications do I need to be a first aid trainer?
In Australia, first aid instructors require a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment as well as a current Provide First Aid qualification from a registered training organisation. You should also check if there are any other specific requirements based on your location, your training provider and the organisation where you plan on working.
Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (TAE4011 or higher)
The certificate IV in Training and Assessment will prepare you for training roles. This course, or an equivalent course, is a required qualification for anyone who plans on teaching vocational education and training (VET) courses, including first aid courses. It is also required if you plan on teaching and assessing first aid courses in a workplace or community setting.
Provide First Aid Certificate (HLTAID003 or higher)
A Provide First Aid course will give you the basic skills you need to apply first aid and manage casualties until qualified medical personnel arrives. It was previously known as Apply First Aid certificate, Senior First Aid and Level 2 Workplace First Aid. You will be required to renew your Provide First Aid Certificate every 3 years.
The Provide First Aid course covers teaches you how to respond to a wide range of medical emergency situations including:
- sprained ankles
- broken bones
- insect bites
- snake bites
- shark bites
- heat stroke
- cardiac arrest
- poisoning
You will also learn how to provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and how to use an automatic external defibrillator (AED).
Depending on the courses you want to teach, you may require additional qualifications such as:
- HLTAID001 Provide Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (should be renewed every 12 months)
- HLTAID002 Provide Basic Emergency Life Support
What first aid training supplies does a training provider need?
First aid trainers may be required to provide their own supplies or they may have access to supplies if they work for a registered training organisation. The right equipment and CPR training supplies can help improve the quality of first aid training courses. These may include:
Training manikins
Training manikins allow students to have hands-on, practical training to develop their CPR skills. Manikins come in a range of types,including adult, child and infant sizes. Training manikins are manufactured to mimic the size, softness and flexibility of a real human body.
Some manikins, such as the Prestan range, come with a CPR rate monitor which gives immediate feedback to students to help them achieve the right rate and depth of chest compression as they provide CPR.
Training defibrillators
Training defibrillators provide the opportunity for students to practice and feel confident about using an AED in a real life emergency.
They are designed to give the student feedback while mimicking the operation of a real AED.
Splints 
Cardboard splints can be used in first aid training to prepare students for dealing with injuries and bone breakages. Splints come in different sizes and can be reused.
Epipen trainers
You can buy epipen trainers to help students prepare for emergency allergic reaction situations. A training epipen is similar to a real epipen except it does not contain a needle or medication. The auto-injection mechanism is the same, and the training pen can be reloaded for repeated use.
Placebo inhalers
Placebo inhalers can be used to train students how to use an inhaler and increase their confidence for real life situations. Although the placebo inhaler works like a standard albuterol sulphate inhaler, it doesn’t contain any medication.
First aid kits
First aid kits can be used to teach students how to handle a wide range of medical emergencies such as burns, skin wounds, heat stroke and splinters.
Hygiene supplies
Appropriate hygiene supplies should be provided, especially for the use of manikins. For example, manikin face shields, disposable lung bags and antiseptic wipes.
Get first aid training supplies online with LFA First Response
LFA Response provides a wide range of quality first aid training supplies that can help you deliver high quality and effective training. Place an order today or get in touch with our friendly customer service team to discuss your needs.
