First Aid Response (FAR) Course Ireland – PHECC Approved

What is a First Aid Response (FAR) Course?

The First Aid Response (FAR) course is the definitive standard for workplace first aid training in Ireland. Recognised by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) and certified by the Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Council (PHECC), this comprehensive program is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence to effectively manage a medical emergency in the workplace until professional medical help arrives.

This 3-day (or 18-hour) course replaces the previous Occupational First Aid (OFA) QQI Level 5 course. Its curriculum is extensive, covering patient assessment, cardiac emergencies (including CPR and AED use), managing choking, bleeding control, and dealing with common medical emergencies like asthma, diabetes, and seizures. The focus of a PHECC FAR course is heavily on practical, skills-based learning. Participants engage in realistic scenarios to build competence and ensure they can perform under pressure.

Under Irish law, all workplaces are required to have an adequate number of trained first aiders on-site. Completing a First Aid Response course in Ireland ensures that your business is compliant and your employees are in safe hands. The certification is valid for two years, after which a 2-day refresher course is required to maintain certification. This ongoing training ensures first aiders remain up-to-date with the latest techniques and protocols, solidifying the vital role they play in workplace safety.